0Q991

BMW is well-positioned not only for performance models, but overall--and even against the likes of Tesla.

They have a lead in the mass production manufacture of carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastics--weight reduction for all models. That also positions them well to meet / beat all MPG standards.

Lightweight cars and experience in hybrid and electric power trains--plus a portfolio of motorcycle and automotive engines to use as range extenders, to quell range anxiety.

Nizer

More bragging and less real enjoyment IMO.

Unfortunately for all BMW's noise about big weight reduction on the new M3, it doesn't appear to have happened.

Interesting Q&A with Gordan Murray. Nice to know we share the same priorities.

http://grrc.goodwood.com/road/news/q...ers-hadnt-come

Larry Cable

Lets face it BMW brakes are bordering on worthless on the track after about 1 lap ... so perhaps the M-ophiles are going with CCB in the hope that they might cure this achilles heel?

Larry Cable

brrrrrrrrrrmmmm .... brrrrrrrrrrrmmm .... brrrrrrmmmmMMMMMM ...

there that's my impression of an M3!

Hoopumpers

I drove BMW CCBs at COTA and they were brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Must have option if I were to buy one of these things. The turbo engines are just so lacking in personality, which is hard to get past.

I'll be driving the M3/M4 on the nordschleife in 2 weeks and will report back with opinions.

TomTom77

I've done 1,200 km of the 2k km running in period. Have the standard brakes. Will report an update shortly...

Larry Cable

turn the stereo up!

have fun at the schleife - have a bier (or two) for me at the Pistenklause ... you doing the M Farhrer training?

p.s
curious if the M traction control on the new car still sucks the power out of the car on the exit of Ex-Muhle ...

GrantG

The standard steel brakes on M3/M4 are serious multi-piston Brembos at all corners now with large steel rotors on aluminum hats in front.

Finally ditched those steel 1-piston floating calipers (which even the current M5/M6 use, even if you opt for Carbon rotors).

Larry Cable

long overdue! apart from the ridiculous weight of these cars, the brakes were the achilles heel for track use ...

TRAKCAR

Look forward to your review. Will do ED next summer either my Porsche or Wife's M3.

-eztrader-

Test drove a dct m4 yesterday. The salesperson wouldn't let me rev it too high but here's my initial thoughts.

Very comfortable interior
Seemed to handle, grip pretty well
Decent torque, power in higher rpms
Sound department is lacking, severely
Dct is still clunky in low gears - ex: coming to a stop


Overall would like to try the manual version, guessing would be a pretty civilized daily driver and fun to push from time to time.

kosmo

faster than a Cayman S on that short track?!!

-eztrader-

Forgot to mention. The paddles should be about 3 times larger. Tough to find as they are.

ShakeNBake

Faster does not mean more fun. My X5M is faster around a track than a Boxster/Cayman according to C&D - which one do you think is more fun to drive?

kosmo

I much as a like the Cayman S (PDK) its under powered and honestly boring...