Filed under: Recalls, GM, Subaru, Safety, Hatchback, WagonSubaru recalls 81,100 units of the 2004 and 2005 Impreza and Saab 9-2x, which was a badge-engineered Impreza wagon, to replace faulty Takata airbag inflators.Continue reading Subaru recalls 81,0…

Every now and again the major car manufacturers invites the likes of us along to “driving days” where journalists gets to sample the latest additions to the range.

The BMW group invited us along to one such day in deepest Buckinghamshire where we got to sample shiny new MINIs and BMWs.

Top of our list was the MINI John Cooper Works or JCW for short – the fastest, most powerful production MINI ever.

If ever there was a pocket rocket, this is it. With a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. producing 231bhp, the JCW is capable of a top speed of 153mph and a 0-62mph time of between 6.1-6.3 seconds, depending on whether launch control is used ot not. Pretty impressive.

It’s fun to drive and a treat inside too, with funky dials and rocker switches. Priced from £23,050, it’s the ultimate MINI, even if it’s not the most practical because space at the rear and in the boot is limited.

It was a nice day so next up was the BMW 220d convertible. Priced from £29,185, it replaces the 1 Series convertible and its closest rival is probably the Audi A3 cabriolet.

Powered by an impressive 2.0-litre diesel, it develops 188bhp and is capable of 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 140mph.

Classy, comfortable and refined, it’s good to drive and the  cabin is well insulated from buffeting, even when driving at motorway speeds.

Next up was the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 430d xDrive – and it wasn’t just the sheep that took a shine to this super saloon.

Priced from £42,460, this is an expensive bit of kit. In fact, the car we tested was packed with options and came to £47,605, but what a package.

BMW do diesels so well and this 3.0-litre can hit 155mph, yet return 51mpg and reach 60mph in 5.3 seconds.

Designed to compete with the Audi A5, this is an handsome, impressive executive saloon with plenty of punch… most at home cruising on motorways and A roads.

Finally, we couldn’t turn down a spin in the BMW 640d M Sport Convertible. Weighing in at £81,960 with all the optional extras, this is serious open-top motoring.

With slippery styling, this big 3.0-litre grand tourer convertible can hits 60mph in 5.5 secs and a top speed of 155mph.

As you’d expect, it’s a relaxing joy to drive – more cruiser than bruiser – but it can shift if you feel so inclined.

It’s not all good news though. Some of the materials inside didn’t scream out £70,000, and of course, it’s also a total indulgence because the two rear seats have virtually no legroom. That said, it’s a statement. A big one. It’s also very satisfying wafting around in such a classy car…

The post BMW Group treat appeared first on Automotive Blog.

Filed under: MotorsportsThe FIA has opened up the application process for prospective new teams interested in joining the Formula One grid in time for the 2016 or 2017 world championship.Continue reading FIA looking for a new F1 teamFIA looking for a n…

Filed under: Buick, Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Car Buying, Used Car BuyingAutotrader identifies its top ten rides for this year’s college graduates, including an array of domestic and imported hatchbacks, crossove…

Filed under: Motorsports, UK, SpecialtyThe 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed will be the first to host a special drifting category. Mad Mike Whiddett and Ken Block are among the drivers who’ll drift the hillclimb.Continue reading Goodwood festival adds d…

Filed under: Recalls, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Safety, Canada, North America, United States, TruckGeneral Motors issues a US recall of 330,198 Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups from 2007 and 2008 to replace passenger-side Takata airbag inflators….

Filed under: Videos, Porsche, Coupe, Classics, PerformanceHarry Metcalfe is rounding out his collection of ’80s European supercars with an ’89 Porsche 911 Turbo, and he explains in his new video why these are a wonderful challenge to drive.Continue rea…

Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Chrysler, FiatFCA chairman John Elkann confirms that Sergio Marchionne sent Mary Barra an email to suggest a merger.Continue reading FCA chairman confirms Marchionne email to BarraFCA chairman confirms Marchionne email…

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, TruckA shortage of frames for the new aluminum-bodied Ford F-150 has hampered production and profits.Continue reading Ford F-150 production hampered by frame shortageFord F-150 production hampered by frame short…

Filed under: VideosWe look back at the week in Autoblog video, with drives in a 2016 Ford F-750 Tonka truck, 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat, Chevy Corvette Z06 pace car, and more.Continue reading Autoblog Video Brunch: Week of 5.25.15Autoblog Video Brunch:…