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We love our long-term BMW M2, but we have a feeling we just might enjoy its successor even more. The 2019 BMW M2 Competition goes on sale this summer boasting more power, beefier brakes, and bolder design cues among other updates.

Under the hood, the M2 Competition gets a turbocharged inline-six engine based on the one found in the BMW M3 and M4. It makes 405 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque in the M2. Like before, buyers can choose between a standard six-speed manual gearbox, now featuring a new type of carbon-fiber friction lining to improve the shift feel, and an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

BMW says the DCT-equipped M2 Competition can hit 60 mph in 4.0 seconds or 4.2 seconds with the manual, but these estimates are probably conservative. Our long-term M2 with a dual-clutch hit the mark in 4.2 seconds even though it’s significantly less powerful, making 365 hp and 343 lb-ft in normal driving or 369 lb-ft in overboost.

The rear-drive M2 Competition can reach a top speed of 155 mph, limited electronically. With a M Driver’s package, however, it can launch up to 174 mph.

To improve cooling, BMW added larger kidney grilles and an updated front skirt, boosting airflow. The M2 derives its cooling system from the M4 Competition Package, with one central radiator, two side radiators, and an extra engine oil cooler. The seven-speed dual-clutch has a transmission oil cooler, as well.  The M2 Competition also gets larger brake disks, measuring 400 mm up front and 380 mm in the rear compared to the old M2’s brake disks that were 380 mm up front and 370 mm in the rear. There are also larger six-piston fixed brake calipers up front and 4-piston fixed calipers in the rear, instead of 4-pistons in front and 2-piston calipers in the rear.

BMW also updated the Active M Differential, dynamic stability control, and electromechanical power steering. The M2 takes the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic high-precision strut from the M3 and M4 to improve the rigidity of the front section and further enhance steering. Meanwhile, the exhaust system has been modified with a new muffler. The M2’s four tailpipes are finished in black chrome, complementing the blacked-out kidney grille up front.

There are two new paint colors: Sunset Orange Metallic and Hockenheim Silver, which replaces Mineral Grey Metallic. Step inside the cabin, and you’ll find black leather seats with either black or orange inserts. The seats now feature an illuminated M logo, as well as Alcantara-trimmed side bolsters, M seat belts, and contrast stitching. On the center console, there are switches that control settings for the engine, steering, stability control, and the dual-clutch.

BMW hasn’t announced pricing information, but we do know the M2 comes with standard navigation, park distance control, and collision warning and pedestrian warning with city braking function. Check out the gallery below for a closer look at the 2019 BMW M2 Competition.

Source: BMW

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GVA has appointed Leonie Oliva as a senior director within its national planning team.

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HSBC has withdrawn credit protection for suppliers of fashion chain New Look less than a month after the group had a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) approved by creditors.

Former director general for public services Andrew Hudson has been appointed to lead the review of the business rates system by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Specialist lender ABC has completed its largest loan to date with a £15m facility to fund Millngate’s development of Brockhurst Gate Retail Park in Hampshire.

Colliers International has appointed experienced lease advisory duo Nigel Ball and Mark Elbourne as directors in its licensed and leisure team.

Primary Health Properties has raised £115m in an oversubscribed fundraising ahead of plans to make further acquisitions of GP medical centres and increase development across the UK and Ireland.

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A consortium led by Cain International has secured a £390m development loan for The Stage, its £750m mixed-use project in Shoreditch.

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Compact crossovers are hot. But competition in the luxury SUV category is fierce. How fierce? Over the last couple years, we’ve seen new players from Volvo, Jaguar, Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Infiniti, and BMW. And this summer we’ll have the new Acura RDX in the dealerships. With consumers quickly shifting to SUVs, BMW redesigned its X3 to make it more attractive to buyers who want something more than a premium SUV.

The task isn’t easy. The third-generation X3 has been in U.S. dealers since last November, and from December to February, the X3 has suffered a decline in sales. In the first two months of this year, the Bavarian compact SUV is down 13.1 percent, selling 6,235 units in that time frame. Acura, for example, sold 6,727 units of the old RDX in the first two months of the year, and Mercedes put a whooping 10,196 units of the GLC on the streets during the same period. BMW, however, expects that sales of the new X3 will revamp pretty soon and is increasing its production at the Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant.

Propelled by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the X3 uses an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends all of that power to the four wheels through a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. To see how that formula works, we took it to the track to run our standardized tests. The 2018 BMW X3 got from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and completed the quarter mile run in 14.8 seconds at 92.6 mph. Those sound like good numbers—and they are—even when we compare them to our 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic long-termer (Motor Trend’s 2017 SUV of the Year), which goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and completes the quarter mile in 15.2 seconds at 89.6 mph. Our BMW tester was equipped with the Dynamic Handling package, which adds M Sport brakes. The resulting stop from 60 mph took 123 feet. The X3 took 26.9 seconds at an average 0.64 g to complete our figure-eight testing, but testing director Kim Reynolds didn’t find the Bimmer to be as fun as its new, younger sibling. We tested the X3 alongside the X2, and Reynolds said the younger model handles better. “The X3 feels heavy and not overly powerful,” he said. “It has a lot of understeer and brake feel that’s good, but it’s not nearly as communicative as the X2’s. Indeed, the X2 really puts this to shame in terms of handling as well.” However, he found the X3 chassis more solid and body motions “well controlled.”

On the city streets and highway, I found the X3’s ride smooth and comfortable. The power coming out of the 2.0 turbo is not spectacular, but press harder, and you’ll feel the punch. The driving modes available are Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport. The latter holds gears longer and provides, like its name suggests, a more dynamic drive. If you’re looking for more power, however, the BMW X3 M40i might be the model to choose, as it’s equipped with a six-cylinder inline engine that delivers 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed tranny feels well mated to the 2.0-liter engine and quickly shifts when it’s supposed to. Paddle shifters help the driver experience a more passionate drive.

After driving our Jaguar F-Pace 35t R-Sport long-termer a couple of days after spending almost a week in the X3, I found that the BMW’s suspension is way less stiff and more confortable to ride. Although our Jag rides on 20-inch wheels and the Bimmer we had rode on 19-inchers, the stiffness of the chassis was more notable on the F-Pace. Editor-in-chief Ed Loh asked me how I liked the ride quality in his long-term vehicle when I first drove it a couple of months ago, and my reaction was the same as now: very rigid. However, that difference was more notable after driving the X3. If there’s one thing that should be improved in the X3, it’s the start/stop system, which makes a lot of noise and vibrations inside the cabin when the engine is turned on or off. The system can be turned off with the push of a button, but we’ve recently seen better systems in mainstream cars, like in Chevys and Fords.

Inside, the cabin has a nice feel, but it’s a little short in terms of luxury compared to the Volvo XC60 or Mercedes-Benz GLC. Sure, the wood trim and the six-color ambient lighting make the cabin feel upscale, but in general, I didn’t really feel like I was riding in a $57,000 crossover. The center console’s design isn’t as clean as other interiors that we’ve seen in this segment, but it’s a big step up from the previous generation. One of the features that I enjoyed the most was the multicolor head-up display, which showed different information, from the travel speed to the list of radio stations available when using the tuning controls on the steering wheel. Our model was equipped with a 10.0-inch screen that can be controlled in four ways, including voice, touch, and gesture, but I found myself operating it most of the time with the iDrive controller located on the center console. The cabin is spacious, even for passengers who sit in the second row; they will feel airy with the panoramic sunroof and will enjoy air vents in the back, but it’s a bummer there are no USB ports—only one 12V port. That second row can be folded in a 40/20/40 configuration, making it easy to fit in large items like a surfboard.

Our tester included a variety of packages that brought the $42,450 base price up; these contained a Convenience package ($2,850), Driving Assistance package ($900), Dynamic Handling package ($1,300) and Premium package ($3,300). Although Apple CarPlay is standard on a Chevy Cruze, BMW charges $300 for it, but I admit I like using CarPlay wirelessly. All those options and the Harman Kardon surround sound system ($875) and a wireless charger ($500) brought our X3 to a total price of $57,470, including destination. Without a doubt, it’s an expensive model.

All in all, we enjoyed driving the 2018 BMW X3 on the highway and city streets. On the track, the X3 showed its performance roots, but we would like them to be a little more fun. Its comfortable cabin looks and feels better when compared to the previous generation, but it still has some work to do when we compare it to other players in the segment. And as that segment becomes more competitive, the X3 must stand out in the crowded group.

2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i BASE PRICE $43,645 PRICE AS TESTED $57,470 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE 2.0L/248-hp/258-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,236 lb (49/51%) WHEELBASE 112.8 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 185.9 x 74.4 x 66.0 in 0-60 MPH 6.3 sec QUARTER MILE 14.8 sec @ 92.6 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 123 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.82 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.9 sec @ 0.64 g (avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 22/29/25 mpg ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY 153/116 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.79 lb/mile

The post 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i First Test Review appeared first on Motor Trend.

Crossovers make up a small part of Kia’s vehicle lineup, but the automaker has most segments covered. It does, however, lack a big three-row. In 2009, Kia had the Borrego, but it disappeared with no word on a return. That’s about to change, as Kia is introducing a crossover that will slot above the Sorento, and this time it’s looking to go a little more upscale. Previewed two years ago as a concept, the production version of the Kia Telluride will be the largest crossover in Kia’s lineup and will likely be the first to feature the brand’s new design language for its utility vehicles.

An Upscale Cabin

When the Telluride Concept first made its debut at the 2016 Detroit auto show, it previewed a luxurious cabin, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the production model arrives with an interior that looks, feels, and actually is expensive. Although there will likely be some lower-end trims, expect the higher-end trims of the Telluride to feature interior materials similar to if not better than in the SX Limited trims of the Sorento and Cadenza. That means Nappa leather upholstery and plenty of padded surfaces to ensure that everything you touch feels expensive. Expect plenty of sound deadening and possibly wood trim to make the Telluride’s cabin quieter and look upscale.

No-Nonsense Multimedia Tech

Hyundai and Kia’s infotainment systems are well known for their user-friendliness, so expect the same on the Telluride. You won’t have to fiddle with unresponsive center stack controls; everything is so simple that even people who aren’t tech-savvy will be able to figure things out without referring to the owner’s manual.

Concept Car Looks Go Into Production

The Kia Telluride Concept was a crowd-pleaser thanks to its muscular exterior, quad ice-cube-shaped LED headlights, and futuristic yet minimalistic interior. Expect most of the concept car’s looks to remain intact when the Telluride goes into production. Based on some spy shots of a prototype caught testing recently, the car’s exterior remains close to the concept car.

The production version of the Kia Telluride will mark the first appearance of the automaker’s new design language for its crossovers. Expect future iterations of the Sorento, Soul, and Sportage to take cues from the Telluride. Because it will be Kia’s flagship utility vehicle, the Telluride will likely feature unique exterior design cues, similar to the jewellike effect on the K900’s grille.

Family First

If you really can’t be seen driving a minivan, then the Telluride should be right up your alley. Expect lots of cupholders, multiple USB ports, flexible seating configurations, and storage cubbies for small items and mobile devices. Lower-grade models could come with cloth upholstery or leather that’s not perforated. Eight seats should be standard on the Telluride. A seven-seat layout will likely be available on higher-end models with second-row captain’s chairs, which offer more adjustments and comfort.

Yes, the Value Proposition Stays

Kia has long been known for giving consumers plenty of value, which shouldn’t change for the Telluride. As with other Kia models, expect a long list of standard features and touches you typically don’t find on mainstream crossovers, such as heated second-row seats, a power-folding third row, mood lighting, and a 360-degree camera system.

No, It Likely Won’t Be Rear-Drive-Based

Sadly, the Kia Telluride is most likely not riding on the rear-drive platform that underpins a number of Genesis sedans, the Kia Stinger, and the upcoming Genesis GV80. Instead, the production Telluride will ride on a front-drive-based platform with a transverse engine layout just like the concept. Hyundai and Kia’s new HTRAC all-wheel-drive system for front-drive-based vehicles, which recently made its debut in the 2019 Santa Fe, could also possibly come standard.

V-6 Power Likely Standard

It’s expected to slot above the Sorento in terms of size, so there’s little to no chance that the Kia Telluride will come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Instead, the 3.3-liter V-6 could be the only engine offered on Kia’s largest crossover. But don’t be surprised if it gets an update before seeing duty in the Telluride. In the Sorento, it makes 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque, which should be plenty in the Telluride; however, Kia could possibly squeeze out more power and torque to handle the larger vehicle’s additional weight. Kia’s eight-speed automatic transmission should be the only gearbox available on the Telluride.

Yes, It Has Backup

When the Kia Telluride arrives, it won’t come alone. Another three-row crossover will be unveiled at around the same time from sister brand, Hyundai. We recently spied this vehicle, and it’s looking like the 2019 Santa Fe but in a larger, more imposing form, especially with the brand’s new crossover design language. Like with the Telluride, expect the unnamed Hyundai sister vehicle to feature a family-friendly cabin, V-6 power, all the usual driver-assistance nannies and user-friendly multimedia tech.

The post Kia Telluride: What to Expect from Kia’s Future Three-Row Crossover appeared first on Motor Trend.

Property developer and investor SEGRO added 67% to its rent roll during the first quarter of 2018 amid ‘encouraging’ occupational demand.

Shopping centre giant Hammerson has ditched its £3.4bn takeover of rival intu, citing the weakness of the current market.

Originally introduced back in 1964, the Ford Mustang officially turned 54 this month. To celebrate that milestone and National Mustang Day, the Motor Trend staff put together a list of our favorite Mustang models, in no particular order. Read on to see which ones we chose.

1964.5 Ford Mustang

The original Mustang might not be the fastest or the most expensive car on this list, but it’s the one that started it all. Whether there’s a base inline-six or an optional 289-cubic-inch V-8 under the hood, the 1964.5 Mustang is always going to be cool.

1968 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

When Ford updated the Mustang for 1967, it added more power in the form of a 390-cubic-inch V-8. A year later, the 335-hp Cobra Jet 428 showed up, essentially turning the Mustang into a street-legal drag racer.

1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

No list of iconic Mustangs is complete without at least one GT500, and the 1967s are legendary. But in 1968, Shelby used the Cobra Jet 428 to build an even faster version called the “King of the Road.” It’s a cool name, but it’s an even cooler Mustang.

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

To close out the 1960s, Ford introduced the Mach 1 based on the SportsRoof-body Mustang. It could be equipped with an upgraded Super Cobra Jet 428 and featured a functional shaker hood—a hood with a cutout for the engine-mounted intake. So not only would you be feeding cooler air to your engine, but you got to watch the scoop dance as you drove.

1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1

The Mustang’s early-’70s body style isn’t as iconic as earlier versions, but it’s hard to argue that the ‘71-’73 Mach 1s weren’t awesome. The twin hood scoops, two-tone hood, and graphics package scream “cool.” Appearances in Diamonds are Forever and Gone in 60 Seconds only add to this generation of Mach 1’s credibility.

1986 Ford Mustang SVO

No, the SVO didn’t have a V-8, but it still belongs on this list. When it was introduced, the SVO’s turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder made just as much power as the 5.0-liter V-8. In 1986, Ford bumped it up to an even 200 hp. By 1980s standards, that was seriously impressive.

1987-1992 Ford Mustang 5.0 LX

Ford did build an SVT Cobra version of the Fox-body Mustang, as well as a Cobra R. But the great thing about the 5.0 LX was that it looked slower than it actually was. The LX got the same 5.0-liter V-8 as the GT, but was much more sedate-looking with fewer ground effects. It was a serious sleeper in the early ‘90s, and thanks to high production volumes, 5.0 Fox-bodies are plentiful and relatively cheap these days.

2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R

The 1999 Cobra deserves credit for being the first Mustang sold with an independent rear suspension. The 2000 Cobra R, however, added side exhausts, which are always awesome. It also used a more powerful 5.4-liter V-8 that required a larger power bulge than the ‘99 Cobra and a huge, park bench-like fixed rear wing.

2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt

To mark the 40th anniversary of the legendary Steve McQueen film, Bullitt, Ford brought back the Mustang Bullitt for 2008. Like the 2001 version, it was essentially a debadged version of the Mustang GT with more power and improved handling. It came with an ultra-cool machine-turned aluminum dash and an aluminum shift knob.

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

Once Ford gave the 2011 Mustang GT a 5.0-liter V-8, it was only a matter of time before the Boss 302 nameplate made a comeback. But no one could have predicted the 2012 Boss 302 would handle as well as it did. The track-focused Boss 302 Laguna Seca version went even further, laying down lap times that would shame a BMW M3.

2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R

The Boss 302 Laguna Seca may have been a fantastic Mustang, but the 526-hp Shelby GT350R is truly world-class. In fact, with better steering, it probably would have won our 2016 Best Driver’s Car competition. Instead, it placed second, only losing to the $200,000 McLaren 570S.

The post 11 of the Coolest Ford Mustangs Ever Made appeared first on Motor Trend.

Buick has unveiled Enspire, an all-electric SUV concept, ahead of the Beijing auto show next week. The concept features a completely new design for Buick, donning a reinterpreted wing atop a blue grille, slim headlights and taillights, and a heavily raked roof.

Inside the cabin, the Enspire features a fully digital instrument cluster and a center touchscreen that blends into the dash. It also receives an augmented reality head-up display system. Drivers also have access to a 5G high-speed network. On the center console and armrests, you’ll find natural wood grain and microfiber suede.

Although it’s just a concept, Buick says it can make around 550 hp and hit 60 mph in 4 seconds. Unfortunately, that’s not nearly quick enough to beat the Tesla Model X, which we’ve tested reaching 60 mph in as little as 3.2 seconds. Still, four seconds is very respectable for an electric SUV that be recharged to 80 percent capacity within 40 minutes. The Enspire supports both fast and wireless charging.

GM has big plans for electric vehicles in the coming decade. It will bring out four new electric vehicles by 2020. Then, the automaker will introduce a new EV platform in 2021 that will underpin at least 11 vehicles. GM wants to sell 1 million electric cars annually by 2026.

Source: Buick

The post Buick Enspire Concept Revealed Ahead of Beijing Debut appeared first on Motor Trend.