Forza Motorsport 6: First taste of the new C63 Coupe

In a bold surprise move, the Mobil 1 Car Pack in Forza Motorsport 6 featured one of the hottest Mercedes-AMG models car enthusiasts are looking forward this 2016. It's the coupe version of Mercedes-AMG's all-new C63. So, what's it all about the new C63?




The arrival of Mercedes-AMG's new C63 not only sees the departure from its previous naming but for the first time in a C-Class, a turbocharged V8 engine is offered, only this time a 4.0L Twin Turbo V8 engine sourced from the Mercedes-AMG GT.

Following the four-door saloon and the estate model, the coupe version of the Mercedes-AMG C63 is added on the range and sales will be commenced in the first quarter of 2016 in Europe. It made its world premier at the Frankfurt International Motor Show last September 2015.

The base C63's 4.0L V8 engine produces 469HP of power and 479  lb-ft of torque but in the high-end S model, it produces 503HP of power and 516 lb-ft of torque, around four less than the previous limited-edition C63 Edition 507. Mated with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed gearbox, the C63 S Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 250kph or 290 km/h with the optional AMG Driver's Package.

Aside from the engine, the new C63 Coupe offers improved dynamics such as the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the rear-axle limited-slip differential or the dynamic engine mounts.



Although this is essentially the coupe model, I am more than happy to be one of the lucky people to experience what's like behind the wheel of the all new Mercedes-AMG C63. So, what's it like to drive? Well, like all good idols, a good sportscar needs to excel in three traits; Visuals, Vocals, and Dance. In the Visual side, it looks striking to look at and overall, it's surprisingly sexy as a dead man who shot himself at the head but amazingly survived. In the vocals, well because it has a similar engine output as the Mercedes-AMG GT sportscar, you might think that this downsized V8 will produce a much weaker noise compared to the old C63's 6.2L V8 but to my amazement, it sounds rougher than ever before. As the way this car dances, well, I guess it will be the ideal time to compare this to the BMW M4.



The venue for the deadly rivalry between the two super two-door saloons is Hockenheimring but I've gone to the National Circuit layout because they're essentially road cars. In short observation, I might think that the new C63 has the upper hand against the M4 because it's much more powerful but the M4 weighs less than the M4, meaning that this duel will be very one-sided. Without further ado, let battle commence...


After one hot lap later, the results are in. The M4 did it in 1:54.970 while the new Mercedes-AMG C63 did it in 1:53.356, which means that despite the added weight, the new C63 performed better than the M4 thanks to its clever dynamics, powerful engine, and its motorsport knowhow  Looks like Mercedes knows how to fight back against the opposition.

Forza Motorsport 6: Comparing the M4 to the F-Type

In Top Gear's 2014 original video, The Perfect Road Trip 2, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond went to Mugello for their second day of their Italian road trip to Capri and while in Mugello, Clarkson picked the BMW M4 Coupe while Richard Hammond gone for the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, a car that he didn't like. When challenged to overtake The Stig while driving a Fiat 500 Abarth, things get very personal as they are doing everything they got to overtake The Stig. After many laps later, Hammond crashed his Jag while Clarkson drove his way to overtaking The Stig and he did.

Since we don't have a Mugello here, it might be best to compare these two machines at the Top Gear Test Track to see which is of these machines lived up to the boys' attempts during their so-called perfect road trip.

First, let's talk about the M4. At first glance, this is essentially a two-door version of the M3, what it used to be called the M3 Coupe but now BMW called it the M4 because they want to make it different. Style-wise, it can be bothersome not just the Austin Gelb metallic paintjob, which is hideous for a Bimmer. There's so much elevation on its hood and its door mirrors look a bit fuzzy.

In terms of driving, it's also bothersome because the new M4 is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine which produces more power than the old M3 and with better fuel consumption than the old M3's V8 engine but there is a gap that you can't feel it until it does. Also, it comes with electric power steering and whatever you do, don't put the M4 to the maximum settings because it's like a switch that switches on or off the oversteering. If you get it right, the M4 is very easy to handle and much serious on-track. Despite its flaws, the M4 is a well-suited and well-catered sportscar that vies to lap quicker lap times thanks to its extensive use of lightweight materials and with its perfect weight distribution, it feels well-balanced.

Now, let's talk about the Jaguar F-Type Coupe R. Although this is the best sportscar Jaguar has ever created since the XKR-S, there are some problematic demerits to consider. You know the supercharged V8's exhaust notes? Sounds artificial because some techies wanted to sound like that. On the interior, it looks more of a contrast from its exterior design. What's even more problematic is its pricing because when lavishly equipped with optional extras, the pricing is somewhat supercar-ish than what this car is. Despite its flaws, the F-Type Coupe R is no Jaguar for the gentlemen because it's a fun car that you can slip around in a cloud of tire smoke. Because the V8's more powerful than the BMW M4, getting through the straight is an easy job for this Jag. Be wary though that even though it has more power than the Bimmer, handling the F-Type is like trying to take on a song from the School Idol Festival...in HARD or EXPERT difficulty. One slip-up equals a major pileup of mess. Watch out for it.

So, with everything sorted out, let's find out which of these two is the quickest round the Top Gear Track and see if which car should have been the ideal car that overtook the Stig back in Mugello...and get vandalized at the end.


Now, I have the results of this test. The BMW M4 did it in 1:24.889 while the F-Type Coupe R did it in 1:22.422, meaning that the F-Type could have overtook The Stig if Richard Hammond didn't crashed it. Hmph...

So, with the F-Type done my test, looks like it wants some more but what kind of test will I give it to the Jag? You'll find out soon...

Forza Horizon 2: F82 M4 Encore

I already tried the BMW M4, which is part of Forza Horizon 2's Falken Car Pack, but because of so much interest for this car, I decided to give BMW's hardcore 4-Series Coupe an encore performance it deserves but now with some added twist.



In my past encounter with the M4 in FH2, I once outfitted it with Silber colors from AC-ZERO and then, we accomplished a certain championship somewhere in San Giovanni. Now, I am using it again, only this time, it's taking on a Super Saloons championship in Saint-Martin and now, as promised, well, while I'm still in the process of celebrating iDOLM@STER's 10th anniversary, the BMW M4 has been outfitted in Yukiho Hagiwara's colors. It's fitting because some say, turbocharging's for the weak, but who cares?





The reason why my M4 is outfitted in Yukiho's signature colors is because her personality is well-suited for the M4 because of its turbocharging and power steering but once I set it up right, she has a lot of character to show from her opposition. To find out if she's going to dig a moat with a shovel or not, I'm on a mission to push my Yukiho-fied M4 to the limit.

Road Trip:



Championship Races:



Who says she's going to dig her way underground even on asphalt? Not on here she don't because she's showing some confidence and when everyone saw their cars being overtaken by an M4 with some unexpected colors in it, they've gone mad with it!

I hope you'll like the hard work I've done for your M4.

BMW M4 Cabriolet

2015 BMW M4 Cabriolet

A few months ago, the first ever M4 Coupe was born to succeed where the old M3 Coupes of yesteryears left off but from all the wrong and right reasons. Although the inline-6 turbo engine wasn't as better sounding as the old M3's V8 engine, the power steering is a bit vague for a car like this, and the conspiracy of why their chassis codes are different from the normal 4-Series Coupe, it's more powerful than the old M3's V8 engine, more lighter than the old M3, and overall, a lot more fun to drive.

With the arrival of the brand new M4 Cabriolet, can the open-top version be as fun as the Coupe equivalent? The answer can be a yes or a no.

First and foremost, it still comes with the same 3.0L TwinPower Turbo engine as the coupe version, producing 431PS of power output and 550Nm of torque, and it's available with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed double clutch gearbox, but like all convertible models do, the M4 Cabriolet adds 250kg of weight and 0-100kph time has been harshly dropped to 4.6 seconds with the manual or 4.4 seconds with the DCT. Despite the added weight, thanks to added body reinforcements like all cabrios do, this car is 60kg lighter than the old M3 Cabriolet, and even though this is drastically heavier than the M4 Coupe, it still handles just like the coupe does.

Although not suitable for track use unlike the M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe does, it still knows how to throw in a party or two when it corners and if the timing's just right, this car can drift for fun. Who doesn't want to drift a turbocharged German convertible on the open space?

And when you're not on the track and on the road, you can press a button to open or close the roof within 20 seconds. With the roof open, it engages the so-called Air Collar, which is a fan mounted between the headrest and upper seat bolster to keep everyone's necks warm while the roof is open. That sounds reasonable but there's no wind deflectors found so when you're wearing a hat, chances of getting your hats blown away is extremely likely. Of course, you can still hear the noise from the exhaust but the blowing winds hamper your hearing when approaching built speed. Gets worse, some microscopic debris in the form of flying insects, falling leaves, or pages from newspaper may flew either your windscreen or your face when going in too fast. Oh geez. This is getting to complicated for a high-performance convertible version of the 4-Series, eh?

The new M4 Cabriolet starts at 78,500 Euros, which is 6,000 Euros more than the Coupe version, and you'll have to charge more for the available extras. So, if you're interested for the M4, go for the coupe version because it's affordable and more faster than the cabriolet but despite having its downsides, this is worth adding to your garage full of cars if you have the cash to pool it in. Besides, despite its weight disadvantage, the M4 Convertible still handles like an M4 but with the roof open, that's just a different story and you'll never know what might hit you while going in too fast.

Photo: BMW AG

Gran Turismo 6: The BMW M4 M Performance Edition

This is the BMW M4 except for one thing, it isn't. Of course, it kinda looks like an M4 but by the looks of it, it's becoming more of a safety car of some sorts. What this is is called the BMW M4 Performance Edition, and this special kind of M4 is playable in the world of Gran Turismo 6 via the current update.



Appeared at the 2014 SEMA Show and made for Gran Turismo fans, this Gran Turismo-original M4 is designed to recreate the image of safety cars used in certain motorsports. Underneath, it's still the BMW M4 we know. It still comes with the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder engine developing 425HP of power and 405.9ft-lb of torque and it's mated with the 7-speed DCT gearbox.



I know it behaves like a normal M4 judging by its disappointed noise and its power steering issues but what's so cool about this special M4 is the optional lighting to the roof and you can buy this accessory for the M4 Performance Edition at the Custom Parts section on the My Home screen.

When they see one from behind, it feels like they're being pursued by a pace car for no reason and this special M4 with the lighting accessory on the roof really turns the hunters into the hunted and the hunted becomes the hunter on the road and on the track. Try not to mess with this one cause this one's coming at your six.



I decided to try the M4 M Performance Edition on the Suzuka Circuit, now with the 2014 update to replicate what's Suzuka Circuit looks like today. This 2014 update Suzuka Circuit features new replay angles, newly resurfaced west course, relocation of crashpads and guardrails, addition of circuit objects, and the revision of the final chicane. It supports time-of-day changes and with the guardrail at the Spoon Curve gone, getting through is now accessible to drivers.

Even with the new update, it still feels like the same Suzuka Circuit as we know it and this special kind of M4 enjoys warming up for the challenge I'm setting up for it. It looks like it's having a little free time in the real-world track over there.



Since this M4 M Performance Edition is a pace car made for the world of Gran Turismo, I decided to compare this one to another pace car made for the world of Gran Turismo and I think I got the answer.




This is the GRAN TURISMO SKYLINE GT-R Pace Car. It's based on the R34 Skyline GT-R, this Gran Turismo-original machine features a unique livery that you won't find anywhere else a long time ago and a bright rotating emergency lights on the roof that makes opponents think they're being pursued by this car. It still features the same RB26DETT engine as the R34 model producing 276HP of power and 289.3ft-lb of torque and it features Nissan's legendary 4WD drivetrain.

Even if it's a pace car, it feels like an R34 GT-R, which is still a favorite among speedo boys everywhere. The 4WD system really feels like it's sticking to the road and as a track-proven machine that lapped round the Nurburgring quicker than the R33, it's pretty impressive as well.

After one lap, the GRAN TURISMO SKYLINE GT-R Pace Car set a lap time of 2:29.148.



The M4 M Performance Edition maybe rear-wheel drive but it's lighter and more powerful than the GT-R Pace Car but is it any better? Although it has a big advantage against the GT-R Pace Car, its tendency to oversteer is one too many, spoiling your progress, but doing it well makes everything better and approaching to the finish line is as smooth as a baby's buttock.

And the time...2:22.214! In the end, it's official. This BMW M4 M Performance Edition makes it a perfect pace car even without the emergency lights on the top.



Uh oh...Looks like someone's busted. Well, I'd better get going now before I'll get noticed by these two. He he he...

Forza Horizon 2: The BMW M4

The latest M car from BMW has arrived on Forza Horizon 2 and while this 2-door coupe is a departure from the old M3 Coupes of yesteryears, it's worth being a performer as it takes its nice little holiday at Southern Europe. This is the BMW M4 Coupe.



Of course, you might be saying that the M4 Coupe is just a two-door version of the latest M3 Saloon and that's true because due to BMW's naming structure, the M4 Coupe is based on the 4-Series Coupe, which is the 2-door version of the 3-Series saloon. This car is very different from the 4-Series saloon judging from the conspiracy that why they coded it F82 rather than F32 from the normal 4-Series Coupe and what makes it very different is the use of its turbocharged engine that develops more power than the old M3 Coupe's V8 natural aspiration engine.

While the 6-cylinder turbocharged engine doesn't give you the noise we were hoping for, the added power makes it more quicker than the old M3 Coupe and even though it's a quick car, this car has no problems picking a fight against a multitude of super saloons from Europe. The Audi RS5 and the C63 AMG Black might be complaining about that one. It's well-balanced, it's poised, it's precise, and overall, a lot more fun to drive as the other BMWs offered in-game. I can spend all day long driving the M4 in this game.

Speaking of which, I signed up for the Super Saloons race where the BMW M4 will be taking on but to do that, it must have one major improvement before getting ready for the championship.



This car is now donned in Belka's clothing because I made the M4's look more similar to the Silber Team from Ace Combat Zero. Notice the silver color, zebra stripes, and the Belkan Air Force logo in it, which makes a fitting for its personality although my M4 doesn't like my design I made for the race but never mind of course because major improvements are occured to keep it competitive.

I've even made a highlights video for this championship the M4's challenging on because...I don't know why but feel free to catch up to this car's progress.

 

Highlights too long? Never mind but me and my M4 won the championship and the road to the finale is almost at hand now! Nothing can stop us now!

BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

The 4-Series is the coupe version of the latest-generation 3-Series because of BMW's naming scheme to use odd numbers as saloons and even numbers for coupes but not at all. Last year, the 3-Series spawned a Gran Turismo model and it's not half bad unlike the rhetorically ugly 5-Series Gran Turismo which is a bit like an unholy product between a whale or a turtle. Now, in a terribly confusing way, the 4-door version of a 2-door version of a 4-door saloon, called the 4-Series Gran Coupe, has arrived and judging by the looks of it, the new model kinda feels like the twin car of the 3-Series Gran Turismo.

2015 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

2015 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

Oh dear, it looks like this car faced an identity crisis because in the view of many, since this is the 4-door version of the 4-Series, what on Earth did they think that BMW wants to stay true to their namesakes because with the case of having odd numbers as saloons and even numbers as coupes, looks like BMW begins to lie on us because I don't think they really did a good job on the naming scheme and if customers showed up on the dealerships, the theory is that the sales between the 3-Series Gran Turismo and the 4-Series Gran Coupe are on a balance because if they went to the 4-Series Gran Coupe, the 3GT will hurt in the sales department because what was the whole point about selling two cars with the same specs in one dealership? This is like when two identical objects suffer the same identical damages when dropped on each other.

What's the difference between the 3-Series Gran Turismo and the 4-Series Gran Coupe? Almost nothing except the 4GC is shorter than the 3GT in terms of wheelbase and it's shorter but despite being shorter than the 3GT, the 4GC is much roomier at the back and because the rear boot opens like a spaceback of some sorts, it's quite a versatile one.

2015 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe interior

Yes, because the 4-Series Gran Coupe feels more of an identical twin to the normal 3-Series saloon and the 3GT, expect the same engine choices from them ranging from the 2.0L TwinPower-Turbo petrol, a 3.0L TwinPower-Turbo petrol, 2.0L diesel, and 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine. Oh, and BMW recently added a new version to the 2.0L diesel engine. This recent diesel engine, to be added on most 4-Series models, especially on the Gran Coupe, develops 218PS of power, 450Nm of torque, and can go 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds when equipped with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Like its 2-door derivative, the 4-Series Gran Coupe comes with chassis improvements allowing this car for a more responsive steering  but can get some minor understeering issues if you going on the bends too quick. It maybe precise when driven carefully but it can be quite harsh in the ride comfort stakes.

2015 BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

Prices for the 4-Series Gran Coupe starts at 35,750 Euros for the 420i model up to 53,850 Euros for the 435i Luxury Line Steptronic. At that starting price, it's cheaper to own than the 3-Series Gran Turismo but more costly than the 3-Series saloon. The F30 one. The BMW F30 3-Series I'm referring. So, would you refer one than...well, you know what? They're all the same beings. You can use your mystic other-worldly powers to decide which.

Photo: BMW AG

BMW M3 (F80) and M4 (F82)

2015 BMW M3 and 2015 BMW M4

For many years, the BMW M3 has been the German muscle of our generation. From its humble beginnings since the E30, its numerous regenerations, new breakthroughs, involvement in the motorsport world, the 3-Series with the muscle is one of the most iconic high-performance German machines in the history of mankind and here we are, the new chapter of M3 is finally unfold and this is not like any other M3s we remembered because starting now, the M3 is now available exclusively as a sedan while its coupe version now gets a new name...M4.

This is all part of BMW's revised naming strategy of using odd numbers for saloons and even numbers for coupes with some minor exceptions to the rule. If the naming is least of our problems, the chassis codes now come with a plot twist that we never expect to happen. 3-Series models bear the F30 code while 4-Series models bear the F32 code but the new M3 now bear the F80 code while it's F82 for the M4. Why? Anyway, there has been some conspiracy theories going on about why the chassis code for the new M3 and M4 are way different than the regular 3-Series sedan and 4-Series coupe. Some say...it's different in uses of various materials as the regular F3x models are made of steel while F8x features a combination of high-strength steel and carbon composites. Other possible theories state that this ludicrously new codes reflect the change on how the corporate office manages the finance books on those models. This is still a conspiracy but we'll let that one on the running. Anyway, the car...

2015 BMW M3 and 2015 BMW M4

By the looks of it, they're look identical to each other but the only main difference are the doors themselves. The M3 opens four doors while the M4 opens only two doors. Simple as that. What's also change is the fun factor because the previous model's V8 engine sounds more baritone, a bit more muscle car in the noise stakes. For those new models, the magnificent V8 engine has been thrown away to the trash can and replaced by the 3.0L straight-six twin turbo engine. When you listen to that, it sounds like your average sportscar and I'm not quite down to the big upset because there's the same stuff you find on the current M5: something that fires a synthesized exhaust note from the speakers. Sinister but cheating.

Although the new straight-six engine maybe a bit of a problem for us but there's an upside to this one; this engine produces 431PS of power output and 550Nm of torque, that's plenty than the old model's V8 engine. With the 7-speed DCT equipped, both the M3 and the M4 can do 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph or 280kph with the available M driver pack. Plus it's now more economical than ever because both of these can accumulate 12.05km/L of combined fuel economy and CO2 emission of 194g/km. This engine is Euro 6-compliant.

Thanks to the use of high-strength steel and carbon components, they've managed to shave off 83kg of weight, resulting to a perfect weight distribution and a little reminiscent from the E46 days. As for handling, it's not quite bad even though these two now come with power steering for the first time. I'm not a fan of power steering though because they feel less communicative when cornered. Be warned though because while it maybe a good car to thrash about, commuting in one of these can be very drastic thanks to the fact that the suspension has been stiffened. Despite setting this one to the comfort setting, it doesn't feel as comfortable as your parents' van on a turnaround part where it leads you all the way to the top of the parking area.

2014 BMW M3 interior

2015 BMW M4 interior

Should you buy it? Well, let's calculate their starting price first because the M4 will cost you 72,200 Euros while the M3 costs 71,500 Euros, a 700 Euro difference. Even though the new M3 sedan is cheaper than its M4 coupe equivalent, they're still very expensive to own unless you have enough funds to invest in these Bimmers. If there's something I would love about these two; it's all in the styling, interior, the handling that you can really thrash around when the timing's just right, and being light on weight. Things I hate would be the lack of throttle response, redundant straight-six noise, power steering and wait for it...the pricing. But still I hate the M4 more than the Corvette C7 Stingray.

Why I hate the new BMW M4? Well, remember the whole thing happened to the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray? Well, I'm proven wrong many times by those idiots and just when I though that the C7 Corvette's going to be Gran Turismo-exclusive, looks like someone done a little extortion to feature it on another racing game because they're just too jealous to feature. Jealousy forces them to steal what is supposed to be Gran Turismo exclusive and here I am, traumatized by that situation when some of the Gran Turismo exclusives got trafficked to other video games like human trafficking.

2015 BMW M3 and 2015 BMW M4

If there's one thing you need to know for those in charge of racing video games, you'd better not to lay a finger on the BMW M4 because of its Gran Turismo exclusivity and it wishes that it should not end up on the same mistake as what happened to the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray. I would repeat this once and only once that the BMW M4 is Gran Turismo-exclusive and no other game should lay their hands to extort it for the sole purpose of featuring it on another racing video game. That means you Forza. Feature this and let Sony sue Microsoft for unfair competition on showing a Gran Turismo-exclusive car. Guess I'll just leave this one in the running while our new M3 friend is awaiting its own verdict from the driving gods.

The BMW M4 should stay with the other rest of the Gran Turismo exclusives like the Autobianchi, the Deltawing, the Dome Zero, Tommykaira ZZ-S, Group C Le Mans from Toyota and Nissan, and any other cars I've mentioned that are Gran Turismo exclusive. That's a direct order and that is the end of it.

Photo: BMW A.G.

BMW 4-Series Cabrio and 2-Series Coupe

A few moments ago, BMW thrown us a curve by introducing their new naming scheme where odd numbers represent saloons (or in the case of Gran Turismo models like the 3GT or the 5GT) and even numbers such as coupes, cabriolets, or in the case of Gran Coupes like the 6 Gran Coupe. It was quite a confusing act to follow and when the replacement for the 3-Series Coupe known as the 4-Series Coupe came last year, I told that this car warns that BMW is changing. I explained that it has a case of "8-speed-gearbox-quicker-than-manual-gearbox-itis", it's 0.7 seconds quicker than the A5 3.0 TFSI quattro, and the case of "ride-is-too-hard-osis". Well you know what? I'm not going to explain those even though I just did because word from BMW is...they now had a convertible version...

2014 BMW 4-Series Cabrio

2014 BMW 4-Series Cabrio

...and here it is, just in time for the spring season. The new 4-Series Cabrio may have the same nuisance that the coupe version got but now with the retractable roof that can be closed or open at the touch of the button, you can't really tell if its a well-mannered cruiser or not because even though with the roof open, it just never feel any magic you can expect from other luxury convertibles that are more expensive than this.

It costs 48,200 Euros for the entry-level 428i Cabrio, which is annoyingly over 7,000 Euros more than the Coupe version of the same spec and for the top of the line BMW 435i Cabrio model fitted with an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox and the M Sport pack, it costs 61,350 Euros, which is surprisingly ten thousand more than the coupe version with the same gearbox and the same package! Why would BMW charge this much for an open-top version of the 4-Series? Who knows? Your guess is as good as ours...

2014 BMW 4-Series Cabrio interior

2014 BMW 4-Series Cabrio

Anyway, while the price is a bit of an issue for the cabrio version, there's a bit more to it than that because the 4-Series Cabrio tries to stay as classy as a glamour girl walking on the streets of Beverly Hills 90210 and apart from the glam thing, it's still a tough cookie with a lot of tough love to follow. Judging by the fact that it's several kilos heavier than the coupe version, the new model is about 80% more rigid than the old 3-Series Cabrio it replaces. Despite that, you can still jitter yourself like you have been taking ten cups of caffeine in one try just to get higher heartbeats. Who wouldn't try that but who cares? It feels a bit jitterish when this care come face to face with potholes or bumps but with the roof closed, the jitter's all gone because with the roof up, it conjoins the structure as one, providing the new Cabrio the same silence as you get from a luxo-barge saloon car.

It's fine to drive with the roof up in places that never rain but if you're in Seattle or London or Berlin or places that rain frequently, you're going to take some time here because at the push of the button, it takes 20 seconds to close the roof but with the roof closed, it doesn't look like more of a coupe at all thanks to those three sections of the roof. If it's colored black, it's fine but with colors in it, that would just spoiled it.

But still, with or without the roof, the 4-Series Coupe is more conservative in any angle but because this isn't more of a sports coupe, it doesn't make the grade so how about something a bit more...sight for sore eyes?

2014 BMW 2-Series

This is the new 2-Series Coupe, it's the replacement to the 1-Series Coupe except in my eye, it isn't quite as baffling as the 4-Series because this is a nimbler and lighter coupe that can take you to A to B faster than you can say...gelignite.

Even though it follows BMW's new naming scheme, BMW claims that this new model tries to capture the magic from the classic BMW 2002 but is it the proper remake of the old 2002?

Remember the top-of-the-line M135i from 2012? Two years ago, it wants to be more of a hot hatch even though it wasn't classified as one but because of the straight-six engine that produces 326HP of power, it tries to outrun any other hatchback but because this is rear-wheel drive, the problems include that it's not friendly in the rain and the luggage is poor because the rear-wheel drive drivetrain just eats up the space. Yeah, you heard that idea but what about this? The top-of-the-line model is the M235i Coupe, priced at 43,750 Euros, and because it has the same 326HP straight-six turbo engine as the M135i hatchback, this new model is worth of a power in a light package. This is like putting a thousand sticks of gelignite in your kid's lunch box. Did I said anything wrong? Oh well...

2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe

...there's nothing too wrong about having a 2-Series Coupe in your garage. Whether if its the entry-level 220i, the 218d, the 220d, the 225d, or the M235i, you can't go wrong with it well, just the petrol models in it because those diesel models can be a bit of a blunt for a sports coupe rigged with something that is a bit too cheesy. Because judging by the way it behaves, I'm starting to think that this fun-to-drive Bimmer maybe more of starting where the old 1-Series Coupe left off but also continuing the legacy of the classic BMW 2002. The reason why is because it's all in the roots. The BMW 2002 is a classic compact rear drive masterpiece that not only it was more of a grand tourer but on the track days, it can never be outlooked in the competition. It was the car where Hans Stuck won the Nurburgring 24-Hour race in 1970, proving this classic a track-ready work of art.

2014 BMW 2-Series

Well, I never though of saying this, but with this car, BMW sure knows why they reminded of their roots in the development of the 2-Series Coupe and although this car isn't much more of a nostalgia, the 2-Series sure knows how to capture the magic of the 2002.

Conclusion time; while the 4-Series Cabrio tries to be as glam as a glamour girl in Beverly Hills even though it has some issues that needs plastic surgery, the 2-Series Coupe is all about following its roots to the BMW 2002 even though it has no connection to it. Needless to say, if I had to choose which one, I'd go for the 2 because I can have as much fun until I'm taking a number 2 on the loo.

2014 BMW 2-Series

No seriously, it's the M235i Coupe that makes me want to take a number 2 on the loo after spending hours of fun in it...

Photo: BMW

Gran Turismo 6: The BMW M4

The Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray, any Group C Le Mans racers, the Citroen 2CV, the Jensen Interceptor, Chaparral, the Dome Zero, there are so many cars that are exclusive to the world of Gran Turismo and when I said "exclusivity" I do mean it and now, another car is joining the list of the Gran Turismo exclusives. It's a soon-to-be-released sportscar made in Germany and set for its 2014 NAIAS premiere. It's also the hotter version of the car I demand GT6 to feature it. What could this car be? Whatever it is...this car's going to get it.









Whatever this new car is, it's going to be as good as it gets and here it is! A Gran Turismo 6-exclusive feature, the all new 2015 BMW M4 Coupe!



Things to know about the BMW M4:

• This is just a pre-production final prototype model featured in GT6
• The M4 is a high-performance version of the 4-Series, a coupe derivative of the latest 3-Series
• This performance model sees the return of BMW's straight-six engine, which in this version develops more than the outgoing M3's V8 engine thanks to the added turbos.
• It will debut at the 2014 NAIAS this January in Detroit, Michigan.

This new model came here quite a surprise ever since Yamauchi-sensei and the gang took a test prototype in Spain while in a middle of a GT6 launch party at Ronda and at the Ascari Race Resort. While many considered to be more of a twist, some would call it a hidden gem and minutes after BMW fully revealed the new models, Gran Turismo has exclusive rights to feature the M4 in the game, giving players a first drive with the latest Bimmer which sees the revival of the carmaker's straight-six engine. Although this is more of a 4-Series with the added chest hairs and some manliness only a puny boy with no muscles, smells like baby wipes, and listening to some girly Euro pop music would want. Don't tell me, I was just investigating this latest Bimmer, you know.



Well, yes, it's just a 4-Series coupe I demand GT6 to feature it but since this is the mother of all 4-Series which follows the footsteps of its M3 Coupe predecessors, it's no surprise that I now had to drive the latest Bimmer first-handed in GT6 so...how about showing this off at Ascari, shall we?



Unlike any other M Power Bimmers I have tried out over the course of this franchise, the M4 tries to be a different kind of beast or Brainiac judging by its color that matches the shirts most Brainiacs wear. If its Science Abuse you're after, the new M4 tries to be as lairy as Vic Reeves putting rockets on household items and sending them to the sky in the name of science but not for fooling everyone.

The new M4 may be mild at first but even more dynamic when you mess this Bimmer like a hooligan because this is more than just a rear-wheel drive, four-seater, two-door saloon, it's a Brainiac waiting to blow things up in the name of science.



What's bizarre about the new M4 Coupe is, like its 4-door M3 newbie, got electric power steering, for the first time implemented on the BMW M Power cars, which in theory makes it more planted. You can start reveling on the M4's new grit but when things starting to get even more personal, hold on to your hats!

While power steering isn't the only problem I'm facing with, the M4 is armed with...wait for it...well if you saw the number 7 in the gear then well done. It is a 7-speed double clutch gearbox. The 6-speed manual was a standard but the folks of GT6 went for the M4 with the 7-speed DCT on it because of its quicker shifting feel. Well, you get that idea.



So, the M4 is more of a witchcraft thanks to the added power steering which I find it to be very challenging to handle even with the best tires equipped and the 7-speed DCT which is as sharp as the Vicar of Dibley but when it comes to being an all-rounder, the BMW M4 strives to behave like any other high-performance cars do in their spare time. It really is a wolf in sheep's clothing...no wait! BAD WOLF! in sheep's clothing! It maybe messier to start but even messier all the time thanks to its dynamic and challenging nature, probably because of the M Dynamic Mode on the M4. Will it drift? Yes but plenty of smoke, no cider. You can make the car go sideways, which in the case, why would we want to drift the M4 in a mindless kind of way?



Since downsizing is all part of the BMW M regime, the new M4's straight-six turbo engine produces 11HP more power and 110.9ft-lb more torque than the old M3's V8 engine. What's more, thanks to extensive use carbon fiber plastics, it s almost 200kg less than the old M3 Coupe as well and I wonder how does the new M4 stack up against my previous favorite. Safe to say, M3 drivers had no friends since the dawn of time.





Ah, here it is, the old and deceased M3 Coupe, arrived at Ascari to prove who's the boss. Wow, no wonder the M3's V8 engine sounds more like a baritone unlike the M4's straight-six engine which is less than a soprano, more of a leaf blower. Disappointing...



On the straight part of the Ascari track, I try to figure if the added power and the 200kg diet on the M4 would really stack up against the old E93 M3 coupe. It's the moment of truth, folks. When I send these two in the straight...





The BMW M4, with its turbocharged straight six engine and the 7-speed gearbox, does 0-60mph in a theoretical 4.1 seconds, and even though they're both limited to 250kph, the new M4 not only eats the old E93 M3 for breakfast, it feels like the old M3 was just the fly on a rear view mirror!



I was very pleased about the new M4's grit, although I'm starting to think I'm going to hate this car even more than my most hated car of the year, now that it's a Gran Turismo exclusive. If other games coming to get the M4, the M4 has a way of saying "Don't get me! They'll sue you!" because the M4 is a Gran Turismo exclusive, the M4 is a Gran Turismo exclusive, and the most important thing of all, THE M4 IS A GRAN TURISMO EXCLUSIVE. Any questions?

Anyway, no time for bashing, time for a quick back in time about what I do on the BMW M4 on my maiden encounter...



To celebrate the unveiling of the 2015 BMW M4 Coupe, there's a special Seasonal Event where you'll be race against the clock with your BMW M4 round the Nurburgring GP Circuit. Don't worry though, for this seasonal event, the BMW M4 served as the courtesy car and whoever achieved the target time not only receive some cash but also the car itself, if you haven't got one already.



The Nurburgring GP Circuit served as the basis for the F1 German GP and this was made in light of the fiery crash between James Hunt and Niki Lauda at the Nordschleife a few years ago. It was built in 1984 and renovated in 2002. Michael Schumacher holds the lap record at the Nurburgring GP Circuit with a 1min 29.468s lap in 2004. It maybe less than the dreaded Nordschleife but it's still a technical track, making this more challenging for the M4 and trust me, it took me an hour to snag the gold target.









As the progress intensifies, the BMW M4 gets even more aggressive and when times get tough in a track like this, this new and improved sportier model is not giving up without a good fight, unless if you're a girl stabbing your guts with an umbrella. Ohhh...my gu-uts...my guts...



An hour later, I have finally beaten the Gold target time and my lap time on a seasonal event like this is 2:17.745. Not the quickest as you know it but hey, it's the best I can do for my first impression.



So, after all the talk and the drive with the new M4, what can I say? Well, I may find it more of a disappointed about its power steering that makes my handling as catastrophic as a rat rod as well as the 7-speed DCT that keeps me questioning but because of its fun factor and its Brainiac-like behavior that loves to throw caution to the wind, this new model will keep me occupied for hours but not at all. I'm very glad I get my first try on the high-performance version of the car I demand GT6 to feature it. After all, it's just a 4-Series with the added firepower on it but this car made me proud. The M4 made me proud and I made the M4 proud. That is...Freude am Fahren.