BMW M2, X3 M, X4 M being planned

Head of BMW M, Frank van Meel, boss has revealed at the Detroit motor show 2015, that a BMW M2 is set to be launched in international markets, along with possible M versions of the X3 and X4. Van Meel, who recently made the switch from Audi’s RS division to head BMW’s M range, said he would interested is developing something on the lines of the 1-series M Coupé.

He also hinted on the chances of M versions of the X3 and X4 making production. “There are more opportunities than at present,” he said, “but not on every BMW, as it makes no sense. There might be a business opportunity with the X3, X4,” he added.

However, van Meel did confirm that four-wheel drive will make it to the BMW M cars, with the next-generation M5 and M6 being the most likely candidates. But he said, the models would still be rear-biased, and the technology would be used to increase traction in order to avoid the understeer traits with which all-wheel-drive performance cars are associated. “The philosophy will remain rear-wheel drive, even if there is all-wheel drive,” he said. “As we increase power and torque, then the M5 and M6 will have large outputs, so we’ll look at those solutions (all-wheel drive) with these cars in the future.”

Comments

Honda CB Unicorn 160 vs Suzuki Gixxer comparison

There is no replacement for displacement, as goes the old American saying, with which the rest of the world often nods in agreement. Increase in the number of cubic centimeters of fuel that our engines burn, seems only to be a pleasant idea to almost every petrolhead. More power, more torque and a healthier sounding grunt from the exhaust are the common expectations from larger engines. Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has walked this same path, to add 10 extra cubic centimeters of capacity to the now proven CB Unicorn engine, to make the Honda CB Unicorn 160. FROLIC FASHION Although some of the features of the older CB Unicorn have been bettered, we’ve gone ahead and pitched it right in at the deep end, to face off against the very best in the segment to find out the exact degree to which this motorcycle has improved. So, in steps the Suzuki Gixxer, a Japanese-made premium commuter that’s fast rising to the top of its segment, with enough promise to overshadow all o...

ABS brakes mandatory for two-wheelers soon

The Government Of India is paying some attention to road safety issues in the country. Keeping road safety in mind, the GOI is working on making the anti-lock braking system mandatory for all two-wheelers above the engine capacity of 125cc. This is a big step forward in the right direction, as over 70 percent of accidents that take place in India involve two-wheelers. Nitin Gadkari, Road Transport Minister has just recently approved this proposal, and is working on implementing it. Gadkari, who was recently present at the Bloomberg TV Autocar India Awards 2015 also talked about his plans of building safer roads for India. This is absolutely necessary, keeping in mind that as per data collected in 2013, 39,353 people were killed on Indian roads while riding two-wheelers. While the time frame for the Indian government to enforce this law remains undecided, sources say that safer roads for India aren't too far away.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen’s smallest SUV, the T-Cross, is likely to see a global unveil on October 25, 2018. While details of the European-spec T-Cross were already released, the company has now revealed more information about the slightly longer version that’s aimed initially at emerging markets like Brazil and China, with India likely to see local production a little later. The T-Cross for emerging markets sits on Volkswagen’s slightly tweaked MQB A0 platform and, as reported by us earlier, it gets a longer wheelbase than its European cousin . The model is 4,199mm long, 1,568mm high and has a 2,651mm long wheelbase. In comparison, the Hyundai Creta is slightly longer, at 4,270mm and higher, at 1,780mm; but it has a slightly shorter wheelbase, at 2,590mm. The T-Cross has better cabin room than the Creta and also comes with rear seats that can be moved fore and aft in order to liberate more cargo or legroom. The SUV comes with dedicated rear AC vents and dual USB ports for the second row...

Automobilestillnow

Search This Blog