BMW Vision GT in Action in GT6

With 541 hp sent to the rear wheels and an exterior kit that puts the wide back into widebody, the BMW Vision GT is the kind of car you’d lick clean every night if it were a real thing with you as its owner. It’s not, though, unlike the Toyota FT-1 Concept, but like the other Vision models from other manufacturers, you’ll only ever get to drive it in Gran Turismo 6 (GT6).

BMW Vision GT in Action in GT6

With 541 hp sent to the rear wheels and an exterior kit that puts the wide back into widebody, the BMW Vision GT is the kind of car you’d lick clean every night if it were a real thing with you as its owner. It’s not, though, unlike the Toyota FT-1 Concept, but like the other Vision models from other manufacturers, you’ll only ever get to drive it in Gran Turismo 6 (GT6).

This is What a BMW M2 Could Look Like

Rumor has it that a fully-fledged M variant of the 2-Series coupe, an M2, could hit the global market in 2016. In theory, the recipe is simple: take the already sporty and sharp M235i, make it lighter, wider and more focused, then bestow it with the same or similar engine as the one under the bonnet of the M3/M4 duo, albeit in a detuned guise (with between 360 – 400 hp).

New BMW 220d Has a Lot to Offer, Review Finds Out

If you want a BMW 2-Series, the engine you go for will dictate the character of the car, which you can then further refine by fitting it with one of the available styling packs. There’s definitely plenty of choice in its range, and plenty of available diversity (at least in Europe), but which model will be the most popular?

Kelleners Sport Prepares Us for BMW 2-Series Upgrades with Alloy Wheel Preview

The 2-Series, the good one with two-doors and rear-wheel drive and not the other one with the tall hat shape and FWD wearing the Active Tourer badge, has been a welcome addition to BMW's range of sports coupes, and no doubt, it will attract the attention of many tuning firms worldwide.

BMW 2-Series Coupe Takes on 1-Series Coupe in Our Visual Comparison Test

BMW launched the 4-Series and 2-Series nameplates as part of its plan to differentiate coupe and cabriolet models from the models they’re derived from – in this case the 3-Series and 1-Series, respectively.

We’ve already seen how the new 4-Series Coupe looks compared to its predecessor, so now it’s time to take a close look at the differences between the new 2-Series Coupe and the model it replaces, the 1-Series Coupe.

My opinion (feel free to disagree) is that the 2-Series Coupe is a more significant improvement over the 1-Series Coupe than the 4-Series Coupe over its predecessor, the 3-Series Coupe.

A lot has to do with the front end of the car, where the awkward-looking headlights of the 1-Series Coupe (I’ve always believed they gave the car a sad and confused look at the same time) have been replaced with slimmer, better-looking, “happier” units. The 2-Series Coupe looks more self-confident, an impression also given by the “smiling” kidneys and the muscular bonnet.

When viewed from the sides and the rear, the differences between the two cars are less obvious, despite some key details. The 2-Series has a sleeker profile thanks to the slightly longer hood and wheelbase, while the design of the rear end gives the impression that the car is wider. Overall, I think the exterior styling of the 2-Series Coupe represents a clear progress compared to its predecessor.

On the inside, the 1-Series Coupe looks less dated than on the outside, but I think the 2-Series Coupe has the edge here as well, thanks to the more sculpted dashboard and the driver-oriented center console. It looks fresher, which is something one would expect from a newer model.

The photo gallery posted below will help you decide whether the 2-Series Coupe is a visual improvement over the 1-Series Coupe or not.

My conclusion is that BMW has a winner with the 2-Series Coupe and I believe sales will confirm that. I wish I could say the same thing about the 1-Series' looks...

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW’s M Performance Parts for 2-Series Coupé Bring More Style and Power

When sales of the all-new BMW 2-Series Coupé begin in March 2014, the carmaker will also offer a series of retrofit styling and performance upgrades under the BMW M Performance name.

Developed for all variants of the 2-Series Coupé range, the BMW M Performance parts are designed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH and involve exterior and interior styling, as well as drivetrain, suspension and aerodynamics upgrades.

For the BMW 220d Coupé the carmaker offers a power kit that increases the output of the 4-cylinder diesel engine by 16 hp (16PS) to 197 hp (200PS) and maximum torque by 40 Nm (29.5 lb-ft) to 420 Nm (310 lb-ft). The upgrades don’t affect fuel consumption and exhaust emission figures, according to the Bavarians.

For the BMW M235i Coupé, BMW M Performance offers a limited-slip differential on the rear axle that improves traction in corners, as well as a silencer system that reduces exhaust gas pressure to produce a sportier sound. Additionally, BMW M Performance tailpipe trim elements are offered in chrome or carbon, bearing the M logo.

Other performance parts for all model variants include a 20mm (0.78in) lower sports suspension, a BMW M Performance braking system with brake calipers painted in a choice of red, yellow or orange, as well as 19-inch forged light alloy wheels available in two design versions.

Styling upgrades include the BMW M Performance Aerodynamic Kit available for the front apron, black decorative grid for the BMW kidney grille, exterior caps in carbon, side sill foils with M Performance inscription and BMW M Performance accent stripes in two color versions.

For the interior, BMW M Performance has a sports steering wheel in Alcantara/carbon finish, a gear lever and handbrake handle in carbon and an Alcantara gaiter. The carbon finish is also available for the gear selector switch of the automatic transmission. Other features you can get are interior strips in carbon and Alcantara, high-grade steel pedals and driver footrest.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY