All posts by M.K.

News

2023 BMW M2 – Last M model with ICE

BMW has officially announced the arrival of the last M model that will be powered by ICE, the BMW M2. The car has been awaited for a long time and it is now known that it will have its premiere in October, while the first copies can be expected on the market at the end of the first quarter of 2023.

BMW says that the M2’s performance will match the old M2 CS and will be powered by the S58 engine from the M4. It is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine with 450 hp. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels via a standard 6-speed manual or 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission (optional). For safe braking and stopping, there is a braking system from the M4 model.

The new BMW M2 will also be offered with a carbon roof, and will have the same adaptive shock absorbers as the M4. It will be mounted on 19 and 20 inch wheels wrapped in 275/35 R19 (front) and 285/30 R20 (rear) tires. The track of the front and rear wheels is 5.3 cm wider than the M4. The model should look quite aggressive and represent a clear improvement over the M240i.

Inside, customers will be able to equip the car with a multitude of carbon parts (extra charge) that will enhance the sporty ambience in the cabin. Also, there’s a new cluster and touch screen located behind the curved glass, which is the case with every BMW that comes with the iDrive 8.

Source: BMW

News

BMW M2 CSL prototype

Half a century ago, BMW’s M department began producing some of the best cars from the Bavarian manufacturer. Among them, three models that officially had the CSL label stand out, the original 3.0 CSL, M3 CSL (E46) and M4 CSL. However, it is less known that BMW worked on four CSL prototypes that never went into production, the E46, E60, E63 M6, and perhaps the ultimate BMW M2 CSL (F87).

The BMW M5 CSL (E60 sedan) is powered by a 5.7 liter V10 engine with 621 hp (457 kW). The engine volume has been increased from the original 5.0L and the result is a Formula 1 car-like sound. The engine is paired with a dual-clutch transmission, and the overall weight of the car is reduced by 150 kg.

The F87 M2 CSL prototype is powered by an improved engine with 450 hp (331 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) torque. It is equipped with a carbon rear spoiler and carbon-ceramic brakes.

The BMW E63 M6 is similar to the M5 CSL model with 100 kg less. It uses the same 5.7 liter V10 engine. The only difference is in the aerodynamics that ensure better airflow. It is equipped with a movable front splitter, active rear wing and aerodynamic side mirrors.

The BMW E46 is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine from the E39 M5, which means it has 400 hp (294 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque at 3,800 rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

Source: BMW

Auctions, News

The 1969 Monteverdi 375S Coupe is up for auction

Recently, more and more collectible cars can be found on sale, and two Monteverdi models, the 1974 Monteverdi 375/4 and the 1969 Monteverdi 375S Coupe, have been offered at auction. These are the most powerful cars of that time.

Although Monteverdi is a Swiss carmaker, the cars were designed by Italians and powered by American engines. It was a simpler option for smaller manufacturers, as opposed to big ones like Maserati, and Aston Martin, who developed their own super-powerful engines.

The 1974 Monteverdi 375/4 is powered by a 7.2-liter V8 engine with 450 hp (331 kW). There was also a 7.0-liter V8 engine with 375 hp (276 kW), so customers could choose between these two options. The powerful engine allowed the car to reach 62 mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of more than 150 mph (241 km / h). It was and remains a special car with no real competition on European soil. At the auction, it is expected to reach a price of 140,000 CHF.

The 1969 Monteverdi 375S Coupe is powered by a 7.2-liter V8 engine with 450 hp (331 kW). The car has chassis number ‘1003’, while the engine is paired with an automatic transmission. In 1992, body and paintwork were restored and the original yellow color was replaced by metallic blue. The auction will take place on 3 July 2022 at 14:00 CEST and is expected to reach a price of CHF 110,000.

Source: Bonhams