Nother CarGuy

BMW has just unveiled the second-generation 4-Series Gran Coupe prior to its U.S. launch in August. Compared to its predecessor, the new 4-Series Gran Coupe is 5.9-inches longer, 1-inch wider, and 2.1-inches taller. The track has also grown by 1.6-inches in the front and 0.7 inches in the rear while the wheelbase is 1.8-inches longer than before. Those in the U.S. will be able to buy it in 430i Gran Coupe and M440i xDrive Gran Coupe variants. Power for the 430i Gran Coupe comes courtesy of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that is rated at 255 hp and 296 lb-ft of torque, allowing the car to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.8 seconds. The M440i xDrive Gran Coupe offers up much more performance than this thanks to the use of a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder that works alongside a 48-volt starter-generator. It produces a combined 382 hp and 369 lb-ft and sends this flagship model to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Fitted as standard to the M440i is an M Sport exhaust system. Both variants utili...

Sedans might be a far cry from the dominant force they once were having fallen victims to the popularity of crossovers and SUVs, but BMW still thinks they’re worth their time. In fact, they believe in them so much so that they’ve expanded their range with not one but two premium small sedans, as after the four-door 1-Series, they’re now presenting the sportier 2 Series Gran Coupe. And unlike the 1-Series sedan that’s not available in the U.S (though, it did arrive in Mexico), this one will be sold in America and Canada, among other global markets, in 228i xDrive and M235i xDrive forms. The first two things you’ll need to know about the 2 Series Gran Coupe (GC) is that it’s a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz CLA and that it’s not related to the rear-wheel drive 2-Series Coupe and Convertible, but to the front-wheel drive 1-Series hatchback launched earlier this year, as well as the latest X1 and X2 crossovers. However, while other markets will get both FWD and AWD models...

BMW has taken the wraps off the new M8 Gran Coupe. Set to arrive in the United States early next year, the high-performance model follows in the footsteps of the M8 Coupe and Convertible. As a result, the car is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 592 hp (441 kW / 600 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. The engine is connected to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission which sends power to a rear-biased and defeatable all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the M8 Gran Coupe to rocket from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of up to 190 mph (305 km/h) when equipped with the optional M Driver’s Package. Buyers looking for more performance can order the M8 Competition Gran Coupe. It features an upgraded engine that develops 616 hp (460 kW / 625 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra power, the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) is cut to 3.2 seconds. However, the top speed remains unchanged at 155 mph...

The BMW 8-Series lineup is growing as the company has unveiled the all-new Gran Coupe variant. Looking significantly more attractive than the 6-Series Gran Coupe, the 8-Series has a familiar front fascia that closely echoes the standard model.  As a result, the car has a wide grille that is flanked by adaptive LED headlights with laserlights. Despite the familiar design, the Gran Coupe has a less rakish windscreen and a taller roof. The model also has two rear doors and a pronounced shoulder line.  A panoramic glass moonroof will come standard, but the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe will eventually be offered with an optional carbon fiber roof. Compared to the Coupe, the Gran Coupe is 9.0 inches (228.6 mm) longer, 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) wider and 2.2 inches (55.9 mm) taller.  The wheelbase has also been stretched by 7.9 inches (200.7 mm) to allow for more practical rear seats. Speaking of the latter, the model has an extra 3.4 inches (86.4 mm) of rear seat headroo...

We’ve known for a while that BMW was planning to launch the 2-Series Gran Coupe, and now we have official confirmation that the car is a few months away from being unveiled. Set to premiere at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show in November before going on sale in global markets next spring, the 2-Series Gran Coupe has been teased for the first time. The image released by the automaker previews the C-pillar, rear fenders, small boot lid spoiler, shark-fin antenna and slim LED taillights. The 2-Series Gran Coupe will use the same underpinnings as the new 1-Series, which is also in development and will be unveiled this year. However, while lesser versions of the car will have to make do with FWD, the upper grades will get the xDrive all-wheel drive system. One of the models that will enjoy the all-wheel drive is the range-topping M240i. This version is believed to utilize the same engine as the X2 M35i, namely a 2.0-liter four-banger making 306 PS (302 hp / 225 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb...

BMW just rolled out the new 8-Series coupe – But as the “series” part likely tells you, it’s not done quite yet. During a conference call to discuss the company’s financial performance over the first half of this year, BMW’s chief executive announced that two more bodystyles of the new flagship coupe will launch next year. “We have another ace up our sleeve: A systematic expansion of our luxury segment,” declared Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “Within the new 8 series model range, production of the new BMW 8 Series Coupé is already underway. The market launch is scheduled for November. This will be followed in 2019 by the Convertible and Gran Coupé, as well as the corresponding M models.” So with the coupe already revealed in both M850i and 840d specs, we can expect the convertible and four-door Gran Coupe bodystyles to launch with the same. And once the M models are rolled out, we’ll be looking at no fewer than nine versions to flesh out the 8 S...

By unveiling the ultra-aggressive Concept M8 Gran Coupe at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, BMW is looking to put the world on notice, while giving the letter ‘M’ a whole new meaning. In this particular case, ‘M’ stands for “more”, as in more of everything, says the Bavarian automaker. Aside from being a dynamic four-door saloon, the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe is also meant to embody a new facet of luxury. “The BMW 8 Series will take over as the new flagship model of the BMW line-up and, as such, combines unsurpassed sportiness and elegance,” said BMW VP, Adrian van Hooydonk. “The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe offers a look ahead to the most exotic and alluring variant of the new BMW 8 Series.” Just like how the all-new CLS and A-Class helped Mercedes introduce a new design language to the range, so will the 8-Series help BMW do the same. Visually, it sits close to the road, it has a broad stance and a very mean, almost evil-looking front end (even more so than the 8 Series ...

The countdown to the Geneva Motor Show continues as BMW has released the first teaser image of an upcoming concept. The company didn’t say much about the car but the teaser image shows a sleek sedan which bears a passing resemblance to the Aston Martin Rapide. We can only make out a few styling details but the car has a long hood, a rakish windscreen and a coupe-like greenhouse. Elsewhere, there’s a massive spoiler and large alloy wheels. Little else is known about the model but previous reports suggested BMW was going to use the show to introduce a new concept based on the M8. However, the teaser image looks like a more traditional concept which could preview the standard 8-Series Gran Coupe. We’ll find out what the model is next week but if the concept is a preview of the standard 8-Series Gran Coupe it could be equipped with a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces around 445 hp (331 kW). On the other hand, if the concept previews the M8 Gran Coupe it could be pa...

It took BMW almost two years after announcing a  mid-cycle facelift for the 3-Series  in May of 2015, to bring a similar suite of updates for the related 4-Series family, which comprises the two-door Coupe, five-door Gran Coupe and the hardtop convertible.  Similarly to the 3-Series sedan, Touring and  more recently, the Gran Turismo , the updated 4-Series cars that will eventually arrive in North America as 2018MYs, feature mild (aka barely noticeable) design, chassis and engine updates.  The squint and you’ll miss it exterior revisions over the current 4-Series include the following: new LED headlights, front foglamps and tail lamps, which retain the same shape as before, but now feature graphics  similar to the 2012 concept ; modified air intakes on the front bumper; different line-specific applications and a redesigned rear apron. Two fresh exterior paint finishes named Snapper Rocks Blue and Sunset Orange along with new 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel d...