bmw m440i

The News for June 5th, 2020

Welcome to the Hooniverse News! As always, this is a weekly recap of the biggest stories in the automotive industry without the fluff or bull. This week: BMW is really doing the whole ugly as fuck 4 Series thing, Porsche is closing their North American GTLM program next year, Mazda is reportedly bring a turbocharged 3 this year, Lexus teases a next-gen IS, and your automotive news!

2021 BMW 4 Series

bmw m440i

On a day when most other content creators and brands were silencing their social media feeds to make way for more important voices, BMW gleefully revealed the all-new 4 Series Coupe. They should have waited… forever.

The BMW 4 Series, the Coupe and soon to be Convertible and four-door version of the four-door 3 Series, is the latest in a long line of BMWs that have been made significantly uglier than anything else on the road. It’s packed with more performance, infotainment tech, safety features, and ugly-as-fuck-ness than the outgoing model. It arrives on our shores in October – just in time to scare the kids for Halloween.

Holy shit it looks so bad

bmw m440i

When BMW split the 3 Series Coupe into its own distinct model, the 4 Series, the intent was to allow more design freedom for the two cars. They’re still sharing a platform, powertrain, and all their tech, but they can make more of a distinction between them. As you can see, that design freedom is working well. It indeed looks nothing like the 3 Series and is in fact a bit bigger in every dimension. It’s 2.2 inches longer, 1.o inch wider, 2.2 inches lower, and has a 1.0 inch wider rear track while sharing the same wheelbase. This gives it a more low-slung and sleek silhouette that’s befitting of a coupe.

The silhouette isn’t the problem though. It’s an attractive shape with clean lines, a long hood, a tapering greenhouse ending in the Hofmeister-kink, and muscular fenders. Nor is it the rear end with its slim, darkened L-shaped tail lights which extend into the quarter panels or trapezoidal exhaust finishers. The decision to grace the face of this car with a large vertical kidney grille instead of a normal horizontal one is what has completely ruined it. This kind of grille has been making appearances on BMW’s crossovers but has been spared from anything of importance until now.

I can applaud BMW for trying something different in a world where cars, especially ones in this segment, are becoming less interesting. But I and many others online who were totally going to buy one of these anyway and thus have valid opinions think it’s missed the mark. Nothing was wrong with the kidney grilles when they weren’t large enough to swallow a child yet that’s all we’re getting now. Every other good thing BMW does design-wise is overshadowed by this one thing and that’s enough to ruin it all. This article would have been way more positive if they had just given it the grille from the 3 Series.

New Tech

bmw m440i

Moving on to things that BMW got right, a lot of the same things from the excellent 3 Series and even the new 5 Series I just talked about are available on the 4 Series. It gets the latest iDrive 7 with navigation as standard. That also includes “BMW Maps” which is a cloud-based feature that assists with rerouting based on real-time traffic conditions and reported hazards collected from external sources and other BMWs with the feature. The system can also accept destination inputs on the move with voice control. Additionally, points of interest along the route are described in greater detail and show reviews, opening times, and photos. It works on minor roads too, not just highways.

One option worth noting is “Live Cockpit Professional” which is navigation enhanced with 3D visualizations of the surrounding area. It shows all cars, trucks, and motorcycles registered by the cameras and sensors in the driver’s current lane and any adjacent lanes. Vehicles within a “critical distance” are highlighted and it will indicate maneuvers which can be carried out with the help of assistance systems. The goal is to improve situational awareness on the road.

bmw m440i

Some other driver assistance features that are available include active cruise control with stop and go, level 2 autonomous driver assist, and parking assistance with a 3D surround camera view and parallel park assist. You can also opt for a drive recorder which uses built-in cameras to record what’s going on at the front and rear on command. Footage is automatically saved in an accident.

And finally, Android Auto is available as standard in addition to Apple CarPlay. The Germans finally figured out that the overwhelming majority of smart phones in the world are running Android.

Performance

bmw m440i

The powertrain options will all sound familiar but there’s a few things here that even the 3 Series doesn’t have yet. The 4 Series launches as the 430i, 430i xDrive, and M440i xDrive. The 430i, like the last two digits suggests, uses a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 294 lb.-ft. of torque. This one is RWD standard and has xDrive as an option. The M440i xDrive, also as the digits suggest, uses a 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-six with a healthy 382 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. This one appears to be all-wheel drive only.

The M440i follows the new 5 Series’ lead and receives a 48-volt mild hybrid system as standard. This system includes a 48V starter/generator unit and a separate 48V battery for energy recuperation, storage, and use while driving. Energy is recuperated from deceleration, braking, and by simply driving in sport mode. Stored energy can be used to boost performance during hard acceleration or by powering various electrical systems, thus reducing load on the engine. So far this mild hybrid system is only available on 6-cylinder models.

So that’s about it for the 4 Series. Lots of impressive tech, good performance, and a mostly attractive design that’s capped off by the single most offensive-looking design choice in the entire automotive industry. Is this bad enough to ruin the whole car for you too? If not, prices start at $45,600 for the 430i, $47,600 for the 430i xDrive, and $58,500.

[Source: BMW]

Porsche’s GTLM program is closing

brumosparsh2

It’s almost like we’re not allowed to have good news anymore. Yesterday morning, Porsche stunned the motorsports community with word that they’ll be ending factory involvement in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship at the end of 2020. Porsche has been involved with Core Autosport for several years now and have run an extremely successful team with factory 911 RSR GTLM cars. Well before then they were having success with Flying Lizard Motorsports in the days of ALMS. They swept the championship just last year after a dominant season. But this season is set to be their last – for now. And the reasoning is unfortunately what you’d expect.

Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Porsche Motorsport, emphasized that it was not an easy decision, but that “it is only logical for Porsche Motorsport to make a contribution to coping with the economic fallout”. Porsche admits the economic impact from the bat soup virus has hit them hard and that they need to make some sacrifices to survive. Their customer racing support of GT3/GTD, GT4, and GT3 Cup Challenge will continue as planned and is not impacted by this decision.

“Porsche belongs in endurance racing”, Enzinger continued. “We will work hard to ensure that this is only a temporary Auf Wiedersehen.” It was only a few months ago that Porsche expressed interest in IMSA’s upcoming LMDh platform. As of now it’s assumed that it’s still on the table given its intended launch date of 2022 (which even that could be delayed). It’s also been believed that LMDh, which requires factory support, would have meant an end to some factory-supported GT programs anyway. Manufacturers that couldn’t justify the cost of both a GTLM/GTE and an LMDh program would have had to make a decision one way or the other. But if anyone was going to do both, it would have been Porsche.

brumosparshonbanking

Porsche will continue the rest of the season which will be back underway soon. The future of GTLM looks very grim though. This will leave just BMW (who has already pulled the M8 GTE out of WEC after just one season), Corvette, and Ferrari via Risi Competizione (who don’t even run the full schedule anymore). There is still the possibility of a so-called “GT convergence” which you can read more about at Sportscar365. With GTLM waning in America and GTE in Europe at risk of going down the same path, this could be the answer.

If you want to catch a final glimpse of Porsche’s incredible 911 RSR, IMSA has a revised schedule posted. You’ll have several opportunities this year. GTLM has been consistently the most exciting race you can find anywhere.

[Source: Porsche | Images © 2020 Hooniverse/Greg Kachadurian]

Report: Mazda 3 is getting boosted

Mazda3TCR_02

Pictured: Mazda’s planned TCR entry, just to remind you that it exists. You’re welcome.

It’s not all doom and gloom and ugly fucking cars today. An exciting report from Jalopnik suggests that the Mazda 3 is getting a turbocharged model this year. They obtained dealership model codes from a reliable source which show Mazda3s apparently getting some turbo variants, including one in particular that’s of great interest.

One is listed as “MAZDA3 HB PP TURBO”, where HB stands for hatchback, PP could stand for Performance Package, and TURBO stands for fuck yeah son it’s getting turbocharged. Jalopnik also noted that all turbo models are listed as having a six-speed automatic. There’s only so much we can deduce from dealership codes though, so we’ll just need to wait for the rest.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Lexus teases new 2021 IS

2021_Lexus_IS_Teaser_1

More good news in the pipeline is that Lexus hasn’t forgotten about the IS. More importantly, they’re letting it live after the demise of the GS. The compact luxury sports sedan has been a staple for Lexus for decades and we’ll soon be seeing a brand new one. By soon I mean next Tuesday. No details regarding the car have been revealed at all. But it’s a legendary sedan that’s getting a new life in a world where many others don’t. We’ll bring you more when we have it.

[Source: Lexus]

What’s your automotive news?

hooniverse

That’s all I’ve got for you this week, so now it’s your turn. If you saw anything, fixed something, broke everything, or otherwise did anything even remotely car related that you want to share with your fellow hoon, sound off in the comments.

Have a good weekend.

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59 responses to “The News for June 5th, 2020”

  1. Shingo Avatar
    Shingo

    Yeah the grill is the absolute worst part of the 4 series, but all I see in the side profile is Audi A5.

  2. Sjalabais Avatar
    Sjalabais

    BMW has come far in their #WhatCanWeGetAwayWith-stage…but I have to admit that I appreciate how they manage to entertain, despite the entertainment being messy design. Seems like it will sell anyway.

    I have run into my first bump in rare car ownership with my Hyundai. The car came with just one key, so I had to have another one remade. The “key guy” struggled for an hour trying to find something that might fit and/or work, and finally found a key number for a Kia Amanti – never sold in Norway, that one, either. Haven’t started the car yet, but it fits and closes all doors, as well as turns on the ignition. A baffling fact: There is no security in this car. No alarm, apparently no key signature – odd for a 2003 model – not even a steering wheel lock that every of my other cars have had; 1971 Volvo included. I adore that, since I usually don’t lock my cars anyway.

    Also, found some photos from the street we lived on in 1990, showing a nice blend of communist cars, as well as a few Western imports and even a Wrangler that looks insanely misplaced:

    https://i.ibb.co/DGNTwCZ/Lischstrasse1990-2.jpg

    https://i.ibb.co/z7Hf45S/Lischstrasse1990-1.jpg

    1. Manic_King Avatar
      Manic_King

      Is that Greyish van a Nysa? 2 Fiat Tipos, Sierra, Scirocco…and many Trabbis.

      1. nanoop Avatar

        Barkas 1000. Engine access under the driver’s elbow….

      2. crank_case Avatar
        crank_case

        I spot a Wartburg 353, Skoda Favorit, Mazda 626, Dacia and best of all, a Peugeot 205 GTi – such western decadence!

        1. nanoop Avatar

          Opposed to the green Opel Rekord (D), that was already 15 years old by then, a miracle it found a buyer.
          Which takes me to the point of how thoroughly the alleged dream of a western car was destroyed by getting a 1980ies Fiat. What an era the 90ies were.

          1. crank_case Avatar
            crank_case

            The Fiat Tipo was a fantastic car, sadly disappeared from the roads now, but sought after as an actual classic already and be in no doubt, light-years nicer a place than a Trabant.

            Opposite from the Rekord is an an Ascona C – now that was a turd. (My Dad had one). At least the Rekord was good for RWD LOLs

            Other spots: Moskvitch and Lada Samara.

          2. crank_case Avatar
            crank_case

            The Fiat Tipo was a fantastic car, sadly disappeared from the roads now, but sought after as an actual classic already and be in no doubt, light-years nicer a place than a Trabant.

            Opposite from the Rekord is an an Ascona C – now that was a turd. (My Dad had one). At least the Rekord was good for RWD LOLs

            Other spots: Moskvitch and Lada Samara.

          3. Sjalabais Avatar
            Sjalabais

            My mother’s first car was a Fiat Panda. During the used car drought after reunification, it was feasible to replace basically the lower half of it with new sheetmetal…the original stuff had changed form.

    2. nanoop Avatar

      The steering lock was mandatory, so I guess yours is just broken?

      1. Sjalabais Avatar
        Sjalabais

        Whoa, not what I wanted to hear. How does this stuff work? Is there a danger it might just lock mid-drive?

        1. nanoop Avatar

          No, you are safe: when the key is in and you can wiggle you are good.

  3. neight428 Avatar
    neight428

    So the guy in charge of the Chevy HD pickup grille seems to have dirty pictures of the brass in Munich too. I see a lot of Infiniti Q60 in that thing too.

  4. Shingo Avatar
    Shingo

    Yeah the grill is the absolute worst part of the 4 series, but all I see in the side profile is Audi A5.

  5. Manic_King Avatar
    Manic_King

    I hope BMW tuners step up to the probably plentiful market and start to sell their own grilles, ASAP. Can’t be difficult to recreate last 6-series’ front look.

    In other news, this whale of a Citroen XM is for sale for €10k in Belgium, 221k km, manual, cloth seats (more like recliners). Didn’t they use these behemoths as ambulances in France? This one has been thoroughly de-ambulanced or maybe it wasn’t one to begin with, has huuge hydraulically opening rear….wall. Would be ideal to mx or other bike racing team as a hauler? Or maybe Jaques and Bernadette should buy it for a bit of #vanlife.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ab0d3be9e2bfc11e9e635b7cc28918e2340dd3378b7f96b3784b288ec34c8dcd.jpg

    1. crank_case Avatar
      crank_case

      I think these were used by the EU as high speed document haulers.

      1. Sjalabais Avatar
        Sjalabais

        Train rail setup optional for the wine-and-cheese two hour lunch break?

        1. crank_case Avatar
          crank_case

          I may have been mistaken, it was built by Tissier like the van above, but was actually a CX. Not much time for Lunch, they’d run every night between Brussels and Strasbourg. http://www.citroenet.org.uk/passenger-cars/psa/cx/images/eec.jpg

          1. Manic_King Avatar
            Manic_King

            Reminds me of Michelin PLR.
            en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelin_PLR

    2. Toaster Avatar
      Toaster

      This looks like a high speed ambulance. Tissier built these based on the hatchback (see the rear lights) both with the original 4 passenger doors, as well as smaller set of custom doors integrated into a longer custom body, this appears to be the latter with the doors filled in and a few other body mods. Probably one of the last ambulances to be coach built and car based before they all went to van chassis, I could only think of a few E-Class Mercs that are of a later vintage.

    3. Toaster Avatar
      Toaster

      This looks like a high speed ambulance. Tissier built these based on the hatchback (see the rear lights) both with the original 4 passenger doors, as well as smaller set of custom doors integrated into a longer custom body, this appears to be the latter with the doors filled in and a few other body mods. Probably one of the last ambulances to be coach built and car based before they all went to van chassis, I could only think of a few E-Class Mercs that are of a later vintage.

      1. Toaster Avatar
        Toaster

        Correction: Apparently there was a true transport version without doors and with the filler cap exactly where this one has it, so this thing appears to be stock, save for the craptastic aftermarket wheels. Wild.

        1. Toaster Avatar
          Toaster

          On this page, among other six-wheelers, you can find a picture of what appears to be this very car (same rims, similar background) , apparently it was running for a company called higgs and resprayed silver.

          Pierre Tissier

          Man, I miss my XM.

  6. nanoop Avatar

    Where do you buy a DIN6799 1.9mm shaft securing washer for 2mm axles on a saturday in Norway, and how do you call these things anyway? I dropped one outside behind the barn, and the outer diameter is 5mm… It’s for retaining the throttle needle of the scooter carb, which does have a 50cc cylinder/piston again.

    1. crank_case Avatar
      crank_case

      The technical term is flubenflarbenspoinkenring

      1. nanoop Avatar

        So, in Norwegian it’s flubenflærbenspøinkenring? That’ll help!

  7. Batshitbox Avatar
    Batshitbox

    I’ve kept myself busy installing a Ham Radio on the Africa Twin. Not quite 100% yet but hopefully by Saturday morning I’ll be able to make some contacts.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0a7b6af2902f2f63db58fad6b80985316203326eac66a33a4260161733e6a88a.jpg

    This radio (Yaesu FT-857) uses two antennas, one for UHF / VHF and the other for lower frequencies (HF), so there’s one on each pannier rack. The radio and antenna tuner are in the rear case. I put it on the ground so I wouldn’t be right next to the HF antenna when transmitting; gotta get a long mic cord.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c8b39238f5bdb3512df5cc39a691f5bcbfe1855ecf22ee918572e5ae0f3b6f60.jpg

    The upper left corner where those cords are will eventually hold a 12v 12ah LiFePO4 battery, right now I’m using the bike’s power distribution panel which is limited to 20 amps; the radio can draw up to 22 amps at 100 watts output.
    Eventually I’ll fix up the Econoline with the same antenna mounts and cabling so the radio box can be used with either vehicle.

  8. Wayne Moyer Avatar
    Wayne Moyer

    In my car news is something small. I’m helping my twenty year old buy his first car with his own money. I’ve helped him search on Craigslist, EBay Motors, and Facebook Marketplace. We are going to go see the one that he has it nailed down on Saturday morning at 9am. Which will be fun since I work second shift until 1am but it will be worth it.
    He’s been working throughout this whole mess because he is a fastfood employee and has been saving up his money for a year. This made him essential. What he has picked isn’t a car guys car but he is following a thing that i told him. Find something that makes you excited when you go out and look at in the driveway. He’s been smart about making it newer as well. So his budget is tight and the car isn’t new but let’s see how it goes. If tomorrow’s car doesn’t work out then there are many more to go to. If it does work out than I will likely post it in next weeks news update.

    1. Wayne Moyer Avatar
      Wayne Moyer

      Well that went quicker than expected. So I’ll post it now. He bought the 2009 PT Cruiser. I’m such a proud Dad. The family has had it for eight years and their son has been using it. So they know the history of it which is awesome. This is entirely his money which means that I’ll be teaching him how to take care of his first big purchase. Which is also awesome. The car is in great shape except for some repaired damage to a quarter panel. It didn’t take all of his money. So we are already talking about getting the timing belt replaced and some other things done while its being worked on. Just to make it his.
      I am so stoked and so is he. Sure it’s not the coolest car or even the most reliable but it should be cheap to insure and cheap to own.

      https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ff788b3c87069550922d15244ef9f287c1ca06f9dc75739210058a167237cb54.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f2583530ba2165e11f876aaf7c057cb055b6464b9255d7b03294390cdd01efc0.jpg

      1. nanoop Avatar

        He must be aware of the piece by Regular Car Reviews about the PT Cruiser, so he can tell people about the manifestation of postmodernism in this kind of “aging retro”.

        Link for convenience:

        1. Wayne Moyer Avatar
          Wayne Moyer

          That’s a fun review and yeah there is the whole thing about postmodernism. It was the design that attracted him. Gen Z’s are different.

          1. nanoop Avatar

            I may be born mid-70ies, but I am still new to this generation alphabet game. I am X, then millennials, then Z, there is no Y, right?

          2. Wayne Moyer Avatar
            Wayne Moyer

            I’m born in 72. It’s Gen X, millennial (technically Y but don’t call them that), then Z which is our kids. The Millennial like to call Z “Zoomers” because they don’t like them since they don’t really have the same ideals as they do. I hate the term Zoomer myself as I have three kids and two are born in 2000 and 2001. Which means they should have been the Millennial’s. The current Millennial’s got the term because they came of age during the Millennium.
            Does that help? So the group coming up after Z is likely to be the Alphas to start it all over again.

          3. Wayne Moyer Avatar
            Wayne Moyer

            I’m born in 72. It’s Gen X, millennial (technically Y but don’t call them that), then Z which is our kids. The Millennial like to call Z “Zoomers” because they don’t like them since they don’t really have the same ideals as they do. I hate the term Zoomer myself as I have three kids and two are born in 2000 and 2001. Which means they should have been the Millennial’s. The current Millennial’s got the term because they came of age during the Millennium.
            Does that help? So the group coming up after Z is likely to be the Alphas to start it all over again.

      2. Maymar Avatar
        Maymar

        Common parts, known quantity, lots of room to haul stuff, not a bad choice. I have a friend who owned one while in college, and for his sake, it was just a hatchback with a stick that had lots of room for guitars, but it served him well.

  9. outback_ute Avatar
    outback_ute

    Surely Mazda’ s PP means peripheral port – they’re bringing the rotary back!

    1. nanoop Avatar

      Penta Piston – five edges are better than three!

  10. Fuhrman16 Avatar
    Fuhrman16

    My automotive news is this followed me home today. It’s a 1977 Buick Century coupe, 3.8L V6, 64,000 miles, last registered for road use in 1990. The body’s in great shape with hardly any rust, the interior is a good wipe down from looking showroom fresh, and it will hopefully be running by weekend’s end.
    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3fd6d921116b1f207dde8e93bfffd781d33bf94edc6a828ee68afa2bccd6d416.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/f648f430f6764373798e52f3f895bde9edd1f549c0dcec7ddf58690c145cf9ee.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/271872de180d0473c1ea73decb71f205cb50d92370eeacaeb8d39c88bffe2172.jpg

    1. I_Borgward Avatar
      I_Borgward

      Nice! I’m a sucker for a clean white interior, myself. 1977! That was the year when some of the mid-sizers like this Century were bigger than the newly-downsized full-sizers (that was a fun sentence to type).

    2. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      Wow, great find. How is it so clean after sitting unused for 30 years?

    3. Zentropy Avatar
      Zentropy

      Handsome car with lots of potential. In my opinion, the “new-old-car” feeling is so much more exciting than the “new-car” feeling. That first day of going through the car, assessing the details, creating a plan for the restoration… I love that. Enjoy!!

    4. Scoutdude Avatar
      Scoutdude

      Nice, now I’m thinking about my 1973 Century Luxus. It had the same white seats, but since the car was blue the items that are tan in yours were blue in mine.

    5. Wayne Moyer Avatar
      Wayne Moyer

      Yeah how did you find this? What’s the story on it. Heck maybe you can get the story published here if you have pictures. I’m sure they would be glad to.

      1. Fuhrman16 Avatar
        Fuhrman16

        It was part of a big classic car/estate auction a couple hours away. This was apparently the guy’s daily driver from back in the day that he parked in a shed. It seems that there was an attempt to get it road worthy again sometime in the past 10-15 years (I found an unused collector car plate and registration under the seat) which might explain why it looks as fresh as it is.

        1. Wayne Moyer Avatar
          Wayne Moyer

          I’ve been to a couple of those sales and twenty year old cars from seniors can go cheap but not things like this. These can catch a decent price if the right person is there. Do you mind if i ask what you paid? You don’t have to say.

          1. Fuhrman16 Avatar
            Fuhrman16

            $1870 after all the fees and such.

          2. Wayne Moyer Avatar
            Wayne Moyer

            You did really well. It really does look like that you can get some really good deals at those sales.

  11. Smaglik Avatar
    Smaglik

    I paid the price for taking my x3 and trailer to the ‘end of the world’ as it is called here, 90 minutes on forest roads, many pretty rough, to camp and solicit oak, and look over the canyon to sedona. Both of those went well, as the three of us filled 3 trailers and a pickup with larger diameter oak, truly a damp dream in the world of firewood gathering. The price? Sliced a sidewall. Was able to make it back with the help of a compressor, but now I have one tire at 10/32 and 3 at 6/32 on an AWD vehicle, and I’m finding that while the internet tells you to just shave it, not many folks do that anymore.

    Additionally, I’m embarking on a road trip tomorrow to a number of destinations east of home to visit friends. What is of note to this crowd is that I’ve ordered parts to fix the ailing mechatronic unit in the transmission in the wagon, as well as to fix the oil pan gasket leak in that vehicle. One of my friends has a lift in his garage, and we’re going to tackle those over a week… I’ll update as we screw it up!? https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/728da8f292d9f174ab1fc35f6621855fb00fd865d4606596435b15ad0e02860e.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/de6da793b17b943dc4e2e3d27aa495409f57e233040a20b71313684fdcf07030.jpg

    1. Fuhrman16 Avatar
      Fuhrman16

      Beautiful view!

  12. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    What if– and it’s a big if— designers simply dipped into BMW’s history, rediscovered the 503, and were inspired by its taller grille? Probably not. Regardless, there was obviously no attempt to capture the earlier car’s elegance.

    https://www.supercars.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1955_BMW_503Coup1.jpg

  13. Manic_King Avatar
    Manic_King

    Henrik Fisker probably has some ideas how to fix this atrocity, like he had for 2006 Fisker Latigo CS (not my cup of tea, that clown/joker face, but Fisker has moved on probably from that style):

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9556b7e991bea90c8ed4777ce215e089db71b435ee564b54754c187b2e576a35.jpg

    1. Sjalabais Avatar
      Sjalabais

      But if you would want to buy that conversion you will have to…bleed through your nose.

      Yeah, yeah, I know where the door is.

  14. Manic_King Avatar
    Manic_King

    MS Paint let’s go. At least on just leaked M4 the changes needed are not that big. Left is my ‘shop, IMHO seems modern enough without being ridiculous.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/44c4561ebe7ec3cfa49e6d3e5aa9884d6e4dcff543d3359c480aff983fbefa1b.jpg

    1. caltemus Avatar
      caltemus

      They still look low to my eye. I’d keep the full mass of the kidney above the bumper bar, i like where the OEM grille starts at the top. Then it continues the line on top of the headlight

      1. Manic_King Avatar
        Manic_King

        I tried that first, removed the kidneys from lower grille level but it looked strange this way. Top part needs to be lower down, maybe less than I did + I did put that reg plate too high, should be maybe 2 inches lower.
        Also maybe kidneys need to be ‘closed’ to be real BMW, I’ll make myself another drink and try once more later.

  15. salguod Avatar

    The grille isn’t the only problem with that BMW. The rest of the car is simply inoffensive. Kind of a blend of new Mustang and Altima coupe where you keep the worst of each.

    Oh, and that’s no Hoffmeister kink, it’s going the wrong way. That’s just an uninspired window shape. Sad.

    In other news, it is appears that the starter is going out on the Ranger. And my wife’s Accord goes to the dealer for a regular maintenance. I think it might be the first time I’ve paid a dealer for a regular maintenance service. This one is mostly an oil change and transmission fluid change. We’re going to look at new Accords while we are there too.

  16. Vincent CarFreak Avatar
    Vincent CarFreak

    Interesting, very interesting!