Tag Archives: Enthusiasm

2022 BMW 2 Series Coupes Coming Soon

BMW 2 Series coupes

The 2022 BMW 2 Series coupes are on their way. Dynamic testing, drivetrain, and suspension tuning on the two-door compact are nearing conclusion. Production begins in the late summer of 2021.

BMW 2 Series coupesThe new BMW 2 Series is being described as more nimble, agile, and powerful than previous models.

Tuning and testing at Nurburgring’s Nordschleife and on public roads around Munich, the new 2’s drivability is key.

BMW 2 Series coupes

The 230i and M240i AWD will be the first out of the gate, with the 230i xDrive and M240i to follow.

The M240i xDrive has a 3.0 liter, inline 6-cylinder TwinPower turbo under hood, producing 382 horsepower. Backed up by a standard 8-speed sport Steptronic automatic, alas there’s no mention of a manual transmission option.

xDrive AWD systems have an M sport rear differential to add traction and stability while accelerating, according to BMW.

BMW 2 Series coupes

There’s a front lip spoiler, splitter, air curtains, deflectors, and underfloor covers for the fuel tank and rear differential. BMW attributes a 50-percent reduction in front-end lift to the aerodynamic package.

Twelve percent more torsionally rigid than its predecessor, BMW has also increased front and rear tracks to add rigidity.

BMW 2 Series coupes

New shocks enhance ride comfort, while better responding to road conditions. The optional Adaptive M suspension adds electronically-controlled shocks with settings that are more dynamic or comfort-oriented.

Improved road feel comes from new, stiffer front axle support bearings. Another option, variable sports steering, reduces steering effort while improving driving feel.

Meanwhile, the 2 Series is out there killing cones in pursuit of fine-tuning the suspension. We’ve not yet reached the point of cone conservation.

[Images: BMW]

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Toyota’s 2021 GR Supra Sport Top Unveiled

GR Supra

Toyota’s 2021 GR Supra Sport Top unveiling, a part of their SEMA custom vehicle builds, ensures that Toyota’s performance concepts continue to catch the attention of fans of the brand, along with the automotive aftermarket.

Toyota‘s two-wave release plan began with four builds revealed in its SEMA360 Showcase in November. SEMA360 was the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) online virtual trade show, a means of connecting the automotive aftermarket industry during the pandemic, which made the traditional SEMA trade show held each year in Las Vegas impossible.

“Wave one whetted Toyota fans’ appetite with four creations – a bold, hand-painted GR Supra, two GR Supra drift cars, and an overland-ready Tacoma pickup,” said Ed Laukes, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing. “But we saved the best for last, and we’re proud to show off our latest creation, the 2021 GR Supra Sport Top, with some additional content.”

GR Supra

The new 2021 GR Supra Sport Top concept is a follow up to the 2020 GR Supra Heritage Edition that debuted at Toyota’s 2019 SEMA Show display, exciting Supra fans with its visual and performance upgrades that harkened back to the Mark IV Supra of the late ‘90s.

GR SupraInspired by the response to last year’s GR Supra Heritage Edition, Toyota decided to build a companion. Removing part of the GR Supra’s structure and the roof to create a tribute to removable-top Supras of the past, the team had to reinforce the frame’s structural rigidity. The now-removable roof is comprised of two composite panels that can be stored in the trunk. However, unlike a T-top car, there’s no center bar. As a sibling to the GR Supra Heritage Edition, the Sport Top delivers styling cues like the Mark IV-inspired wing and round taillights.  At the same time, it has a profile all its own.

GR Supra

Making an encore appearance as an inspiration for this year’s GR Supra Sport Top, the 2020 GR Supra Heritage Edition returns in time for the second wave of content. The 500-plus horsepower sports car is painted in Re-Entry Red, with retro-inspired custom headlights, taillights, and a Mark IV-style rear wing. Upgrades such as bigger brakes, tuned engine, turbocharger, and ECU, and its custom front and rear suspension ensure its performance equals that of its appearance.

It’s good to see that at Toyota going places fast still counts.

[Images: Toyota]