M5 Track Day

2012 BMW Concept M5 (F10)

It looks like BMW's getting ready to debut their premier sports saloon, the M5. Rumor has it that with the limiter off, it will reach 200 MPH on its new 4.4-liter Twin-Turbocharged 552 horsepower V8 engine. That is quite fast for a heavy saloon, even though when it will be released, the limiters will be jammed on. Anyway, other equipment include a new M-Sport 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission), an optional 6-speed manual, and, if possible, X-Drive All-Wheel Drive. Now, I know some of you might be looking at this and getting all angry at BMW for putting All-Wheel Drive and a sports saloon, but this is actually a very good idea. Yes, it might relieve the joy of doing donuts or drifting around corners for pleasure, but what about when it rains or snows? You'll need traction to keep the tires down. The only carmaker I know that can do this with rear-wheel drive is Jaguar. In fact, they've done it on all three cars. But, as for everyone else, all-wheel drive is the way to go, and I think this will come in handy. Well, hopefully they'll make the models separate. Anyway, back to the matter at hand, the production M5 F10 was seen a track in Miramas, France doing some proper rear-wheel drifting for all you tail-happy fans out there. Check out the action below and be sure to tune in this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show when the car is unveiled.

The New Generation of 3

2012 BMW 3-Series F30 (Courtesy of BIMMERPOST)

It looks like the BMW 3-Series is gonna get a serious makeover for 2012, following the lines of its big brothers, the 5 and the 7. As you can see, it has taken a much more aggressive look, but still flaunting that entry-level, sporty BMW style. As for power, there are two engines in store for the new 3. First up, for the 328i is BMW's new 240 horsepower TwinPower Turbo-4 engine used on the new X1 xDrive28i and the new Z4 sDrive28i. Next, for the 335i, or the possible 340i, there is the standard 3.0-liter 300 - 320 horsepower TwinPower Turbocharged Inline-6 engine. As for now, the F30 is still a work in progress, but BMW has told me that they'll be announcing the car this November in London, in connection with the 2012 Summer Olympics. The car will then make its official debut next year at Geneva with sales starting up soon after that. Oh, and don't worry coupe fans! The F32 is scheduled for release in 2013 along with the all-new M3. Stay tuned for that!

Wow! What a day!

2011 Lexus IS250 AWD F-Sport

Some exciting things happened today while behind the wheel of some worthy luxury sports cars. I wish I could tell you more, but I'm currently busy writing up their reviews. First up, I took a spin in Lexus' new IS250, a car you shouldn't really leave out since it could give the 3-series a run for its money. Next, the BMW 335i X-drive Coupe, a teenagers equivalent to an M3. And to bring it all home, I had a go at the new Jaguar XF, of which I will see more of tomorrow at NYIAS (New York International Auto Show). I can't reveal to you the details at the moment, but I will say this: that Cat can run! Check out all the stuff tomorrow along with a heap of NYIAS photos.