All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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BMW M2 CS Defies Criticism with Strong Global Demand

BMW’s latest performance offering, the 2026 M2 CS, is proving that controversy doesn’t always hurt sales. Unveiled just last month, the high-performance coupe has ignited a flurry of reactions—many from loyal enthusiasts disheartened by the model’s exclusion of a manual transmission and familiar M-specific touches such as the carbon-fiber hood, front splitter, and iconic yellow daytime running lights. These elements, once hallmarks of the CS line, have now become flashpoints for criticism.

And yet, despite these complaints—and a notably higher price tag than its predecessor—the new M2 CS is exceeding expectations in terms of demand.

In an interview with BMWBlog, Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President of Customer, Brand and Sales at BMW M, confirmed that demand has surpassed initial projections. “We’ve already increased production for certain markets by quite a few units,” she stated, hinting at global interest that has even caught the company by surprise.

The United States leads global demand, followed by Germany and, perhaps unexpectedly, China, which continues to show increased appetite for M division products. While BMW hasn’t confirmed the exact production numbers, industry insiders expect fewer than 2,000 units to be built, consistent with the brand’s one-year production cycle seen on recent CS models.

For comparison, the M4 CS—another limited-edition sibling—was capped at 1,700 units and began production in July 2024. It has since been pulled from the online configurator, underscoring how quickly these collector-grade models move. Meanwhile, a special VR46 edition M4 CS, a nod to motorcycle legend Valentino Rossi, will be even rarer, limited to just 92 cars.

Beyond production numbers, customization remains a strong pillar of the M experience. While the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, where the M2 is built, can’t yet match the breadth of special finishes offered in Dingolfing or Spartanburg, Neubauer shared that progress is being made.

Currently, the M2 is available in striking hues like Voodoo Blue, Java Green, Grigio Telesto, Twilight Purple, Frozen Portimao Blue, and Frozen Pure Grey. For those stepping up to the M2 CS, the exclusive Velvet Blue finish adds an extra touch of distinction.

Looking ahead, the G87-generation M2 is expected to remain in production until the end of the decade. That extended timeline opens the door to a broader customization palette and perhaps even more performance variants. Rumors are already swirling about a possible xDrive (all-wheel-drive) version, and perhaps even a CSL—BMW’s most hardcore designation.

So, while some may mourn the loss of the manual gearbox or traditional CS styling cues, the market seems to be speaking louder—with wallets wide open.

Source: BMW Blog

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BMW M2 CS Defies Criticism with Strong Global Demand
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Lamborghini Goes Extreme with New Fenomeno Hybrid Supercar

Lamborghini has dropped a tantalizing teaser of what promises to be its next show-stopping limited edition: a wild new model set to debut during Monterey Car Week on August 8. Though not yet officially confirmed by the brand, insiders suggest the car will be named Fenomeno, and production will be capped at a mere 29 units worldwide.

The new model, a “few-off” in the Lamborghini tradition, will reportedly be based on the Revuelto, the brand’s flagship plug-in hybrid V12 supercar. However, the teaser hints that this isn’t just a styling exercise. Lamborghini appears to be preparing an entirely new body design, one that embraces the brand’s more radical design language—likely pushing the already aggressive Revuelto even further into visual insanity.

While Lamborghini remains tight-lipped on the details, the teaser image suggests extreme aero elements and dramatic sculpting—hallmarks of past limited-run legends. Think Reventón, which borrowed its menacing angles from jet fighters, or the Centenario, which turned the Aventador platform into a rolling tribute to aerodynamic engineering.

Under the skin, the Fenomeno is expected to retain the Revuelto’s potent hybrid powertrain: a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 paired with two front axial-flux electric motors and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. In the Revuelto, this setup delivers a combined 1,001 horsepower—though it remains to be seen if the Fenomeno will receive any performance enhancements.

The name “Fenomeno” (Italian for “phenomenon”) seems fitting for a model intended to push the limits of what even Lamborghini considers extraordinary. The Few-Off series has long served as a laboratory for the company’s most daring ideas—both stylistically and technologically—and the Fenomeno looks set to continue that tradition.

With just 29 examples planned, the Fenomeno will likely be spoken for well before it makes its official debut. Expect a price tag deep into the seven figures and a place alongside icons like the Sesto Elemento, Veneno, and Sián in the brand’s ultra-exclusive pantheon.

More details will be revealed at Monterey Car Week, where Lamborghini is expected to pull the wraps off what could be its most audacious creation yet.

Stay tuned.

Source: Lamborghini

News

Elderly Driver Mistakes Rome’s Iconic Spanish Steps for a Road

Social media is buzzing after a bizarre video surfaced showing a car descending the famed Spanish Steps in the heart of Rome. The footage, filmed by a hotel employee who initially thought it was a scene from a movie, quickly went viral due to the unusual and alarming nature of the event.

The incident occurred at around 4:30 a.m. when an old model Mercedes A-Class was seen carefully navigating down the historic staircase. The surreal moment was reminiscent of a high-budget action film, drawing comparisons to Hollywood blockbusters like Mission: Impossible.

The vehicle became lodged halfway down the stairs and remained there until dawn. Emergency services were alerted shortly after and responded swiftly. It was then revealed that the driver was an 80-year-old man who had, for reasons still unknown, attempted to use the iconic steps as a shortcut.

Authorities confirmed that the man was not under the influence of alcohol at the time, and the vehicle was not registered in his name. Whether the driver was misled by GPS navigation or made the decision on his own remains a mystery.

Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident and, remarkably, the centuries-old steps — a cherished piece of Roman cultural heritage — were not damaged. Firefighters successfully removed the vehicle using a crane later that morning.

This isn’t the first time the Spanish Steps have been misused by drivers. In 2022, a Saudi tourist made headlines after he was caught on surveillance cameras driving a rented Maserati up the same steps, causing significant damage and facing charges for harming cultural heritage.

As of now, it is unclear whether the elderly driver in this latest episode will face legal consequences. Authorities are continuing their investigation.

Source: Vigili del Fuoco via X