Video: Is The BMW M2 CS The Fastest Car We’ve EVER Had On The Track?

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August 23, 2021

The BMW M2 CS packs a huge amount of grunt into a small package — but is it the quickest car we’ve had on the track?

We have our hands on one of the most hardcore M cars around.

You know, if you spend around $60,000 for a BMW M2 Competition, you’re going to get a fantastically fun car — arguably one of the best M car experiences at the moment. But what if that’s just not enough? What if you need more power, carbon ceramic brakes, more carbon fiber, and — of course — gold wheels? Then there’s the (limited-run) M2 CS, with a price that starts at $83,600 before you add in some options. It’s the most hardcore version of the closest modern analog to the “classic” M car, packing a serious amount of performance into a small package…if you can afford it.

Find deals on new and used vehicles through (in collaboration with Detroit Trading™) here!

This car is clearly meant for the diehard enthusiast who wants the very best, but is it worth the extra cash? With the $8,000 carbon ceramic brake option and the $2,900 7-speed dual clutch — a 6-speed manual is still thankfully available — there’s only one way to really test this car’s mettle. In the video below, we put it in the hands of pro racing driver and former Top Gear USA Stig Paul Gerrard, to see where it falls on the TFL leaderboard. The 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray is currently the quickest production car we’ve had, throwing down a time on the IMI Motorsports track of virtually one minute dead (1:00.04). So how will this car stand up to that?

On paper, there’s quite a bit going in favor of the BMW M2 CS. Thanks to all the carbon fiber, this car does shed some weight: 55 pounds, to be exact. It also manages 444 horsepower out of that 3.0-liter straight-6 engine, up from 405 in the competition. Torque remains the same, however, at 406 lb-ft. One of its biggest sticking points, literally, is its tire setup, however. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s can really make all the difference when it comes to putting the power down. What’s more, setting the drive modes up in their most aggressive settings with the driver aids off, as Paul is of course going to do, could put the M2 CS in serious contention for the fastest car spot.

The final result

Paul set the best possible lap time when the car was on fresh rubber, and he really hammered the M2’s extra power, chassis tweaks and carbon ceramic brakes. The result? A blistering 1:01.88, which is definitely one of the quickest times we’ve had around the track. That Time falls just in front of the BMW M5, and behind the McLaren 570S Spider.

That said, it is still $25,000 more than your standard M2 Competition, which came in a couple seconds slower in our past testing. And even if you could afford one, there’s more bad news. Of the 2,200 global examples (and 500 coming to the U.S.), hardly any are still up for grabs at this point. It’s a shame, because this is really the M car every enthusiast clamors for. It’s more or less the perfect M car, full stop.

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sees Subtle Tweaks, With Standard Models Getting A Larger Engine: News

By

Zach Butler

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August 23, 2021

2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI — The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta lineup gets some notable changes, including a new engine and standard model and driver assistance updates. (Images: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen’s updated 2022 Jetta will go on sale later this year.

The updated Mk7 Volkswagen Jetta has been on sale for a little while now, so it’s time for a mid-cycle refresh. For the 2022 model year brings some subtle changes to the front and rear styling as well as new wheels — as you can expect — and there are some noteworthy changes when it comes to trim, tech and available options. Both the standard model and GLI get some thoughtful updates to keep them competitive in the affordable car game, with the likes of the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla.

The powertrain is the headline feature for the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. Instead of the old 1.4-liter unit, the automaker opted to fit the larger, 1.5-liter EA211 engine, shared with the Taos crossover. The standard Jetta models now make 158 horsepower (11 more than before), while still cranking out the same 184 lb-ft of torque. Fortunately for the #savethemanuals crowd, you can still get the base S and the new Sport trim with a 6-speed manual transmission (as well as the GLI, of course). If you don’t want to row your own, you can still get the 8-speed automatic.

While the base MQB platform hasn’t changed, there are some trim changes worth noting. The new Jetta Sport offers up some goodies from the base S, including 17-inch alloy wheels, a black appearance package and VW’s XDS differential. Full pricing isn’t available just yet, though the automaker said that the Sport will see about a $900 premium from the entry-level trim. SEL Premium has also gone, with its features folded into the top-of-the-range SEL trim.

Think Honda Civic, and Volkswagen’s pretty much in the same ballpark on their trim levels. An entry version, a slightly sportier model, a luxe version, and an all-out sporty model. Three new colors are also available: Rising Blue and Kings Red (shown above), as well as Oryx White.

Find deals on new and used vehicles through (in collaboration with Detroit Trading™) here!

Inside the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

While the Digital Cockpit’s been a nice touch, the Mk7 Volkswagen Jetta still felt a bit too much like an economy car for the money. The updated 2022 Volkswagen Jetta aims to change that, with updated seats, a new steering wheel, and the digital cluster now coming as standard equipment (even on the S). SEL versions get Volcano Brown or black leather options, just for a bit of extra classiness. Both the standard car and the GLI get an updated shifter design, as well.

Finally, there’s the question of tech. Infotainment remains broadly the same, but driver assistance systems are now available across the range. Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE only comes standard on the SEL and the GLI, but all models get automatic emergency braking, rear traffic alert and blind spot montoring. The IQ.DRIVE package adds on adaptive cruise control, lane assist, travel assist and emergency assist on automatic transmission models.

What about the Jetta GLI?

Speaking of the GLI, the 2022 model sees no changes to its EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. You still get 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG. However, you can no longer get a base “S” version of the GLI. You can only spec the fully-loaded Autobahn (with the premium and options that entails). A black appearance package is your only other option, but other than that the GLI comes in one fully-loaded trim.

The updated 2022 Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta GLI will go on sale later this year, in the November-December timeframe. Full pricing will be available closer to when the cars hit dealers, though we don’t expect a huge shift from current pricing. Just keep in mind the GLI will be substantially more expensive, since there’s no more S model.

Ask Nathan: The Supra Will Defeat The Nissan Z, Tahoe/Yukon Alternatives, and Burning EVs?

By

Nathan Adlen

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August 22, 2021

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

The Toyota Supra will defeat the (2023) Nissan Z in every way!
Alternatives to the painfully pricey Tahoe/Yukon?
EV are burning up all over the place!

The first question comes from a Toyota fan who feels the Supra will defeat the Nissan Z, because – BMW.

Q: (Via: NathanAdlen@Twitter) It’s ridiculous that you guys go on and on about the Nissan Z when the Toyota Supra is obviously superior.

“You, Roman and Tommy go on and on about how amazing it will be. You forget that the Toyota Supra is lighter and built by BMW. It will outperform the Nissan Z on every level including economy. Not that you care about sports cars that much anyway. The Supra was built with BMW guys! That’s sports car royalty!

You guys should hire a sports car person one day. Someone who isn’t a fanboy.”

— J-Ting

A: You mean, Paul, our former Stig (1st gen U.S. Top Gear) is not good enough for you?

Okay, so we’re excited about a sweet new car hitting the market. It’s not like we’re forgetting the Supra. Most of us were just as excited when the new Supra came out a few years ago,

I’m glad to hear that you’re definitely not a fanboy. Right?

There’s nothing wrong with being excited about a new sports car. One thing the Z will do for the market: it may force Toyota (and others) to “up” their game. Now, let’s talk about what you said. Better still, lets simply look at the numbers.

The 2023 Nissan Z will come with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the 3.0-liter I6 turbo, the 2022 Toyota Supra makes 382 hp and 368 lb-ft. Both are rear drive, and the Toyota comes with an eight-speed transmission. The Nissan Z will have a nine-speed automatic, and a six-speed manual transmission.

To your point, the Nissan is expected to be about 100 pounds heavier than the full-spec Toyota Supra.

For consumers, the big question will be pricing. Nissan PR representative Dan Passe was quoted saying that the ballpark entry price would be around $40,000. The least expensive, four-cylinder Toyota Supra starts at about $43,000. If Nissan holds to that base price, and undercuts Toyota, it will be a hell of a bold act.

So, yeah — we’re excited.

Tell you what? Let’s wait for both vehicles to go up against each other before coming to definite conclusions. Sound good?

— N

The next question comes from a fan who was looking at the GMC Yukon, but now he’s looking elsewhere.

Q: (Via: NathanAdlen@Twitter) Hey Nathan!

“Haven’t been able to find a Yukon that isn’t marked up like crazy. What do you think about Grand Cherokee L vs the Ford Explorer King Ranch? Hope all is well with you and yours!”

— SeriesOfRandomNumbers

A: Howdy!

Man, it’s brutal out there. I have some personnel experience recently looking at the market as a consumer. I got so frustrated, I decided to buy a (well) used vehicle to hold me over for the next few years, before trying again. The markups, slowdowns and skimpy inventory are hurting consumers worldwide.

I see what you mean about Yukon prices, the same is true for the Tahoe and Escalade too.

The guys are over the moon for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and I am a fan of the driving dynamics of the Ford Explorer. I haven’t driven the King Ranch, but I find the Ford is perfect for people who want car-like handling, with SUV flexibility. On the other hand, the new Grand Cherokee has real off-road chops baked in. Both are luxurious, but I will tip my hat to the Jeep interior designers – it’s epic.

The philosophy and mission statement of both vehicles is a bit different. If I were never going to venture off-road, and didn’t tow very often, I might see the Ford as a more logical choice. As you know, I do a lot of off-road activities – and I tow. Still, that’s me – not you.

You need to both, side-by-side (if possible). They are very different machines, and I suspect they will answer your questions moments after your drive.

Best of luck!

— N

The last question comes from a consumer who is worried about EV safety.

NTSB: Tesla crash preliminary report released — A burned Tesla Model 3. (Image: NHTSA)

Q: (Via: A salesman who tried to get me to buy an overpriced truck… he figured out who I was) I hate EVs and now the bad karma is catching up top them!

“I see posts just like TFL’s that say that electric cars are exploding all over the world. That includes hybrids too!”

— The dude who tried to talk me into a $45,000 used truck that was worth $35,000.

A: It’s not like they are popping like cereals in a microwave, but there is a reason for concern.

Just recently, GM had to issue a full recall for all their Chevrolet Bolt EVs for fire risk. Tesla, Stellantis and others have see a rise in media coverage regarding battery issues, car fires and other battery related issues. This will continue, just like any other tech.

I mean, there are still car fires with brand new gas vehicles. That’s been going on for about a century. Still, I know people who got rid of perfectly good PHEVs simply for the fear of battery fires. It’s something that needs to be handled as soon as possible.

Every automaker is working hard to advance electric technology right now. Hopefully, they are working just as hard advancing EV safety as well.

— N

Speaking of EVs:

GM Expands Chevy Bolt EV Battery Recall To Every Model Sold As It Addresses Multiple Fires: News

By

Zach Butler

-

August 21, 2021

Chevrolet Expands Bolt Battery Recall To Every Model Sold As It Addresses Multiple Fires: News — GM will recall every Bolt ever made to address a critical battery problem that has been linked to multiple fires. (Images: General Motors)

All 2017 – 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV models are affected by the expanded recall.

If you own a Chevrolet Bolt or Bolt EUV of any vintage, you’ll want to heed this recall. General Motors expanded their campaign this week addressing a serious battery fire issue to include every single Bolt made since its introduction in 2017. A recent announcement covered roughly 69,000 older Bolts (mainly 2017 and 2018 models), but now adds 73,000 to the count from model years 2019 to 2022, according to an Associated Press report.

According to the automaker, Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV batteries could have two manufacturing defects that, in rare cases, can actually lead to fires. To remedy the issue, GM will replace battery modules in all affected vehicles. Including older recalls to date, the issue will cost the company $1.8 billion to fix. It will seek partial reimbursement from LG Chem, which manufactured some batteries in South Korea and later examples at its Holland, Michigan plant.

So far, company spokesperson Dan Flores said there have been 10 Bolt fires, and that figure includes one house blaze, while two other people suffered from smoke inhalation.

GM will notify owners to take their cars to dealers as soon as replacement parts are ready, though Flores said there’s no certain date as to when that will happen just yet. Technicians will replace defective modules in newer Bolts, while it will replace all five battery modules in 2017 to 2019 models.

It’s Official: The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Gets A Reveal Date

By

Zach Butler

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August 20, 2021

It's Official: The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Gets A Reveal Date — *We’ve seen quite a few Chevy Corvette Z06 prototypes, but there hasn’t been an exact reveal date — until now. (Image: TFLcar)*

Chevrolet narrows down a reveal date for the new Corvette Z06.

Earlier this summer, GM confirmed the next chapter in the C8 Corvette’s run is coming this fall. That’s just around the corner, as much as it may not feel like it, so we needed the lowdown on exactly when the more hardcore Z06 is actually going to arrive. Fortunately, the company obliged Friday and offered an exact debut date: October 26.

In doing that, Chevy staged a camouflaged Z06 right next to the C8.R racer. The video below shows a (curated) look at the car’s testing on European race tracks, naturally including the Nürburgring. France’s Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans (or Circuit de la Sarthe) is another prominent race track shown. The C8.R, for its part, will race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend.

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Logo

Why these two cars together? Word has it the 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 will sport a roadworthy version of the racer’s 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank V8. Horsepower is still a question mark, though it should land somewhere in the 600 horsepower range — a healthy uplift from the Stingray’s 495 (with the Z51 performance pack).

The sights (and definitely the sounds) have been encouraging so far. We’ll know much more in just two months’ time, and I for one am stoked to learn more about the Z06 when it finally arrives.

Check out Chevy’s teaser below:

Lexus Stuffed A Massive V8 Into The IS 500 F Sport Performance And The RC F Fuji Speedway Edition: Does It Pay Off? (Video)

By

Zach Butler

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August 20, 2021

Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance & RC F Fuji Speedway Edition — These two cars represent the most hardcore Lexus cars you can buy — at least for the moment. (Images: TFLcar, Lexus)

Lexus’ massive 5.0-liter V8 lives on.

Even as the automotive world shifts toward electrification, Lexus is still hanging on to the large, naturally-aspirated 2UR-GSE V8 engine. With a fairly large (by modern standards) 5.0-liter displacement, no electric motors and not even forced induction, this is one of the few places left you can turn for some good old eight-cylinder grunt. But does the whole package with the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance and the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition actually work? In this video, Nathan takes a closer look at how Lexus set up both cars.

To be clear, the video below does not include driving impressions. We will have another video coming up on the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance in early September, though we can’t discuss pricing or our driving impressions on the modern IS F successor just yet.

So how much power is under the hood?

While the RC F Fuji Speedway Edition is obviously tailored toward track use, both these cars pack exactly the same amount of power under the hood. The IS 500 F Sport Performance and the RC F manage 472 horsepower @ 7,100 RPM, as well as 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 RPM. Both fire all that power to their rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Sticking with the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, that V8 is just the start of proceedings. It looks fairly subtle under the skin, but you do also get larger two-piece aluminum brakes (steel discs with an aluminum hat), as well as Lexus’ sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspenion with Yamaha rear performance dampers and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

The 2021 Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition takes the performance aspect a bit further by bringing in a carbon fiber spliter, hood, roof, spoiler and diffuser to make it lighter than the normal RC F. The Lexus team didn’t stop there, though, adding in carbon fiber ceramic brakes and a titanium exhaust system to aid the weight loss. As a result, the automaker says “Temple of Speed”-inspired RC can hit 60 in 3.96 seconds.

Check out more of what you get in the video below:

2022 Hyundai Elantra N Debuts With The Honda Civic Si/Type R, Volkswagen Jetta GLI Squarely In Its Sights: News

By

Zach Butler

-

August 19, 2021

2022 Hyundai Elantra N — Hyundai’s hot Elantra shares its major components with the Hyundai Veloster N, and rounds out the lineup. (Images: Hyundai)

If you want a hot Hyundai, you now have even more choice.

While hot hatchbacks are the go-to for performance enthusiasts, that’s not the only segment in which you need to compete to actually find success. That’s just been a springboard, and now you have three different models you can buy to scratch the performance itch. Beyond the classic Veloster N, you can choose the Kona N crossover or this — the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N sedan.

We had a sneak peek at Hyundai’s newest member to its N performance sub-brand back in November. Now, though, the car makes its official debut, complete with crucial specs and other details to shore up this car’s performance cred. This souped-up Elantra is just one of seven N and N Line models Hyundai plans to offer enthusiast buyers through 2022. It rounds out the full-on N lineup, and joins four N Line models (Elantra, Kona, Sonata and Tucson) among Hyundai’s sportier-minded cars.

Hyundai did not announce official pricing for this car just yet. That information usually arrives closer to the Elantra N’s actual launch, which is coming later this year, in tandem with the Kona N. We should know more about that in the coming months. However, I’d expect this car to come in competitively against the upcoming Honda Civic Si (and possibly even the Type R) and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and possibly a bit less than its own N-branded siblings — somewhere in the high-$20,000 or low-$30,000 range.

Find deals on new and used vehicles through (in collaboration with Detroit Trading™) here!

2022 Hyundai Elantra N by the numbers

As part of the package, Hyundai packs its “flat-power” tuned 2.0-liter turbocharged engine into this hot Elantra. We knew that was coming, but now official specs peg its power output the same as the Kona N crossover. That means 276 horsepower makes its way to the front wheels, along with 289 lb-ft of torque. With Hyundai’s “N Grin Shift” (NGS) overboost feature, you can get up to 286 horsepower about 20 seconds, at least with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. If you’re a fan of rowing your own gears, you can get the Elantra N with a 6-speed manual transmission. That said, if you go that route you won’t get the NGS and that extra bit of power.

Hyundai says it’s forecasting a 70/30 split between the dual-clutch transmissions and the manuals, in favor of the DCT.

What you will get regardless of transmission choice is a tighter, tauter chassis from the standard Elantra grades, and upgraded brakes to boot. On that latter point, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N uses 14.2-inch front brake rotors and 12.4-inch rear rotors with high-friction pads, while air guides in the front fascia channel air to help maintain cooling efficiency. Hyundai also applied an integrated drive axle concept derived from WRC rally cars, incorporating the drive shaft, wheel hub and bearing as a lighter, stronger unit that reduces overall weight by about 4 pounds. In the back, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N also uses chassis-stiffening bars, including a four-point rear strut tower bar, to help torsional rigidity and cornering performance. Even though it’s a bit tougher, you can still fold down the rear seats, despite the extra stiffening.

To handle the extra power and cornering forces, the new Elantra N also gets larger 19 x 8.0-inch wheels, wrapped in 245/35 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires. Overall, the hot Elantra weighs in at 3,186 pounds with a 6-speed manual, while the dual-clutch version is 110 pounds heavier (3,296 pounds).

Interior changes

Just like its stablemates, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N gets a performance-minded steering wheel, N-branded shift knob and leatherette/cloth sport seats. A 10.25-inch infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio also comes standard, while the N model includes a host of performance data by way of bespoke screens accessible through that larger display. Unlike its siblings, though, the digital gauge cluster integrates into the infotainment system like the normal Elantra — rather than being a separate unit (as it is in the Kona) or using analog gauges (like the Veloster).

The overall exterior dimensions for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N remain the same as the standard model. That means a 184.1 inch overall length, 71.9-inch width and 55.7-inch height, on the same 107.1-inch wheelbase. The lighter N sport seats in the front, though, are two inches thinner than the standard models, providing a bit more rear legroom for passengers.

For even more hooning fun — where it’s safe to do it, of course — the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N still uses a mechanical parking brake. Oh, how the gears in my head are turning on that one.

Check out more on Hyundai’s latest N offerings below, and stay tuned for a full drive of the Hyundai Elantra N in the coming months!

Meet The Genesis GV60: A New Take On An Electric Luxury Crossover

By

Zach Butler

-

August 18, 2021

2022 Genesis GV60 — The GV60 is Genesis’ first bespoke electric crossover. (Images: Genesis)

This is a funky looking little crossover, isn’t it?

Take the dedicated E-GMP platform and put on a few different crossover-hatchback like bodies, and the result is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 — and now the Genesis GV60. As the name implies, it is a smaller sibling to the larger GV70 and GV80 crossovers. However, this is also the brand’s first EV on a dedicated platform, and appears to be pretty similar to its mainstream counterparts. Plus the bright yellow (love it or hate it) helps distinguish the unique design features that squarely mark this car as a Genesis.

In front and around the back, the new Genesis GV60 draws the quad lamp design language from siblings across the brand’s revamped range. This car goes a couple steps further, though, by adding some more funky design touches like a tailgate spoiler with an integrated third brake light and some chrome brightwork that juts in then back out just past the C-pillar. It’s…interesting, if not what you may expect or want from a luxury crossover.

Inside, the Genesis GV60 does carry itself as a more upscale counterpart to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. You get blue leather with yellow accents, at least in this example. Dual displays replace the conventional analog gauges (as they do in the GV60’s EV cousins), but one difference here is the screens that output the images from cameras on the doors, in place of side mirrors. That’s a nice concept-ish feature, as Genesis will certainly replace them with traditional mirrors. Still, one day we may have that technology — it would be cool, don’t you think?

No technical specs, yet

Beyond design and mentioning the Genesis GV60 will have a Shift By Wire system, no technical specs are out for this new model just yet. Odds are it will follow its Hyundai and Kia counterparts, with multiple drivetrain and battery options. The Kia EV6, for example, offers a dual motor configuration with up to 576 horsepower. The GV60 may come with a standard dual-motor layout as well as a larger battery, though it’s tough to say until Genesis hints a little more about what the goals are here.

It’s not exactly leaping into a quiet field with just the Tesla Model Y to worry about. The Audi Q4 e-tron will likely be a key rival, while the Jaguar I-Pace and other players making their way onto the scene in the relatively near future, like the Cadillac Lyriq, could also compete against Genesis’ new EV.

More details will arrive in the coming months, and the GV60 will go on sale as the brand’s second electric model, behind the Electrified G80 sedan.

We have our hands on one of the most hardcore M cars around.

The final result

Volkswagen’s updated 2022 Jetta will go on sale later this year.

Inside the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

What about the Jetta GLI?

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

Q: (Via: NathanAdlen@Twitter) It’s ridiculous that you guys go on and on about the Nissan Z when the Toyota Supra is obviously superior.

A: You mean, Paul, our former Stig (1st gen U.S. Top Gear) is not good enough for you?

Q: (Via: NathanAdlen@Twitter) Hey Nathan!

A: Howdy!

Q: (Via: A salesman who tried to get me to buy an overpriced truck… he figured out who I was) I hate EVs and now the bad karma is catching up top them!

A: It’s not like they are popping like cereals in a microwave, but there is a reason for concern.

All 2017 – 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV models are affected by the expanded recall.

Chevrolet narrows down a reveal date for the new Corvette Z06.

Lexus’ massive 5.0-liter V8 lives on.

So how much power is under the hood?

If you want a hot Hyundai, you now have even more choice.

2022 Hyundai Elantra N by the numbers

Interior changes

This is a funky looking little crossover, isn’t it?

No technical specs, yet

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