Summary: The BMW M2 is here, Tesla’s Model S gets Autopilot, the death of the Viper and more.
On the Radar
The Latest in Motoring News
The M Car You Really Want
BMW fans have something to get excited about with the new M2. Essentially a pumped-up M235i, the M2 uses the same 3.0-liter inline-six to produce 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque. The M2 is also 78 pounds lighter than the M235i and comes with either a manual or DCT transmission. You’ll hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds with the former and 4.2 seconds with the latter.
Ferrari has gone and made its already batshit-fast F12berlinetta even faster to create the F12tdf. It gets a power boost from 730 horsepower to 769, and a torque bump from 509 lb-ft to 520. Weight is down by 240 pounds. All this makes for a front-engine GT car capable of hitting 60 mph in 2.9 seconds.
Tesla has released a software update that lets the Model S (if it has been built after September 2014) drive itself. Kind of. Autopilot allows the car to take control on simple highway drives and, together with the car’s adaptive cruise control, allows the car to steer and even change lanes on its own.
A proposed contract between FCA and the UAW could potentially lead to the ceased production of the Dodge Viper in 2017. FCA is cutting back production at the Conner Avenue Assembly plant where it’s made, and sales of the flagship supercar have been disappointing to say the least.
Though they’re no “Flying Bricks,” Polestar Cyan Racing has announced plans to return to the World Touring Car Championship in 2016 with two Volvo S60 race cars.
This weekend’s Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island was one of the most exciting of the season. Marc Marquez, Andrea Iannone, Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi — four of the motorsport’s best talent — duked it out for the podium. Marquez snagged the win, with Lorenzo in second and Iannone taking third, leaving season leader Rossi off the podium. That closes the gap between Rossi and Lorenzo in the overall season standing, with Rossi ahead by only 11 points. Oh, and Iannone obliterated a seagull.
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The Find
What to Buy, Now
1963 Ferrari 250 GTL Lusso
The new Ferrari F12tdi is great and all, but if you’re more into style than speed we suggest you go with this classic Ferrari GT car — just expect to pay a serious premium.
This 1996 GTS Coupe was the first model year of the GTS version. Considering the Viper’s potential demise this may very well become a collector’s car in the near future.
