All posts by Francis Mitterrand

NEW CARS

2027 BMW M350 Brings 437 HP, xDrive and Drift Mode to the New 3 Series

BMW is preparing to give the next-generation 3 Series a serious performance upgrade. The new range-topping BMW M350 will produce 437bhp from a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six, making it significantly more powerful than the outgoing M340i while introducing a feature previously reserved for BMW’s full M cars: a dedicated drift mode.

Positioned below the next-generation BMW M3, the M350 is set to become the fastest and most powerful combustion-engined version of the regular 3 Series when it arrives. With all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 0-62mph time of just 4.1 seconds, the new M350 promises to blur the line between a conventional sports sedan and a full-blown performance car.

BMW M350 Gets 437bhp From a Turbocharged Inline-Six

At the heart of the new BMW M350 is BMW’s familiar turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine. According to BMW, the engine will deliver 437bhp and 428lb ft of torque.

That represents a substantial increase over the outgoing BMW M340i, with the new model gaining 50bhp and 30lb ft of torque.

The M350 will be the only regular 3 Series derivative, alongside the forthcoming M3, to use BMW’s signature six-cylinder petrol engine. Other combustion-powered versions of the next-generation 3 Series are expected to rely on updated four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

The additional power puts the M350 firmly into performance-car territory while retaining the everyday usability that has long defined the 3 Series.

0-62mph in 4.1 Seconds

Power will be delivered to all four wheels through BMW’s familiar eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

BMW claims the new M350 will accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds. That makes it only 0.6sec slower than the outgoing M3, despite the M350 being positioned below BMW’s full-performance M model.

Top speed will be electronically limited to 155mph.

The figures underline just how far the M350 has moved beyond the traditional executive-sports-sedan formula. With 437bhp, substantial torque and all-wheel drive, the new BMW will have enough performance to challenge some cars that previously occupied a much higher performance bracket.

BMW M350 Drift Mode Is a First

Perhaps the most surprising addition to the new BMW M350 is its drift mode.

For the first time, BMW will bring this feature to a non-M 3 Series derivative. Previously, the ability to deliberately send power exclusively to the rear wheels in a dedicated drift setting was associated with BMW M models such as the M3.

When activated, the system can direct all of the engine’s drive to the rear axle, making it significantly easier for the driver to induce and control a slide.

There is one catch, however. The BMW M350 drift mode will not be available from launch. Instead, BMW plans to introduce the feature through a software update scheduled for next year.

That approach highlights how increasingly important software has become to modern performance cars. Rather than requiring a hardware change, BMW can unlock additional driving functionality through an over-the-air update.

Steel Suspension Standard, Adaptive Dampers Optional

Despite its performance credentials, the M350 will retain a conventional steel-spring suspension system as standard.

Buyers will be able to upgrade to one of two adaptive damper systems. One will prioritize comfort and everyday usability, while the other will feature a firmer setup with BMW M branding and a greater focus on performance driving.

The choice could make the M350 particularly appealing to buyers who want a single car capable of handling both daily commuting and fast driving on demanding roads.

BMW will also equip the M350 with a staggered sports-tyre configuration. The front axle will use 245mm-wide tyres, while the rear tyres will measure 275mm across.

The wider rear rubber should help the M350 put its 437bhp to the road while also contributing to the car’s more aggressive handling characteristics.

New BMW 3 Series Launches With Petrol and Electric Power

The BMW M350 will form part of an entirely new generation of the 3 Series.

BMW is expected to launch the electric i3 first, followed by the combustion-engined versions of the next-generation 3 Series later this year. UK deliveries of the petrol-powered models are expected to begin in early 2027.

The strategy reflects BMW’s decision to develop the next 3 Series around multiple powertrain technologies rather than moving exclusively toward electric propulsion.

As a result, buyers will be able to choose between electric and combustion-powered versions of BMW’s iconic compact executive sedan.

Will BMW Bring Back the M340d?

One major question remains unanswered: will BMW introduce a successor to the M340d?

The previous-generation 3 Series offered the M340d, combining BMW’s performance-oriented M treatment with a powerful diesel engine. However, the chances of seeing an M350d—or an equivalent high-performance diesel—appear increasingly slim.

Diesel-powered passenger cars have continued to lose popularity in many European markets, while increasingly stringent emissions regulations are making high-performance diesel applications more difficult to justify.

The upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations could further complicate the business case.

BMW’s decision to remove the “i” suffix from petrol-powered model names is also noteworthy. Historically, the “i” designation distinguished petrol models from diesel versions carrying a “d” suffix. Its removal could signal a broader change in the way BMW identifies its combustion-powered cars—and potentially the disappearance of some diesel variants.

Four-Cylinder Engines for Other 3 Series Models

While the M350 will retain BMW’s six-cylinder performance engine, the rest of the combustion-powered 3 Series range is expected to use four-cylinder powerplants.

These engines are likely to be updated versions of BMW’s existing B48 petrol and B47 diesel families, which are already used in the current-generation 3 Series.

This creates a clear hierarchy within the new range: four-cylinder engines for mainstream models, the 3.0-litre straight-six for the M350, and a substantially more powerful M3 sitting above them.

Next-Generation BMW M3 Will Offer Petrol and Electric Power

The arrival of the M350 is only part of BMW’s larger performance strategy.

The next-generation BMW M3 is expected to arrive in 2027 and will be offered with both petrol and electric power. BMW M boss Frank van Meel has already described the forthcoming electric M3 as the petrol-powered car’s “own natural enemy.”

The electric M3 is expected to use a quad-motor powertrain, giving BMW the ability to independently control the torque delivered to each wheel.

That could create a completely different approach to performance and handling compared with the traditional rear-biased dynamics of the combustion-engined M3.

For enthusiasts, the relationship between the M350, petrol M3 and electric M3 could become one of the most interesting aspects of BMW’s next-generation performance lineup.

BMW M350 vs M3: How Close Will They Be?

On paper, the M350 is already remarkably close to the outgoing M3 in straight-line performance.

Its 437bhp output and 4.1-second 0-62mph time mean that the gap between the two cars is considerably smaller than the model hierarchy might suggest.

The M3 will remain the more serious performance machine, with a chassis, brakes, aerodynamics and powertrain engineered specifically for BMW M’s highest level of road and track performance.

But the M350 could occupy an increasingly attractive middle ground. It promises near-M3 acceleration while offering the comfort, practicality and understated character expected from a regular 3 Series.

The addition of a rear-wheel-drive drift mode makes the comparison even more intriguing.

A New Era for the BMW 3 Series

The next-generation BMW 3 Series is shaping up to be one of the most technologically significant versions of the model yet.

The M350 combines a 437bhp turbocharged straight-six, xDrive all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, adaptive suspension options and—eventually—a dedicated drift mode.

More importantly, BMW is maintaining a combustion-powered performance option at a time when the automotive industry is rapidly transitioning toward electric vehicles.

The result could be a BMW M350 that serves as a final high-performance expression of the traditional six-cylinder 3 Series formula before electric power becomes increasingly dominant.

With the next M3 arriving soon and an electric four-motor M3 promising an entirely different approach to performance, BMW’s new 3 Series family could offer enthusiasts more choice than ever—while simultaneously marking the beginning of a major shift in what a performance BMW can be.

Source: BMW

News

U.S. Diesel Prices Hit Record $5.85 as Middle East Conflict Sends Fuel and Transportation Costs Higher

Diesel prices in the United States have surged to a record $5.85 per gallon, adding another layer of pressure to an already strained global transportation industry as conflict in the Middle East disrupts energy markets and threatens fuel supplies.

The latest spike is particularly significant for the automotive and freight industries. Unlike gasoline, diesel is deeply intertwined with the movement of goods across the global economy. Trucks, delivery vans, trains and commercial ships all rely heavily on diesel, meaning higher fuel prices can quickly translate into higher transportation costs—and ultimately more expensive products for consumers.

According to AAA data cited in the supplied report, the average U.S. gasoline price has climbed to approximately $4.15 per gallon, compared with $2.19 before the war. Diesel, however, has experienced an even sharper increase, rising from roughly $3.75 per gallon in February to $5.85 by September 4, 2026.

That represents an increase of nearly 56 percent in just six months.

Diesel Prices Reach Levels Not Seen Since 2022

The current U.S. diesel price represents the highest level since the early stages of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Associated Press previously reported that diesel averaged $5.82 per gallon in June 2022, when governments around the world were introducing sanctions against Russia, one of the world’s largest oil producers.

In nominal terms, today’s $5.85 price is therefore slightly higher than the 2022 peak.

However, diesel has been considerably more expensive when adjusted for inflation. During the 2008 financial crisis, the market price reached approximately $4.74 per gallon. Adjusted to today’s dollars, that would equate to roughly $7.20 per gallon.

That puts the current situation into perspective: while today’s diesel price is historically high, it is not unprecedented when measured in real terms.

Why Diesel Prices Matter So Much to the Automotive Industry

For drivers of diesel-powered passenger cars, a sharp increase at the pump is immediately noticeable. For the commercial transportation industry, however, the consequences are much broader.

Diesel remains a crucial source of energy for heavy-duty trucks and a significant portion of medium-duty commercial vehicles. Those vehicles are responsible for moving enormous quantities of food, consumer products, construction materials and industrial goods across the United States.

A truck doesn’t simply consume diesel to move from one destination to another. Its fuel bill becomes part of the cost of delivering every pallet, package or product it carries.

When diesel prices increase dramatically, transportation companies face several choices: absorb the additional expense, reduce operating margins, increase freight rates or pass the cost directly to customers.

Increasingly, businesses are choosing the latter options.

That could eventually make higher diesel prices visible far beyond the gas station.

Higher Diesel Costs Could Make Everyday Products More Expensive

The effects of record diesel prices extend well beyond trucking.

A product ordered online may travel through several diesel-powered vehicles before reaching the customer’s front door. Food delivered to a supermarket can travel hundreds or thousands of miles by truck. Construction materials, manufactured goods and agricultural products also depend heavily on diesel-powered transportation.

That means rising diesel prices can become an inflationary force throughout the economy.

Higher freight rates can increase the cost of ecommerce deliveries, groceries, manufactured products and raw materials. Businesses that rely on regular deliveries may also face higher operating expenses, which can eventually be reflected in retail prices.

In other words, consumers don’t necessarily have to own a diesel vehicle to feel the impact of record diesel prices.

Strait of Hormuz Remains a Major Concern

One of the biggest sources of uncertainty is the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically critical maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

A significant amount of energy transported from the Middle East passes through the waterway, making any disruption potentially consequential for global oil and fuel markets.

Continued attacks and instability in the region have increased concerns about the security of energy shipments. Even when physical supplies remain available, the threat of disruption can increase the risk premium attached to oil and refined fuel prices.

That uncertainty is particularly problematic for businesses that need to plan fuel purchases months in advance.

Russia Adds Another Complication for Diesel Markets

The situation is being compounded by developments in Russia, according to the supplied report.

Russia has extended restrictions on diesel exports while Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries have reportedly added further pressure to regional refining capacity.

The combination of geopolitical instability in the Middle East, uncertainty surrounding shipping routes and disruption to refining infrastructure creates a particularly challenging environment for global diesel markets.

Diesel is a refined petroleum product, so the problem isn’t simply how much crude oil exists in the world. Refinery capacity, transportation infrastructure, shipping availability and regional supply-demand balances all influence what consumers ultimately pay at the pump.

UK Farmers Face a Diesel Price Squeeze

The impact is also being felt outside the United States.

Farmers in the United Kingdom are facing increased fuel costs at a particularly difficult time of year. Although the main harvest has been completed, agricultural operations typically rely on subsidized red diesel for machinery and other activities associated with preparing farms for the winter season.

The problem is not simply that fuel has become more expensive. The speed and volatility of the increase are making it difficult for businesses to determine when they should purchase fuel.

Alex Harrison, a fuel buyer at Fram Farmers, a farmer-owned cooperative, described the latest increase as an unexpectedly large shock, according to The Guardian.

For agricultural businesses operating on relatively tight margins, sudden fuel-price increases can have an outsized impact on profitability.

The Bigger Problem Is Uncertainty

For automakers, trucking companies, logistics operators and consumers, the most concerning aspect of the current fuel market may not be the $5.85 diesel price itself.

It’s the uncertainty surrounding what happens next.

Fuel prices can change rapidly when geopolitical events affect crude oil production, refining capacity or shipping routes. Companies operating large commercial fleets therefore face significant challenges when attempting to forecast operating costs.

That uncertainty could accelerate investment in alternative powertrains, including battery-electric trucks, hydrogen technologies and other low-carbon commercial vehicles. But those technologies cannot immediately replace the enormous existing global fleet of diesel-powered trucks, ships, trains and industrial machinery.

For the foreseeable future, diesel remains essential to global transportation.

What Record Diesel Prices Mean for Drivers

For owners of diesel-powered pickup trucks, SUVs and passenger cars, the impact is straightforward: filling the tank costs substantially more.

Drivers who use their vehicles for long-distance commuting, towing or commercial work are particularly exposed to the increase.

Fleet operators face an even bigger challenge. A company operating dozens or hundreds of vehicles can see fuel expenses rise dramatically when the price of diesel jumps by more than $2 per gallon.

That can influence everything from delivery fees and freight rates to vehicle replacement decisions.

It also provides another potential incentive for companies to improve fleet efficiency. Aerodynamic improvements, low-rolling-resistance tires, route optimization, reduced idling and more efficient diesel engines can all become financially valuable when fuel prices climb.

Could Diesel Prices Go Even Higher?

That remains one of the biggest questions facing the transportation industry.

If disruptions around the Middle East continue, the Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure and global refining capacity experiences additional problems, diesel markets could remain volatile.

Conversely, any reduction in geopolitical tensions, improvement in shipping conditions or increase in refined-fuel supply could help ease prices.

For now, however, businesses have little choice but to operate in an unusually uncertain fuel environment.

The record U.S. diesel price of $5.85 per gallon is more than a problem for diesel owners. It is a warning sign for the broader transportation economy.

As long as trucks, ships, trains and commercial vehicles continue to depend heavily on diesel, any major disruption to the global fuel market can eventually make its way into the price of almost everything that moves.

Source: Associated Press, The Guardian

NEW CARS

2027 Hyundai Kona: What We Know So Far

The next-generation Hyundai Kona is shedding its camouflage, and the redesigned crossover appears ready to take the model in a dramatically different direction.

After being spotted testing on multiple occasions under heavy disguise, the new Hyundai Kona has finally been caught with much of its exterior design exposed. The latest prototype reveals a more traditional crossover silhouette, a radically redesigned front end, flush door handles and a completely reworked rear section that represents a major departure from the current model.

The redesigned Kona is expected to combine Hyundai’s increasingly futuristic styling language with improved aerodynamics, updated technology and potentially new powertrain options.

New Hyundai Kona Gets a Radical Exterior Redesign

The most significant changes are visible at the front.

The next-generation Hyundai Kona features a curvaceous nose with an upper shark-nose design that appears to incorporate an illuminated light bar. Compared with the current Kona’s Seamless Horizon Lamp, the new element looks considerably thicker and more substantial.

Below the upper lighting element are mid-mounted headlights, while the lower portion of the front fascia appears to feature an active shutter grille. The grille design is particularly unusual, with multiple segmented slats creating a distinctive appearance.

A wide lower intake and pronounced front lip complete the aggressive front-end treatment.

Although the prototype looks remarkably similar to an allegedly undisguised Kona image that surfaced earlier, there are enough differences to suggest that the final production design could still evolve before the vehicle officially debuts.

Flush Door Handles and More Aerodynamic Bodywork

Moving along the sides, Hyundai appears to be giving the new Kona a cleaner and more aerodynamic profile.

The crossover is expected to feature flush-mounted door handles, helping reduce aerodynamic drag while giving the bodywork a more modern appearance. The beltline sweeps upward toward the rear, creating a smaller-looking greenhouse and a sportier stance.

The roof itself has an angular profile, while the wheels appear to have been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind.

The combination of these elements suggests Hyundai is paying considerably more attention to airflow and efficiency with the new Kona, something that could be particularly important if hybrid and electrified versions continue to expand within the lineup.

The New Kona’s Rear Design Is a Major Departure

Perhaps the most dramatic styling transformation can be found at the back.

The next-generation Hyundai Kona appears to replace the controversial rear design of the current model with a much cleaner and more cohesive treatment. The rear window has an angular shape and is topped by a prominent roof spoiler.

The liftgate also appears wider and more practical, potentially improving access to the cargo area.

Lower down, the rear bumper has a rounded appearance, while the exhaust system appears to be concealed within the bodywork. The result is a considerably more conventional crossover rear end than the outgoing model.

For buyers who found the current Kona’s rear styling polarizing, the redesigned model could represent a welcome change.

Hyundai Kona Interior Expected to Get New Technology

Hyundai has not revealed the complete interior of the new Kona, but the cabin is expected to follow the company’s latest minimalist design philosophy.

One of the biggest technological changes could be the introduction of Hyundai’s Pleos Connect infotainment system. Depending on the configuration, the new Kona could potentially feature displays measuring 12.9, 14.6 or even 17 inches.

If those screen sizes make production, the Kona would gain a significantly more advanced digital environment than today’s model.

The new infotainment architecture is also expected to play an increasingly important role in Hyundai’s future vehicle lineup, potentially bringing improved connectivity and a more software-focused user experience.

2027 Hyundai Kona Engine Options

Under the hood, one potential powertrain for the redesigned Hyundai Kona is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.

The engine is reportedly shared with the upcoming 2027 Kia Seltos and produces approximately 190 horsepower (142 kW / 193 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque.

If offered in the Kona, that engine would provide a substantial amount of power for a compact crossover and could position the new model competitively against other turbocharged vehicles in the segment.

However, Hyundai has not yet officially confirmed all engine specifications for the redesigned Kona, so final output, transmission combinations and market availability remain subject to change.

Hyundai Kona Hybrid Could Use Kia Seltos Hybrid Technology

A hybrid version could also become an important part of the new Kona lineup.

Kia has confirmed plans for a Seltos Hybrid using a 1.6-liter engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. That setup differs from the eight-speed automatic transmission used by the conventional Seltos powertrain.

In the Korean market, the gasoline engine reportedly produces 104 hp (77 kW / 105 PS), while the electric motor contributes an additional 43 hp (32 kW / 44 PS). The combined system output is therefore expected to be around 147 hp (110 kW / 149 PS).

While this does not confirm that the exact same hybrid system will be used in the Hyundai Kona, the shared Hyundai Motor Group architecture makes the possibility particularly interesting.

A Kona Hybrid combining improved fuel economy with Hyundai’s new exterior and interior design could become one of the most important versions of the redesigned crossover.

New Hyundai Kona Could Become a More Conventional Crossover

The redesigned Hyundai Kona appears to represent a significant change in direction for the nameplate.

Rather than pushing the quirky styling formula of the current-generation model even further, Hyundai seems to be transforming the Kona into a more conventional crossover while retaining enough futuristic detailing to distinguish it from competitors.

The combination of a shark-nose front end, larger lighting elements, flush door handles, aerodynamic wheels, a cleaner rear design and a potentially high-tech interior gives the new Kona a substantially different identity.

The possible availability of a 190-hp turbocharged engine and a hybrid powertrain could also broaden the model’s appeal, particularly as consumers increasingly look for a balance between performance, practicality and efficiency.

2027 Hyundai Kona: What We Know So Far

The redesigned Hyundai Kona is shaping up to be one of the most substantial updates in the model’s history.

Based on the latest prototype, the new Kona is expected to feature:

  • A radically redesigned front fascia
  • An illuminated upper light bar
  • Mid-mounted headlights
  • A possible active shutter grille
  • Flush-mounted exterior door handles
  • A more aerodynamic body
  • An upward-sweeping beltline
  • Aerodynamically optimized wheels
  • A larger and more practical liftgate
  • A redesigned rear window and spoiler
  • A concealed exhaust
  • Pleos Connect infotainment technology
  • Potentially large 12.9-, 14.6- or 17-inch displays
  • A possible 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • Potential hybrid technology derived from the Kia Seltos Hybrid

Hyundai has yet to reveal every specification, so additional details about pricing, dimensions, performance, fuel economy, hybrid availability and launch timing will be crucial.

For now, however, the heavily camouflaged prototype has already delivered the biggest clue: the next Hyundai Kona won’t simply be an evolution of the current crossover. It is shaping up to be a fundamentally different vehicle.

Source: Hyundai; Photo: SHProshots