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Friday, June 9, 2023

Review: Audi Q4 e-tron


Audi’s Q4 e-tron is a battery-electric compact premium crossover SUV based on Volkswagen Group’s electric MEB platform and the fourth fully electric model in the brand’s e-tron series, writes Trish Whelan. It is offered as an all-rounder and family car and, as the model number suggests, sits between the brand’s smaller Q3 and larger Q5 model. Its length of 4.58m is slightly shorter than that of the Audi Q5 although Audi say it offers comparable interior space. 

Two body styles are offered — the SUV version and a Sportback model. Both have the same length and width at 4588mm and 1865mm respectively but the SUV is slightly higher than the Sportback. By comparison the VW ID.5 from the Volkswagen Group is slightly longer but not as wide or as high as the Q4 e-tron but that said, there’s not much difference really. Other cars of a similar size include the Nissan Ariya, Mercedes-Benz GLB SUV, and Skoda Enyaq iV. 

The car’s high front is dominated by the big black grill with the brand’s four-ring logo in the centre while colourful side badges show this is an S Line car. The high bonnet doesn’t help when you are driving into a parking space. Rear lights make a powerful statement and demonstrate the car’s width. Sports bumpers are also standard. The car had a black styling package, 20-inch special graphite grey alloy wheels, black roof rails, privacy glass and an air conditioning package as optional extras.

Tall people won’t have to duck their heads to get in or out of the car. There’s good cabin space for five adults including good rear head and leg room.

The very stylish S Line interior is premium all the way from the shape of the dash — the central console is angled towards the driver — to the outcrop section that houses the gear shifter, with storage area beneath. Front sports eats are clad in synthetic leather/cloth upholstery with S line embossing. Front seats have 4-way lumbar support. 

The circular MMi touch control button is to the right of the gears. Graphics on the central touch screen and on the driver’s instrumentation are clear and really stand out against black backgrounds. The big screen becomes a high definition reversing camera. Below this are the temperature controls and front seat heater buttons. 

Cubbies include a decent glovebox, good door bins, and a good storage area under the front armrest. 

The power tailgate opens high to reveal 520 litres of boot space which can extended to 1,490 litres when the second row seats are folded down. Below the boot floor you’ll find a First Aid Kit and high viz jacket. Boot sides reach out over the rear wheels. 

While my car was the 50 quattro powered by an 82kWh battery with a combined power output of 295hp and a stated range of 489km, other options include a 35 55kW and a 40 82kW, which are offered with three trims. The S Line is the only option for the 50 quattro 82kW in both guises. The powertrain in linked to a single-speed automatic transmission.

Key features include 20-inch alloys, sports bumpers, sports suspension, the S Line Exterior, stainless steel pedals and footrest, an S line interior with inlays of brushed aluminium, sports suspension, aluminium roof rails, Adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, parking system plus, reversing camera, and smartphone interface. But not a very good blind spot alert. Optional equipment includes a panoramic glass sunroof, a Safety Package that includes Audi pre-sense and MMI Navigation.

Q4 e-tron 50 quattro can be charged at a fast charge station with up to 125 kW taking just 38 minutes to charge from 5pc to 80pc.

As with most electric cars, the claimed range is not often achievable by motorists especially in winter months. In this case the rated 481kms full charge didn’t stand up. When we fully charged the car at a motorway services area, the trip computer showed a projected range of 370km, not near what was claimed. However, my drives in the SUV variant impressed me in almost every way in terms of its comfort, build quality and pure drivability. 

PRICE: Retail price is €71,095. The onboard options and paint took the total price as tested to €75,445. VERDICT: While expensive, this is a lovely car to drive. 

Monday, June 5, 2023

Mercedes-Benz New E-Class Interior Interface


Mercedes-Benz has released details of the interior of the new E-Class due for launch this summer in Europe, writes Brian Byrne.

The company promises a 'particularly immersive entertainment experience' in the new car, thanks to a new electronic architecture. More personalisation and deeper interaction will be part of the offering, with an option of a new Entertainment package providing expanded third-party services. Where markets allow, communication will be by 5G, making much faster data rates possible.

The images here show a 'Hyperscreen' version of the MBUX interface which has been an optional feature in the S-Class.

The new E-Class will launch with the Saloon variant.



Saturday, May 20, 2023

Jeep Showcases Three New Models

Jeep Avenger.

Jeep has revealed now models which will offer full electric power, as part of its plan to provide an electric SUV in every segment by 2025, writes Brian Byrne.

One of them, the Avenger, will go on sale in Europe in early 2023. It is described by the company as an 'urban SUV'. It will be built in Poland on the Stellantis Group CMP platform already used for the Corsa and 208 models among others.

A Recon off-roader will reflect elements of the iconic Wrangler, and there's also a new up-market model reviving the company's Wagoneer nameplate.

Both of these will eventually be sold in Europe, though not until after US sales begin in 2024. Jeep is aiming to have 100pc of its sales in Europe as EVs by 2030. 

Jeep Wagoneer.

Jeep Recon.


Sunday, May 14, 2023

Updates for Mercedes-Benz B-Class


Mercedes-Benz has updated for 2023 its third generation B-Class, originally launched in 2018, writes Brian Byrne.

The revisions include new headlight systems with an option for LED, and updates to the grille as well as new options in alloy wheels. Improved aerodynamics are claimed, thanks to aero spoilers attached to the side of the rear window.

The interior gets a new nappa leather covered steering wheel, changes to the centre console, and a rear-view camera becomes standard through the range.

The company says improved seats are part of the upgrade.

Similar changes are in line for the A-Class. 



Saturday, May 6, 2023

Citroen C5 X Launches in Ireland


Citroën's new C5 X has been launched in Ireland with a starting price of €36,990, writes Brian Byrne.

The car brings the French brand back into the large car D-segment with a car that looks like a sleek estate but offers SUV space.

The new car has petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains at launch, and both engines are matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The PHEV version includes the new Citroën active suspension as standard. All versions come with Citroen's 

There are four trim levels available. 



Sunday, April 30, 2023

Tesla Y


Tesla'a Model Y electric SUV, now being built in Germany, was the biggest selling car in Europe in September, according to the latest figures from automotive industry monitors Jato Dynamics, writes Brian Byrne.

It was followed up by the Peugeot 208, the Dacia Sandero, Skoda's Octavia and the Toyota Yaris.

Ford's Kuga was the best selling plug-in hybrid vehicle, ahead of the Kia Niro, the Kia Sportage and the BMW X5.

The three biggest markets for EVs in the month were Germany, the UK and France, which combined represented 60pc of the battery-electric car market. 

Saturday, April 22, 2023

14th Annual All Ford Powered Car Show

On June 10th, the Greater Pittsburgh Mustang Club held their 14th Annual All Ford Powered Car Show at Shults Ford/Lincoln in Harmarville, PA. It was a beautiful day for a car show with hardly a cloud in the sky and the blue oval well represented across the board. The show has been renamed the Tom Cavataio Memorial Show in honor of GPMC longtime member Tom Cavataio who passed away in late 2011. Tom's beautiful Grabber Blue 1970 Mach 1 was prominently displayed by his family. And anyone who knew Tom, knew he shared a great passion for anything blue oval. I entered my 2009 Mustang Bullitt for the 3rd year and brought home 2nd place for 2005-current Mustangs. Here's some pictures from the event as well as a full album of pictures taken throughout the day.












Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Corvette Stingray

Here's all the details you wanted to know about the new 2014 Corvette Stingray. This will be the first of several posts we'll have dedicated to the C7. Right now, the base Stingray will have an estimated 450 horse power with 450 lb. ft of torque. No word yet on a new Z06 or ZR1. However, expect those numbers to be significantly higher.

Most impressive on the new C7 will be the extensive use of carbon fiber for body panels and interior pieces. Even more impressive is the use of magnesium for other pieces like the seat frames.  Rather than the conventional 6 speed we have seen in the Corvette for the last three generations. The C7 will come with an all new 7 speed manual. This new transmission is automatically controlled to match engine speeds and anticipates gear changes. This is supposed to make even a novice manual driver seem like a pro. An optional 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters will also be available.

Matted to this new transmission will be a 6.2 liter LT1 V8. Fuel mileage hasn't been released yet, but Chevrolet promises to exceed the 26 mpg the current C6 is rated at.

Source: GM

Press Release:

Return of the Stingray: The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

DETROIT – Chevrolet is redefining modern performance with today’s debut of the all-new Corvette Stingray. And only a Corvette with the perfect balance of technology, design and performance can wear the iconic Stingray designation.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.

“Like the ’63 Sting Ray, the best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “The all-new Corvette goes farther than ever, thanks to today’s advancements in design, technology and engineering.”

The all-new Corvette Stingray shares only two parts with the previous generation Corvette. It incorporates an all-new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs. Highlights include:
·         An interior that includes real carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials, two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support – and dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens
·         Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
·         An all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel
·         Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
·         A sculptured exterior features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability
·         Track-capable Z51 Performance Package including: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.

“Stingray is one of the hallowed names in automotive history,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “We knew we couldn’t use the Stingray name unless the new car truly lived up to the legacy. The result is a new Corvette Stingray that breaks from tradition, while remaining instantly recognizable as a Corvette the world over.”

The new Corvette Stingray will be built at GM’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant, which underwent a $131-million upgrade, including approximately $52 million for a new body shop to manufacture the aluminum frame in-house for the first time.  

“We believe the Corvette represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “The result is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers the fastest acceleration, the most cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking performance and what we expect to be the best fuel economy ever for a standard Corvette.”

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevroletis now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Friday, April 14, 2023

Tesla Model S The Best Car

In some news out of left field. The folks from Consumer Reports have come out an announced that the Tesla Model S is bar none, the BEST car they have ever tested. Interesting because of the fact that it is a full electric car. But that's also one of the biggest reasons why CR says it's the best. Styling is uniquely Tesla, and looks like nothing else on the road. Inside, a 17 inch touch screen panel controls just about everything in the car. Now how it is better than say a VW Jetta TDI?

Well, I'm not sure other than you can take the Jetta on long road trips. The Model S can handle say Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Longer trips are possible thanks to a network of supercharged charging stations that can charge the battery from empty to half full in about a half hour. However, expect a full charge to take 12 hours using normal 240 volt home electric. That can be cut down with an optional charger from Tesla that takes about 5 hours to recharge.

Sticker price for the Model S comes in at a hefty $90,000 give or take a couple hundred bucks. And lets face it. Frankly, it's not a Prius, and that's why we like it. Even though we still prefer our cars to suck gas, not electricity.

So, while it may not fit the need for everyone, it's pretty darn close for some. Unfortunately, for those of us here in Pittsburgh, and the rest of Pennsylvania for that matter. There are no Tesla dealers. There is a service center in Philadelphia, but the closest dealer is in Tysons Corner, Virginia which is just outside of Washington D.C. That is partially due to Tesla's troubles with their store style of dealer system that has the national and state dealer associations up in arms. And that's not to mention the other financial troubles that have hounded Tesla.

Here's hoping that Tesla sticks around for a while. 

Source: Consumer Reports, Tesla Motors.

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Arrivederci Gallardo

After ten years and 14,022 cars, the Lamborghini Gallardo has come to the end of the road. The Gallardo was the first Lamborghini to really break the mold so to speak. Prior to the car's production, the company would average around 250 or so cars a year, The Gallardo brought a whole new way of thinking at the company in terms of volume by jumping to 2000+ per year. Since Lamborghini was founded in 1963, nearly half of all the cars produced are Gallardos.

Like all Lamborghini's, the Gallardo name was derived from bullfighting. The Gallardo bloodline was known for its exceptional courage and undaunted nature. ans was bred during the 18th century. When the Gallardo was introduced in 2003, it also brought many new advancements for Lamborghini. Including an all new aluminum space frame, the first ever Lamborghini to have full time all wheel drive, and a robotized electronic shifting system (e-gear). The Gallardo also set records with 32 different variants of the car over it's 10 year run. My particular favorite was the Superleggera. It was also the first Lamborghini to have a special service record with 2 cars built for the Italian State Police.

The 2013 Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse boasts a dry weight of 1340 kilograms, 70 less than the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4. With a stunning power-toweight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per hp it delivers breathtaking performance: from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in just 10.4 seconds.

Now, the final car produced? It is a Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante in Rosso
Mars (red) and it is destined for a private collector.

Source: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

The Cadillac ELR

Is the Cadillac​ ELR about to be axed? According to AutoGuide. According to Cadillac boss Johan de Nysschen, there are no future plans for the ELR beyond it's current life cycle. Since launched in 2014, Cadillac ELR has sold less than 2000 units. To be more precise, 1,310 in 2014 and only 311 so far in 2015. “I don’t’ think we will create a next-generation, compact, two-door, gorgeously styled alternative powertrain successor to ELR.” says Nysschen.

With the ELR sharing many components with the outgoing, 1st generation Chevrolet​ Volt. One would have to assume that the ELR will end production soon. With the end of the ELR, this does not mean the end of alternative powertrains for Cadillac. Nysschen also said that  “will continue to offer alternative powertrain technologies in our cars.” One already in the works is a plug in hybid version of the the all new Cadillac CT6.


Source: AutoGuide, Photo: Cadillac

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Ford GT500 Durability Car 2013

Every auction put on by Barrett-Jackson, has at least a half dozen cars that are auctioned got charity. Be it a 69 Corvette for the Chip Miller Foundation or a pair of electric powered dragsters for the Darrell Gwynn Foundation. It's a huge part of what makes Barrett-Jackson what it is. This one was kept under wraps until a few days ago but the folks over at Ford SVT and Carroll Shelby will be auctioning this 2013 GT500 Durability mule for the benefit of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This car was assembled by hand by the SVT team and tested at Sebring Raceway and Ford's Arizona proving grounds. As with any mule, it's a little rough around the edges. There's mismatched equipment, bumpers, etc. But it is a truly special car. It's been signed by the STV test team and probably will be by Carroll Shelby too. Unfortunately though, you can't register this machine for the road. Look for it tonight live on Speed at 8:30 tonight.

Source: Barrett-Jackon, Ford


Friday, March 24, 2023

Porsche Panamera a New Station Wagon

Porsche is expanding the Panamera family with the addition of an all new body version concept. A station wagon!

The Panamera Sport Turismo is celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, where five different versions of the Panamera will be displayed. The Panamera 4, Panamera 4S, Panamera 4S Diesel, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Panamera Turbo. Based on the successful sports saloon, the new version once again makes a profound statement in the luxury segment with its unmistakeable design. At the same time, the Sport Turismo, with up to 550 hp, is more versatile than any other model in its class. With a large tailgate, low loading edge, increased luggage compartment volume and a 4+1 seating concept, the new Panamera model offers the perfect combination of everyday usability and maximum flexibility.


 From a technological and design perspective, the Sport Turismo utilises all the innovations introduced with the brand new Panamera model line launched only last year. These include the digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, pioneering assistance systems such as Porsche InnoDrive, including adaptive cruise control, chassis systems such as rear axle steering, the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC Sport) electronic roll stabilisation system and powerful powertrains. In addition, all Panamera Sport Turismo vehicles are equipped with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – an active all-wheel drive system with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch – as standard. As of the S models, adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology is also supplied as standard.

 Beginning from the B-pillars, that is, from the start of the rear doors, the Sport Turismo features a completely unique rear design. Above the pronounced shoulder, an elongated window line and equally long roof contour lend the vehicle its striking appearance. At the rear, the roof drops away much less dramatically than the window line, resulting in a prominent and distinctive D pillar which transitions into the shoulder section in a coupe like fashion.

The raised roof line of the Sport Turismo allows for easier entry and exit at the rear of the vehicle and ensures greater head clearance. The usability of the luggage compartment benefits from the wide opening tailgate, which is electrically operated as standard, and a loading edge height of just 628 millimetres. Measured to the upper edge of the rear seats, the up to 520 litre storage capacity of the Sport Turismo betters that of the sports sedan by 20 litres. When loaded up to roof level and with the rear seats folded down, the gains amount to around 50 litres. The backrests of the three rear seats can be folded down together or individually and are unlocked electrically from the luggage compartment. When all of the backrests are folded down, the loading floor is virtually level. In this case, the storage volume is expanded to up to 1,390 litres

The Panamera Sport Turismo is available to order now in Europe. The European market launch is scheduled for October 7, 2017, with the other markets following in early November. The new Porsche will be available with five engines that are already used in the sports sedan. U.S. Pricing is not available at this time.

Buick Bringing a Regal Wagon

Rumors have been flying for a while now that Buick might be bringing wagon variant to the market. According to AutoGuide magazine, a trademark filing on December 16th by General Motors the names "Regal Tourx" and "Tourx" were secured. Now what does this mean? Perhaps nothing, but perhaps it could mean that GM is looking at the prospect of bringing the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer to the U.S. market from Europe.

The Insignia is the European vehicle which the Buick Regal is based off of. And naturally a wagon version is sold across the pond. The Regal is also one of Buick's top nameplates in the U.S. so this would be a natural progression to expand the lineup.

Now if we could have one in GS trim...

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Volkswagen officially pays tribute to the iconic Beetle

As we approach the end of 2019 and start fresh with 2020, Volkswagen has given us a short film paying tribute to the iconic Beetle. The car that launched the company in the United States in 1949. After 70 years and over 21 million cars, Volkswagen announced last year that 2019 would be the end of the road for the cute little car. In July, VW Mexico produced the final Beetle, a Stonewash Blue Metallic sedan. 16 years after the final aircooled Beetle left the same assembly line.

To mark 2020, Volkswagen has released an animated short film entiltled "The Last Mile"
. Produced with the Johannes Leonardo agency, the film details the story of a young boy whose major life events—from childhood to elderly age—are shaped and influenced by the presence of a Volkswagen Beetle. Fans of the classic bodied car may recognize details of past advertising campaigns as well as pop culture references such as cameos from Kevin Bacon’s character in Footloose and artist Andy Warhol. Set to a rendition of “Let it Be”, performed by the Pro Musica Youth Chorus serves as the soundtrack of the animation. The film ends with a not-so-subtle wink and nod to Volkswagen’s electrified future.


“The Beetle is easily one of the most recognizable cars in the history of automobiles,” said Saad Chehab, senior vice president, VW brand marketing. “Honoring it properly required a medium with just as much versatility and universal appeal as the car itself. While we chose the classic Beetle as the star of the animation, additional campaign components in Times Square honor the latter two generations of cars and their place and presence in American culture. We are proud of our past but our eye is on the future – hence our choice of New Year’s Eve to hint at our upcoming long-range EV and the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport.”

Complementing the film’s debut during New Year’s Eve festivities, Volkswagen will adorn New York City’s Times Square with a celebration of films, messages, and hints at its future brand design, including showcasing a more modern Volkswagen logo. Utilizing multiple billboards and digital spaces, the future of the brand’s Drive Bigger messaging and images of the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport will be on full display as the clock ticks down to the new year. A social media campaign, focusing largely on fan-sourced content, will also play out on @VW social media channels.

"The Last Mile" will debut during ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020’ on ABC.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

2023 BMW M3 CS: Lighter, Stronger, Faster

 Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 24, 2023… Continuing the celebrated lineage of legendary CS models is the very special, limited-edition 2024 BMW M3 CS. Today, CS stands for “Competition Sport”; the designation given to exclusive BMW M models equally at home on road and track. More power, unique chassis calibration, and intelligent lightweight construction featuring carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components deliver an exhilarating performance experience without sacrificing the functionality and everyday usability of the BMW M3.







The 2024 BMW M3 CS teams a 543-hp inline-6 with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Together, they hurl the M3 CS from 0-60 mph in only 3.2 seconds.

The new BMW M3 CS will be built in limited numbers at BMW Group Plant Munich starting in March 2023.

M TwinPower Turbo inline-6 with Motorsport experience.

Under the lightweight CFRP hood of the 2024 BMW M3 CS is an upgraded version of the high-revving inline 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developed for the M3 and M4. This 3.0-liter unit also forms the basis of the engine that powers the BMW M4 GT3 and boasts a wealth of technological details derived directly from racing experience. Its crankcase has a sleeveless, closed-deck construction and is extremely rigid, making it suitable for very high combustion pressures. The forged lightweight crankshaft aids power build-up with its high torsional resistance and allows for high revs. The cylinder head has a 3D-printed core, allowing the coolant ducts to be routed in an optimum arrangement for temperature management that would be impossible to achieve using conventional metal casting methods. The oil supply system is designed to handle the specific challenges of track use, as is the cooling system.

The S58 engine in the M3 CS receives a 40-hp increase over the unit in the M3 Competition, for a peak of 543 hp from 6,250 to the 7,200 rpm redline. This increase in power was achieved. primarily by raising the maximum boost pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 24.7 psi to 30.5 psi and making some model-specific changes to the engine management.

Just as important as the power at the top of the rev range, the engine produces 479 lb-ft of torque from a low 2,750 rpm all the way to 5,950 rpm. Specially-designed engine mounts create an extremely rigid connection between the engine and the vehicle’s structure. Drivers will notice throttle inputs result in sharp engine response and direct transmission of power and torque to the drivetrain.

All of these enhancements result in consistent power delivery throughout the rev range accompanied by a stirring soundtrack from the dual-branch exhaust system featuring electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer with weight-minimizing design, and two pairs of tailpipes finished in matte black.

8-speed M Steptronic transmission, M xDrive, Active M Differential.

The torque delivered by the engine in the new BMW M3 CS is distributed via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic to the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure smooth and fully variable distribution of power between the front and rear axles. The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimized to keep the system performing effectively under hard driving on the track. The rear-biased system paired with the fully variable Active M Differential rewards the driver with the signature M feeling when accelerating or carving through corners.

The M Setup menu lets the driver switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which directs even more of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Drivers can also switch the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system off altogether and engage 2WD mode. By sending drive power solely to the rear wheels and suppressing any DSC intervention, skilled drivers are free to explore their limits and revel in a pure high performance driving experience.

The engine, transmission, and M xDrive join forces to produce stunning acceleration times. The new BMW M3 CS takes just 3.2 seconds to achieve 60 mph. The M Driver’s Package is standard equipment, which allows an electronically limited top speed of 188 mph.

Unique chassis technology tuning; available track-oriented tires.

The chassis technology in the new BMW M3 CS has been tuned precisely to the engine’s performance characteristics and vehicle weight distribution, and the calibrations of the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode, also specific to the CS, have been purposefully geared to the demands of track driving.

The specially tuned axle kinematics and unique wheel camber settings, dampers, and anti-roll bars serve to optimize steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location. The electronically controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension are specifically tuned for the M3 CS, as is the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and the integrated braking system.

M Compound brakes with offered in a choice of red or black calipers are standard on the M3 CS. Drivers may also opt for M Carbon ceramic brakes with calipers in either red or gold. Also standard are forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design finished in Gold Bronze or matte black. Measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, those wheels may be fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires at no cost, measuring 275/35ZR19 at the front and 285/30ZR20 at the rear. The M3 CS is fitted as standard with conventional high-performance tires in those same sizes if the Cup 2s are not specified.

Lightweight construction with extensive use of carbon fiber; improved body rigidity.

Reducing weight where possible plays a major role in delivering the performance qualities and exclusive character of the new BMW M3 CS; therefore, the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) both inside and out is of key importance. Besides its carbon fiber roof, the M3 CS also uses this lightweight, high-tech material for the hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. The center console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips are also made from CFRP. The standard M Carbon bucket seats reduce weight in the cabin and provide exceptional comfort on the road and support in high-performance driving sessions. Additionally, the titanium rear silencer shaves more than eight pounds off the weight of the exhaust system fitted to the new BMW M3 CS. In total, the various lightweight design measures save about 75 pounds compared to the  BMW  M3 Competition with M xDrive.

Body rigidity is further increased by a package of high-precision strut braces for the engine compartment. The cast aluminum elements connecting the spring strut towers to the front end feature a weight-optimized geometry that has been precisely matched to the forces applied in various driving situations.

Exclusive design features promise thrilling performance.

The 2024 BMW M3 CS announces its sharper character with a series of individual design features. The optional BMW Individual Frozen Solid White metallic paint is exclusive to the M3 CS. Exposed carbon fiber surfaces for the roof, the two channels running the length of the hood, the front splitter, front air intakes, M exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler and rear apron combine with the black side skirts and M gills to provide a bold contrast to the unique paint finish. Brooklyn Grey metallic, Black Sapphire metallic, and BMW Individual Signal Green are also available.

The CS sports a special frameless BMW kidney grille with pared-back styling reminiscent of the M4 GT3, and features red contour lines and an “M3 CS” badge on the upper of the two horizontal grille bars.

The angular daytime running light elements illuminate in yellow rather than white during the unlock sequence as well as while driving, further evoking the look of GT racing cars.

M Carbon bucket seats with exclusive surfaces and stitch patterns.

Inside the new BMW M3 CS, an environment built around driving pleasure and maximum performance blends advanced digital technology and exclusive design elements. The driver and front passenger are provided standard M Carbon bucket seats. Fully electric and heated, they feature integral headrests with an illuminated “CS” badge. The use of CFRP in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest as well as the cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints are testimony to the seats’ weight-minimizing construction.

The seats are upholstered in Merino leather and feature an exclusive design in black with Mugello red accents and distinctive contrast stitching. This bi-color theme is echoed in the rear compartment. The door panels are trimmed entirely in black leather in both the front and the rear, and red “CS” lettering adorns the lightweight center console. The new BMW M3 CS also includes M seat belts woven with the BMW M tricolor stripes, door sill plates bearing “M3 CS” badging, interior trim strips in carbon fiber, and an M Alcantara steering wheel with CFRP shift paddles and a red center marker.

Standard M Drive Professional with M Traction Control and M Lap Timer.

Also fitted as standard in the new BMW M3 CS is M Drive Professional. M Drive Professional bundles together the M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer functions for evaluating and recording driving skills and performance at the track and includes M Traction Control, offering ten stages of intervention sensitivity: the ideal tools for pushing the CS hard on closed circuits.

The M Mode button on the center console – also part of the M Drive Professional package – can be used to set the level of driver assistance system intervention and the content shown in the information display and standard Head-Up Display, with a choice of ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings.

BMW Curved Display with M-specific graphics.

The new BMW M3 CS features the latest-generation BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8, which includes the BMW Curved Display. This is formed by a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches, which are housed together behind a curved glass surface. With its ergonomic driver-centric positioning, the BMW Curved Display makes the already intuitive touch control even more user-friendly.

The information display’s crisp graphics and the M‑specific content create a focused, performance-led driving environment. All driving-related data as well as vehicle status and settings information are neatly arranged within it. The familiar M Shift Lights appear at the top of the information display, while the driving stability system, M xDrive, and traction control modes are all indicated at the lower edge. Special widgets containing information on the current vehicle setup, as well as tire pressure and temperature, can be added to the control display’s home screen.