The second-generation BMW 4 Series Coupé has been spotted undergoing dynamic testing at the Nürburgring, ahead of going on sale early next year. The new two-door Audi A5 Coupe and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe rival, previously spied on a truck near BMW’s Munich headquarters, displays a clear family resemblance with the larger 8 Series. It features a pronounced bonnet, heavy curved roofline, angled rear window and a pronounced shoulder-line over the rear wheels. Alongside the coupé model spied here, BMW is also developing a successor model to the 4 Series Cabriolet featuring a fabric roof in place of the metal structure used by the current generation, as well as a follow-up to the four-door 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 4 Series Coupe is based on the latest variant of BMW’s CLAR (cluster architecture) platform. It supports both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, though unlike the larger 8 Series, developments such as air suspension and four-wheel steering are not planned to be offered as part of its planned seven-year life cycle. The engine line-up will be similar to that of the latest 3 Series with an extended range of 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre six-cylinder powerplants to be offered from the outset of sales. BMW insiders confirm plans for 420i, 430i and M440i xDrive petrol models together with 420d and 430d diesels. There will also be a new 430e plug-in hybrid model, featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and gearbox-mounted electric motor developing a combined 248bhp and 309lb ft. The 420i, 430i, 420d and 430d, all with standard rear-wheel drive, will be offered with optional xDrive four-wheel drive, which will be standard on the M440 xDrive. Heading the new line-up will be the second-generation M4, which is set to run a powered-up version of BMW M’s new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine developing 503bhp and 442lb ft of torque together with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and fully variable four-wheel-drive system in top-of-the-line M4 Competition
Origin: New BMW 4 Series Coupe spied testing at Nurburgring
Watch: New 2020 Corvette already wrecked in California
That was quick. Not even a month after Chevrolet pulled the wraps off its mid-engined 2020 C8 Corvette, a driver has managed to wad one up on a Californian road.In what certainly seems to be the first public crash of a new Corvette, multiple social media sources point to an Elkhart Lake Blue example colliding on a windy strip with an oncoming vehicle.We hope all hands walked away from the wreck.This video from YouTube gives us our best look at the mishap. After rolling by a grey GMC Yukon XL, which could be part of GMs response team, the biffed C8 heaves into view. Its clear the drivers side corner took the brunt of the impact, explaining why the IIHS likes to put vehicles through a small-overlap test.Both airbags have popped, giving us hope the safety systems worked as designed and the occupants are okay. Its flashing hazard lights tell us the electrical system or at least parts of it still functioned after the crash, perhaps an unintended benefit of all the Expensive Bits now being placed behind the driver.A last-gen Ford Ranger and newer Chevrolet Equinox were also tagged in the fray, with the latter taking the worst of this exchange. Most of the Chevys drivers side rear suspension has vanished and the side curtain airbags have also deployed, while the Ranger suffered drivers side front damage. Again, heres to all occupants emerging unscathed.Gearhead and car writer Jason Cammisa provides some extra context via his Instagram account. View this post on Instagram Wrecked C8 Corvette! That didnt take long. 😢 Friend of a friend happened upon this scene. Dunno who did what but theres also a Chevy Equinox there with a lot of rear suspension components ripped off, sitting on top of a guardrail. 🤦🏻♂️ The C8 looks like it’s missing its front-left corner. We can speculate forever. But the only thing thats important is that everyone got to walk away. Hope thats the case. #Chevrolet #Chevy #Corvette #C8 #CorvetteC8 #C8Corvette #crash #wreck #WreckedC8 #CrashedC8 #C8Crash #carcrash #carcrashes #wreckedcar A post shared by Jason Cammisa (@jasoncammisa) on Aug 11, 2019 at 1:19pm PDTWhile its always easy to play armchair vehicle-CSI, it doesnt take much of an imagination to suggest what happened in this instance. It is possible the C8 took the right-hand California curve too wide, connecting with the Equinox as it was headed around the same curve in the opposite direction. The Ranger, behind the Chevy, would have had nowhere to go.Be safe out there,
Origin: Watch: New 2020 Corvette already wrecked in California
First Drive: 2020 BMW Alpina B7
2020 Alpina B7BMW MUNICH, Germany When it comes to defining the Alpina style, it is not about being big, bold or brash, its all about understated bespoke luxury. What goes unsaid is the new 2020 Alpina B7 has all the subtlety of sledgehammer, but one thats wrapped in finely crafted Lavalina leather. Its said to be one of the finest leathers available and its an option on the European model. Youll also find it gracing the cabin of some Rolls-Royces.The B7 the B standing for benzene (or gasoline); the 7 representing the long-wheelbase flagship model upon which its based can be likened to an M5, but with a more rounded personality. The M5 reference comes from the B7s scintillating turn of speed and its wherewithal to dance through a series of switchbacks with an agility that belies its size. Conversely, it ran an unrestricted section of the Autobahn at 275 kilometres an hours (it has a top speed of 328 km/h!), and it did so in a manner that would not be out of place in a Roller. The diversity makes for a wonderfully capable drive. In 1962, Alpina produced a Weber carburetor and intake manifold kit for the BMW 1500 this kit and a crankshaft form the companys logo today. Since then it has evolved into a fully-fledged operation that modifies many BMW cars and SUVs.The B7s exterior treatment sees larger air openings up front, as well as subtle spoilers and aerodynamic aids designed to ease it through the air and add some needed downforce when travelling at Autobahn speeds.The real work, however, is found beneath. Everything from the engine and transmission to the steering, suspension, exhaust and cabin are upgraded or tuned to Alpinas specification.Most of the new or revised parts are delivered to BMWs factory where the B7 is assembled alongside other 7 Series models. It then goes to Alpinas factory in Buchloe, about an hour west of Munich, to get the finishing touches the seats are re-upholstered, the hand-stitched steering wheel is fitted and the remaining aero-aids are added, as is a revised exhaust system.While the B7s engine has same 4.4-litre displacement and twin turbochargers as its 7 Series counterpart, the blowers are larger and there are massive water-to-air intercoolers. The combination ups the horsepower and brings the torque down to the bottom end of the rev range.In this case, the V8 produces 600 horsepower and the 590 pound-feet of torque are available at 2,000 rpm. It fires the lot through a modified eight-speed automatic transmission and all four wheels. Again, the operating logic of the xDrive system has been tweaked to make the B7 sportier when dynamic traction control (DTC) is engaged it sends 85 percent of the power to the rear wheels. Flexing the engine proved Alpina loves low-end torque. At what seemed to be the bottom of the gas pedals travel theres a button. Push through it and the low-end torque sees the B7 picks up its side sills and blast forward at an alarming rate. It runs from rest to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. Now thats very good, but its the mid-range where the powertrain combination really sings its tune hammer the gas at 80 km/h and it reaches 200 km/h in what feels like the blink of an eye, and it does so while pushing the riders back into the seats with surprising authority. Thankfully, the B7 is also equipped with a very large set of fade-free brakes!Where things get complicated is the number of driving modes. There are two EcoPro modes, two Comfort modes, two Sport modes including an extra dynamic + setting, an Individual mode that allows the car to be customized and an Adaptive mode. Here the car picks what it deems to be the best blend of settings. Each mode is then layered with the drive, sport and manual modes for the transmission. Overkill to say the least, so stick with Comfort for everyday driving and Sport+ for an enthusiastic run.The sports exhaust is fitted with quad tailpipes (an M exclusive in BMW) and active exhaust valves. It varies the amount of noise according to the drive mode selected. This was one of the few nits to pick the European car had a muted tone that did not speak to the level of performance at play. Alpina says the North American car will get a more robust sound. As with everything else the chassis has been extensively reworked. The specially tuned air suspension, adaptive dampers, active roll stabilization and four-wheel steering deliver a car thats both supremely comfortable and agile beyond its heft.At one point, the Autobahn began to curve. It was not a kink in the road, but a corner that required a fair amount of steering input. With everything set in Sport+ the B7 took the corner without so much as flinching, which left the riders feeling secure in its planted feel. Oh, yes, it was doing 220 km/h at the time!As with the rest of it, the cabin really is a place to luxuriate and enjoy the high life. The testers fully articulated seats are wrapped in that aforementioned Lavalina leather and it extends to
Origin: First Drive: 2020 BMW Alpina B7
UEone retractable EV charge points installed
UEone retractable EV charge points installed The new unit pops up from the ground when needed Urban Electric has revealed the first photos of its UEone retractable charge point as it launches a £250,000 crowdfunding campaign. A trial scheme – due for launch soon – will see residents of an Oxford street use six of the new UEone EV charge points with Ohme’s smart charging system and the free use of an electric car, run by the Co-wheels car club. The UEone looks to provide on-street EV charging – both public and residential – while keeping street furniture to a minimum. When in use, the charge point is stands kerbside like many other units. When not required though, it can be stored below ground. Urban Electric’s £250,000 equity crowdfunding campaign is running through Crowdcube, with new funds supporting an Innovate UK-backed project to install up to 18 second generation ‘demonstrator’ pop-up sites. Urban Electric has been awarded £452,000 as part of a £3.8 million Innovate UK project. This will see the roll-out of more than 100 charge points in Dundee and Plymouth across the sites, prior to full commercial launch. Innovate UK’s Director of Clean Growth and Infrastructure, Ian Meikle, said the UEone “has the potential to be rolled out across the whole of the UK.” Urban Electric co-founder Olivier Freeling-Wilkinson said: “In recognition of its critical role, the UK government this week announced additional funding for on-street charging. Pop-up charging hubs offer a scalable solution for more than 190 million on-street parking spaces in European cities alone, enabling those without off-street residential parking to switch to an EV. “If you are one of the eight million UK drivers that park your vehicle on your street at night, the convenience of charging there as well while you sleep is unbeatable – simply plug-in when you get home in the evening for a full charge in the morning.”
Origin: UEone retractable EV charge points installed
James Ruppert: MOT heroes and villains
I’ve been slightly involved with a national newspaper doing a freedom of information request when it comes to MOT test failures. I provided some of the comments on what the stats revealed and it bears repetition. These are 2015 cars that had their first MOT last year and there needed to be at least 5000 tests for that particular model. Without printing out a boring table, let’s dig into the results. My eye is drawn to the models least likely to fail and yet again it is a win for the older buyers with their favourite little runabout, the Honda Jazz. They love them and look after them. The real surprise is the Vauxhall Viva, a model that is mostly invisible in the marketplace, but again oldies remember the name from the 1960s and 1970s, buy ’em and then make sure they are looked after. The Hyundai i20 is another old favourite, an inoffensive car that just gets on with the job and has a suitably reassuring warranty, so yet another one to tempt private buyers, especially the more mature ones. Otherwise, it is a big win for perceived German build quality, as you only get what you pay for with Audi, Volkswagen and Mercedes. Good news, then, for Audi with the TT, A1 and Q3 taking the fourth, fifth and sixth spots, and the Q5 making an entry at number nine. These are costly cars usually bought by companies or people who can afford to run them, so no real surprise there. The SUV invasion is confirmed, because there are strong showings from the Mercedes GLA, Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. At the troublesome end of the table, the first two entries from Citroën and Ford on the list of those most likeautoly to fail are hard-working people-carriers, the C4 Grand Picasso and Galaxy, which lead tough lives, sometimes as taxis. The Dacia Sandero, however, is marketed as a bargain buy, but a low price seems to suggest low quality and more breakdowns. It may also be cheapskates skimping on regular maintenance. The appearance of the VW Passat at number four is a surprise because they rack up huge mileages. The Jaguar XF is getting older and more fragile and its complicated running gear makes it a regular MOT failure in sixth position. Citroën’s long-term reputation is not great and sibling brand DS is also in the mix, with the 3. Hard-used Vauxhall Insignias scrape in at 10 and that also explains the Nissan Micra at nine, a generally reliable car that is worked hard and then neglected. Used car owners’ surveys tell you nothing whereas actual stats like these give used car buyers some very useful guidance. Buy this, be careful with that and know what to avoid. What we almost bought this week Not the prettiest thing but it’s an Alfa with a sweet gearchange and a raspy Twin Spark engine capable of 0-62mph in just over 8sec. Rust? It has a galvanised body. We’d be more concerned about the electrics, which can give trouble. Old 146s are getting pricey now, with this 80,000- mile, 1997 P-reg costing £2950. Still, it’s a classic, right? Tales from Ruppert’s garage Panel gaps were never a strong point for BMC and that seems to dog its cars even today. Witness my Mini. The driver’s door in particular seems to have only a casual acquaintance with the bodywork in which it is supposed to fit. I don’t think there is a lot I can do, apart from muck about with some of the door hinge bolts. I have been doing this with little effect, although there is no chance of me falling out because it never pops open. The Lorry is a bit similar, but it just needs a heroic slam to secure. Reader’s ride We welcome back Darren Smith: “You featured my Yaris 121,000 miles back and I thought I’d let you know it’s still going strong, at nearly 150,000 miles. All it has had is a new exhaust, a bit of welding on the driver’s side rear jacking point and routine servicing. “It gets serviced every 10,000 miles, is washed regularly and takes me to France once a year and Norwich a lot. It’s got such character. I love the freaky 3D dashboard and it’s nippy and so good on fuel. What is it with these Toyotas? They just keep on going…” Readers’ questions Question: The trouble with the Goodwood Festival of Speed is that it’s over for another year. Where can I get another fix of high-octane motors this summer? Barry Harkness, Bristol Answer: Look no further than Car Fest South, Chris Evans’ annual festival of cars, food and music held at Laverstoke Park Farm near Winchester, Hampshire. This year, it takes place on 23-25 August. In addition to the track, which incorporates a re-creation of Monaco’s Swimming Pool section, the organisers promise there’ll be two paddocks brimming with cars of all types and a 60th anniversary tribute to the Mini, plus the festival’s traditional motor show of new models. Visit carfest.org. John Evans Question: Is it sensible to buy a Vauxhall Insignia 1.8 VVT converted to run on LPG? It’s eight years and 61k miles old and is £4995. Greg Mitchett, Solihull Answer: It’s £1000 more
Origin: James Ruppert: MOT heroes and villains
Takata pays US$9.8 mil to 102 victims of malfunctioning airbags
A deployed airbag is seen in a Chrysler vehicle at the LKQ Pick Your Part salvage yard on May 22, 2015 in Medley, Florida.Joe Raedle / Getty Auto parts supplier Takata will begin its first round of restitution payments to victims injured by its malfunctioning airbags by handing out almost US$9.8 million to 102 recipients.The recipients will individually receive between US$643.40 and US$608,013, reports the Detroit News, based on the extent of their injuries.The payments were calculated by a special master using a formula that awarded points worth $64.34 each to drivers who filed claims about suffering injuries due to the faulty Takata airbags, explains the outlets.Nearly 70 million vehicles in the U.S. have been recalled over the faulty airbags, made with inflators that over time can degrade, become unstable and explode, sending metal shrapnel towards passengers. Another 20 million new vehicles fitted with the airbags have yet to be recalled. Some 16 deaths have been linked to the airbags in the U.S., along with more than 250 injuries. Worldwide, its reported 24 people have died as a result of the parts defect.Takata will pay out a total of US$1 billion in criminal penalties. The Detroit News says of that amount, US$125 million will be used for injured individuals who havent reached separate settlements while US$850 million will be made available to automakers for air bag recall and replacement costs. The remaining US$25 million is a straight
Origin: Takata pays US$9.8 mil to 102 victims of malfunctioning airbags
This remote-controlled ‘BTTF’ DeLorean is street-legal in the Netherlands
The classic sci-fi series Back to the Future and its DeLorean time machine have inspired many a replica, including this functional hovercraft funded by Kickstarter. But none are quite like this one built by a Dutch fan and featured in this video by Barcroft Cars. Bjorn Harms is a computer technician who decided his DeLorean replica should operate the same way it did for Doc Brown way back when by remote control.A lot of people tell my Im crazy to build these kind of things, says Harms, who has experience converting cars to remote control, including a Corvette he has since sold.Crazy or not, he was able to make it work. Remarkably so. The massive ’80s-looking remote can control the ignition, steering, apply the cars gas or brake, operate the lights and even shift gears. The latter trick makes for an especially interesting visual effect as the lever moves back and forth seemingly on its own. In order to get the steering to function with the remote, Harms had to swap out the ‘armstrong’ system in the DeLorean for the power steering unit of a Opel Corsa. Harms say the build took him about six months to complete and another three months to make it “more safe and reliable.” How safe is “more safe?” Safe enough for the Dutch authorities, apparently, because the DeLorean is fully licensed to drive on
Origin: This remote-controlled ‘BTTF’ DeLorean is street-legal in the Netherlands
17 Pets who love cars more than their owner
A Jack Russell behind the wheel of a MiataGetty There’s nothing quite like cruising with the windows down, music up and the warm summer breeze whipping your hair around. It’s a glorious feeling and one that Canadians truly appreciate given the blip on the calendar that is summer.But as much as we enjoy this feeling of freedom behind the wheel, some domesticated dogs – and, yup, even cats – might have us beat. We scoured the hashtags of Instagram to find some of the furriest and funniest co-pilots to inspire the next road trip with your best four-legged buddy. The #travelpets captured in these 17 photos prove that there are some animals who love a good rip down the highway, if not more than a ‘w-a-l-k’. Who says dogs can’t smile? View this post on Instagram Mila LOVES car rides ! #adoptedandloved #evergladesangelsdogrescue #bullyadvocate #bullyrides #bullyawareness #americanbully #americanbulldogsofig #bulldog #bullylovers #bullypitbull #pitbulladvocate #pitbully #pitbullawareness #pitbulladdict #bullyaddict #carride #dogswholovecarrides #floridadog #outthewindow #mamamila #dollysdreamfoundation #rescueadvocate #rescue #rescued #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedandloved #rescuelove #rescueloverepeat #happydog #dog A post shared by Mila (@mila_03122019) on Jun 5, 2019 at 4:27am PDTMila the American bulldog is a rescue who thinks the people who gave her a second chance are the very best — but thinks car rides are even better. Just don’t tell mom and dad.Best. Day. Ever. View this post on Instagram Happy HUMPDAY!!! Tips to stay cool with the 100 degree scorcher today: 1. Stick head out of sunroof 2. Let tongue hang out 👅 3. Repeat as necessary . . . #carrides #sunroofselfie #dogswholovecarrides #chocolatelabmix #storminnorman #dogsofinstagram #humpday #wednesdaywisdom #labsofinstagram #labradorretriever A post shared by Myles Norman (@myles_and_norman) on Aug 29, 2018 at 6:40am PDTWhy bother with the passenger window when you have an entire sunroof to pop your head out of?A weiner behind the wheel. View this post on Instagram The only King in town 👑😏 You’ll never find another like me! Collar: @thesupremepawsupply Jacket: @fuzzyard Car: @bmw M 650 A post shared by 👑The King Of Dachshunds 👑 (@kingkingsley__) on Jul 1, 2019 at 3:22pm PDT“Hold my leash, I’m driving.”Best dog in the Galaxie. View this post on Instagram As soon as I saw the car, I had to take photo, the dog just made it better. . . . #denverdogs #dogsincars #denver #doglife #carlife #classiccars #cars #chevy #chevyimpala A post shared by Tim (@therealyoink) on Jul 4, 2019 at 12:10pm PDTThe whole “car ride” thing isn’t nearly as fun when it’s parked. Still, we dig this doggo and this ’67 Ford Fairlane 500.All of these guys. View this post on Instagram They love car rides ❤️ #dogsofinstagram #jakecharliesophieandabbie #fourdogs #carrides #dogswholovecarrides A post shared by Lindsey Bruce (@lindseydbruce4) on Feb 27, 2019 at 2:20pm PSTSo, who actually called shotgun? Outdoor adventure enthusiast in transit.Paws up if you’re ready for a road trip!Ruiners of black seats. View this post on Instagram Where going hooman? We drive. #dogswhodrive #gsd #driving A post shared by Andy Whiting (@andrewwhiting8) on Jul 6, 2019 at 2:07am PDTHope there’s a lint roller in the glovebox. Porsche enthusiast. View this post on Instagram I wanna be this dog. #doggie #porsche #doginaporsche A post shared by Brooke Vande Zande (@brooklyn_photo) on Dec 15, 2016 at 9:04am PSTKeep your paws and tails inside of the vehicle at all times.Furry Ferrari fanatic. View this post on Instagram #balu #ferrari #fan #maranello #488spider #ferraridog A post shared by Pushstart Test Drive Maranello (@pushstartmaranello) on Sep 29, 2017 at 7:36am PDTThe iconic Prancing Poodle. A well-travelled cat. View this post on Instagram #sundaymorningcoffeerun #catsincarsgettingcoffee #catsincars #windinmywhiskers #roadkitty #catsofinstagram #cats_of_instagram #deafcatsofinstagram #deafcat #whitecatsociety #whitecat #catstagramcat #catstagram #meowstagram #stagramgroup #lovemeow #cat_features #catfeaturesdaily #pleasantcats #catconworldwide #catstercats #moderncatmagazine #prettykittykhaleesi #thedodo A post shared by Khaleesi (@prettykittykhaleesi) on Jul 7, 2019 at 2:04pm PDTThis is the kind of cat that converts dog people into cat people.Good boys in the back. View this post on Instagram Minnie, Forrest, Tilly, Siku Bailey 🐾 #dogsincars #woof #dogfriends #puppals #nissanrogue #bostonterrier #miniaussie #aussiesofinstagram #bullmastiff #bullmastiffpuppy #malmute #husky #bichonfrise #dogwalker #dogwalking #puppylove #bestjobever #happydogs #playdateswithdogs A post shared by Puppy Love London Dog Training (@puppylovelondon) on Jul 3, 2019 at 4:10pm PDTHow many dogs in a trunk are too many dogs in a
Origin: 17 Pets who love cars more than their owner
Bear falls onto moving cop car, causes crash and wildfire
“Caution Falling Bear!”California highway management was prompted to issue this rather strange warning last week after a bear tumbled from an embankment and onto the hood of a moving police car, causing it to flip and ignite a fire that burned about a half-acre of brush. According to reporting by ABC KRCR News, the Sheriffs deputy was responding with lights and sirens to a call about an overdose at 11 p.m. when the bear fell from an overhanging bank and onto the hood of the cruiser.The officer was able to escape the flipped vehicle but unable to put out the fire that eventually consumed the car and some surrounding vegetation. The bear fled the scene and hasnt been heard from since.“Travelers are reminded to stay alert while exploring the beautiful highways and nature of District 1,” the state highway department’s Facebook post reads. “Bears, elk and deer are just some of the critters sharing our coastal home.”Much of Canada is also home to wildlife that can and does spill out onto the roads. Be prepared for the worst with these tips for surviving collisions with large animals.
Origin: Bear falls onto moving cop car, causes crash and wildfire
The 2020 Corvette C8 reveal nearly broke the Internet
The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8Chevrolet It hasn’t even hit streets yet, and the 2020 Corvette C8 is already breaking records for GM.In fact, it was the very act of revealing it that led to the first record. On July 18, GM revealed the first ever mid-engined ‘Vette in an online event, and the traffic generated was almost too much for the automaker’s websites. The livestream stalled at times due to the 471,000 people watching around the world, and as soon as Chevy announced the “Visualizer” configurator was up on the site, it too was nearly drawn to a grind for almost a day by a continual flood of users. The day after the reveal, with the C8 live on the site, Chevrolet.com welcomed more visitors than any other day in its history, and five times more than the daily norm. “With a pretty rabid and passionate base, we knew we’d take 24 hours of grief,” Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet passenger car and crossover marketing, told Roadshow. “The majority of people got the full (configurator) experience, which is the full 3D experience. We do have a way that the system throttles to what we’re calling a 2D experience (to speed load time). Once we hit thresholds, we worked with Amazon Web Services very quickly to double our server capacity.” The Corvette page on Chevrolet.com continued to garner the clicks for the rest of July, too, earning 2.4 million visits between the 18 and the end of the month. So did the Visualizer — some 1.3 million people spent over 152,000 hours configuring over 940,000 C8s before August 1. Have your tried the Visualizer? If not, click your way around your own digital Corvette C8 here.
Origin: The 2020 Corvette C8 reveal nearly broke the Internet
All about car 