Auto Express 1573

AS I got into a Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S this morning and hit the starter button, followed quickly by what I always call the loud button (that boosts an already fruity exhaust note), two emotions came over me. The usual “aren’t I lucky to have been doing this job for over 25 years?” feeling, but also the delight that the sight and sound of a performance car is still one of the greatest things in the world. And this week, we’re delighted to bring you news of the next generation of performance cars that will continue to delight enthusiasts. BMW’s M division is pushing on with even more powerful versions of its legendary M cars, including the M135i, previewed in our exclusive image (above), and a few more besides. It’s this passion…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn ● M3 switches from rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive for first time ● Will be revealed alongside M8 Coupé at September’s Frankfurt show “The M3 will undergo one of the most comprehensive overhauls since its launch more than 30 years ago” BMW is putting the finishing touches to a trio of high-end performance vehicles that will all go on sale this year. Bookending the German manufacturer’s range will be a hot version of the new 1 Series, the M135i, and a new flagship M8 coupé that will be the firm’s most powerful road car ever. Between them will sit a new generation of the firm’s most iconic performance model, the M3 saloon. Due to make its official debut at September’s Frankfurt show, and previewed in our exclusive images, the M3 will undergo one of…

Senior reviewer, Auto Express FOUR-wheel drive is a key part of a modern performance car’s toolbox in many cases. With power outputs always on the rise, many brands have turned to this tech so that their sports cars remain safe, easy to drive and, above all, fast. BMW has already shown with the M5 that four-wheel drive can work brilliantly in a sports saloon – a great-handling car doesn’t have to be rear-wheel drive. But the best of the best are also always lightweight – and that’s what makes us wonder if it’s the right direction for these lighter, smaller models. If BMW wants to build the fastest car in each respective class, then four-wheel drive is probably needed to control the huge power outputs. But if the brand wants to make the…

AS I got into a Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S this morning and hit the starter button, followed quickly by what I always call the loud button (that boosts an already fruity exhaust note), two emotions came over me. The usual “aren’t I lucky to have been doing this job for over 25 years?” feeling, but also the delight that the sight and sound of a performance car is still one of the greatest things in the world. And this week, we’re delighted to bring you news of the next generation of performance cars that will continue to delight enthusiasts. BMW’s M division is pushing on with even more powerful versions of its legendary M cars, including the M135i, previewed in our exclusive image (above), and a few more besides. It’s…

James_Brodie@dennis.co.uk @jimmybrods ● Halo large model could make its debut in two years ● New car draws inspiration from Cxperience concept CITROEN is preparing an unconventional return to the D-segment market and will launch a new electrified halo model in “a couple of years”. That’s according to Citroen CEO Linda Jackson, who gave Auto Express the latest update on the progress of the brand’s large flagship car project. “In order to be credible as a world brand, we have to have a range of vehicles that covers small cars, medium cars, SUVs and large cars,” said Jackson, speaking at the Shanghai Motor Show last month. “Citroen has as much credibility as any other manufacturer to have a large car. It’s just that we won’t do it in a very traditional way. We will have one. There…

Jonathan_Burn@dennis.co.uk @Jonathan_burn ● M3 switches from rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive for first time ● Will be revealed alongside M8 Coupé at September’s Frankfurt show “The M3 will undergo one of the most comprehensive overhauls since its launch more than 30 years ago” BMW is putting the finishing touches to a trio of high-end performance vehicles that will all go on sale this year. Bookending the German manufacturer’s range will be a hot version of the new 1 Series, the M135i, and a new flagship M8 coupé that will be the firm’s most powerful road car ever. Between them will sit a new generation of the firm’s most iconic performance model, the M3 saloon. Due to make its official debut at September’s Frankfurt show, and previewed in our exclusive images,…