BMW's M2 is the 1 Series M successor we deserve

When BMW released the M235i, most everybody expected a higher-performance variant to arrive shortly thereafter. More than a year later, that dream has finally become reality. The M2 is the successor to the lauded 1 Series M, and with a little help from its bigger brother, it should turn out to be quite the impressive sports coupe.

Much like the larger M3 and M4, a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine will power the M2. However, being smaller than its brethren, the output isn't quite as ludicrous. The M2's inline-six is rated at 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque, with an overboost function that temporarily raises the latter number to 369 pound-feet. The driver will choose between two transmissions -- a standard six-speed manual with automatic rev-matching downshifts, and an optional seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox with launch control.

With the manual, the M2 will reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds -- launch control helps the dual-clutch transmission hit that same speed in just 4.2 seconds. Both variants have an electronically-limited 155-mph top speed.

As with every other BMW M model, the body features several aggressive aesthetic enhancements, including a front fascia with more creases than a unironed dress shirt, an integrated rear diffuser and the automaker's hallmark quadruple tailpipes out back,. The body itself is much wider than the standard 2 Series -- 2.1 inches up front, 3.1 inches out back -- to accommodate wider tires on all four corners. Buyers will be able to choose from blue, white, black or gray paint.

Underneath its skin, the M2 focuses on shedding unsprung weight with extensive use of aluminum. The control arms, axle subframes, suspension struts, antiroll bars and wheel carriers are all made from the lightweight metal. The result is a car that weighs just 3,450 pounds (with the dual-clutch transmission -- believe it or not, the manual version is heavier, coming in at 3,505 pounds). For comparison, a 228i with a manual transmission weighs in at 3,295 pounds, while the automatic variant is 50 pounds heavier than that.

The M2's remaining new components are items commonly found in other performance-oriented BMW products. There are giant brakes behind each wheel (15-inch rotors in front, 14.5-inchers at the rear) and an electronically controlled adjustable limited-slip differential. The interior features sportier seats, M-specific gauges and more M badges than you'd find in your average Bavarian mechanic's shop. And, as with every other halfway-luxurious car on sale today, Alcantara suede is strewn about the cabin.

Of course, in keeping with the times, there are plenty of available safety technologies. M2 drivers that want to feel safe can opt for forward-collision warning with autonomous low-speed braking, lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors and a backup camera. Also available is ConnectedDrive, an app suite that includes GoPro integration for when you want to film all your smoky-burnout antics.

The 2016 M2 will go on sale in spring 2016 in several markets, including the US, UK and Australia. Pricing has not yet been disclosed.

The 2016 Lexus GS F is a BMW M5-fighting Japanese muscle car

Lexus' performance aspirations expand to its GS model, as Toyota's luxury brand announces the GS F, a high-performance sedan built to go head-to-head with German stalwarts such as the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E63 and Audi RS7. The new GS F joins a freshened 2016 model year GS lineup.

Whereas the competition relies on forced induction, the GS F keeps things old school with a naturally aspirated, 5.0-liter V-8. It puts out 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque, with all those ponies headed straight to the rear wheels by way of an eight-speed automatic transmission. To help keep the gas mileage somewhere near appropriate, Lexus's engine utilizes gasoline direct injection.

If you know the Lexus lineup, that engine will look familiar, because it also powers the RC F sport coupe. Like the RC F, the GS F features a system that amplifies certain parts of the exhaust note through the interior speakers. It can be turned on or off, and its amplification changes based on thecar's drive mode.

Another bit of RC F carryover is the torque-vectoring rear differential, which shifts torque output from left to right, depending on which wheel needs it. The differential's two performance modes will either turn you into a track aficionado or a drift champion. The anti-lock brakes, traction and stability controls adjust based on how maniacal you're feeling. Strangely absent from the GS F, however, is any sort of adaptive suspension. What you feel is what you get.

While every Lexus GS gets a facelift, the GS F adds several unique baubles that help remind you where all that extra money went. Unique undertrays help channel air over the rear differential, and carbon fiber makes an appearance on the rear spoiler and in the lower front grille molding. The body is slightly wider than standard GS models, as well, in order to incorporate wider tires. Behind that rubber, the GS F features Brembo brakes on all four corners, with 15-inch rotors up front and 13.6-inchers out back.

The GS F's interior is the least altered part of the equation, looking nearly the same as last year's pre-facelift model. Again, the GS F has a few different pieces of equipment, including leather seats with heavier bolstering, white LED lighting and several prominent F badges.

In terms of creature comfort and safety technology, the song remains the same once again. There's an available 12.3-inch center display, and audiophiles can opt for a Mark Levinson-branded premium sound system. The Lexus Safety System Plus suite also appears, which is a package that includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and automatic high beams. That collection can be expanded upon with additional options, including automatic parking assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Lexus GS starts at $85,380 in the US, £69,995 in the UK and somewhere around AU$150,000 in Australia (pricing has not been confirmed there). The on-sale date is also not yet confirmed but is expected between late 2015 and early 2016 for all three markets.

Fourth-generation Kia Sportage debuts with sporty new look, 7-speed dual clutch transmission

Kia's new Sportage, the fourth-generation of the sporty compact crossover, debuts in Frankfurt with a sport-inspired new look, a new sport-tuned transmission option, and a sport-styled GT Line trim level.

The new look is interesting to say the least. From the front quarter, I think the new fascia slightly resembles that of the Porsche Macan with its swept-back headlamp shape and bulging, sculpted hood -- but only at a glance and only from this specific angle. The large quad-LED "Ice Cube" fog light design punctuates the new front end and reinforces the Porsche comparisons.


Or maybe I'm just seeing things. Either way, the illusion falls apart when viewed from almost any other angle. Viewed head-on, the automaker's signature Tiger Nose grill gains prominence, making the new headlights appear a bit smallish and slightly cross-eyed. And in profile, the Sportage is about as bland as the rest of the crossover segment. You'll have that.

Around back, the Kia's distinct tail lights (which used to echo the shape of the Tiger Nose) have been simplified into more generic teardrop shapes joined with a chrome accent bar. This is a shame, because I was a fan of the old design -- at the very least, it had an identity of its own.

Objectively, the next Sportage will be a bit longer (+40mm), but no taller or wider. A 30mm longer wheelbase should net the crossover a tad more space for people and their appendages. The new suspension should be stiffer, more controlled, and repackaged such that allows the rear cargo floor to sit a bit lower for easier loading. Speaking of cargo, the automaker's hands-free access feature will automatically open the rear liftgate when the driver stands near the back of the vehicle with the smart key transponder on their person.

Perhaps the most exciting bit of news here is the addition of a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT) to the options list. Developed in-house by Kia, the DCT will be packaged exclusively with the available with the 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI engine (177 horsepower, 195 pound-feet of torque) and the automaker's all-wheel drive system. According to the Kia, the new gearbox "has been engineered with low fuel consumption and a sporty driving feel when in manual mode, and with comfort and smoothness when left in automatic mode." Sounds promising.

The European Sportage will also be available with a naturally aspirated, 132-horsepower version of that 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.

Kia expects that most European Sportage owners will choose one of the diesel options, which can be had with either a 6-speed conventional automatic or manual transmission. Available are a 1.7-liter turbodiesel that's good for 115 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque and a larger 2.0-liter diesel can be had in either low (136 horsepower, 275 pound-feet of torque) or high (185 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque) tunes.

The Frankfurt auto show also marks the birth of a new GT Line trim level for the European Sportage. This package sharpens the Sportage's appearance, adds a stiffer suspension tune that has been "tested on European roads with European drivers in mind." Inside, the GT Line model features a race car-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel that is unique to the trim level.

The fourth-generation Sportage will also protect European drivers with active safety features, including lane departure prevention, forward pre-collision braking, and active high beams. Available blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a standard rear camera with dynamic guide lines help watch the driver's back. I also noticed a button in the cabin that activated the available Smart Parking Assist automated parallel parking system, though Kia's release oddly makes no mention of the feature (which also appears to be missing from its American suite of convenience tech).

The next Kia Sportage will reach European market in early 2016 as a 2016 model. We expect that the crossover will reach the North American market with different engines underhood and bearing a 2017 model year designation shortly after. Hopefully, that 7-speed DCT and a turbocharged 2.0-liter are in the cards, but we'll have to wait and speculate until more details are released.

Infiniti bets on small-car luxury with stylish Q30 model

FRANKFURT -- With its all-new Q30 compact hatchback introduced at the Frankfurt auto show, Infiniti targets an urban buyer seeking a small, but well-equipped car. The Q30 exhibits strong styling elements and high-tech features in a comfortably maneuverable size.

In the US however, the Q30 will need to conquer buyers' notorious aversion to hatchbacks.

The Q30 expresses organic styling with strongly curved lines down the sides, a large grille connected to the headlight casings, and bulbous ridges topping the front fenders. A strong kink in the rear pillar emphasizes forward motion. With four doors and a hatchback, the Q30 offers practical interior space, flexible for passengers and cargo.


European versions of the Q30 will be offered with a variety of small gasoline and diesel engines, but the US model will be restricted to a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine making 208 horsepower. Instead of a conventional automatic transmission, Infiniti will offer a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

Along with its small size, fuel economy will likely be a selling point for the Q30.

Bolstering its luxury credentials, the Infiniti offers three designer trim combinations for the cabin ranging from ultramodern to a more classic look. Active noise canceling through the speaker system should mute engine noise for passengers, leading to a more serene experience in the cabin.

High-tech selling points include driver-assist features such as a surround view camera system, automated parking and adaptive cruise control, which slows the car automatically for slower traffic ahead.

The US engine will give the Q30 satisfying power, and its unique design will be a lure for some buyers. Pricing has not yet been announced, but it will likely compete with Audi and Lexus smaller cars, which have base prices around $30,000.