Latest news with #carenthusiasts
RNZ News
12 hours ago
- General
- RNZ News
Sirens, choppers, burnouts reported in Levin, one year on from violent boy racer conflict
Events a year ago this weekend turned violent, with confrontations between a large crowd and police in Levin. Photo: NZ Police / Supplied Levin residents say police and hoons are already out in force on the anniversary of earlier conflict. Last year, a gathering of more than 200 people and cars in Levin turned violent on Saturday 1 June, with a crowd blocking the town's main street, and officers reporting projectiles thrown at them. A year later, on Friday night, "riot police" had closed State Highway 1 through central Levin, the administrator of popular Facebook page Traffic Fox said. Video showed police standing in formation with shields and body armour, across the highway at the central Queen Street and Oxford Street shops, with multiple sirens heard and many thick dark tyre skid marks seen in circles on the intersection in front of them. "At around 10pm, hundreds of car enthusiasts, or "boy racers" converged on Levin and tried to close off the main highway doing burnouts and skids, police were prepared and stopped a lot of it," the Traffic Fox administrator said. "Yet bottles were smashed, rubber was laid, a couple of people were arrested for carrying weapons, riot police were out in force, cars were rammed etc. Even the Police Eagle helicopter was brought down from Auckland!" Much of the group had left the town by about 11pm, and were heading north toward Palmerston North, she said. More than 100 comments on Levin social media groups showed locals were following the progress of the police helicopter across the town, with many reporting the helicopters were tracking boy racers. "Sounds are going hard now, from police sirens to choppers, to burn outs, to police chases ... quite uneasy for Levin locals," one person said on a local forum, shortly before 11pm, Friday. "[We] will see if this current government puts its 2025 boy racer legislation where it's mouth is," another commenter said. Stuff reported a large gathering of boy racers were expected in the town for King's Birthday Weekend, but were not wanted. Horowhenua District Mayor Bernie Wanden told Stuff the town has "had a gutsful", and did not want hoons coming back and causing "mayhem". Police were aware of the event and had plans and resources to respond, he said. Police did not respond to RNZ's request for comment. Earlier this month, the government announced stiffer punishments for those convicted of offences related to boy-racing, and for drivers who fail to stop for police. Those caught doing burnouts or taking part in unauthorised street racing or intimidating convoys faced vehicle destruction as a presumptive sentence, while fines for making excess noise from a vehicle were also raised. At the time of the announcement, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said New Zealanders were sick and tired of seeing "idiot drivers" put the community at risk. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
ArabGT
3 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
All You Need to Know About the 2026 BMW M2 CS
2026 BMW M2 CS ; On May 25, 2025, BMW pulled the wraps off the highly anticipated CS variant of its high-performance compact coupe, the 2026 M2. Embodying the ethos of 'Absolute Power and Extreme Lightness,' this model claims the title of the most compact yet ferociously capable M car in BMW's modern arsenal. Today, we dive deep into its official mechanical credentials. Enhanced Power from a Proven Engine At the core of the 2026 BMW M2 CS lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, now tuned to churn out an impressive 523 horsepower and 649 Nm of torque. That's a 50 hp and 49 Nm bump over the standard automatic M2 we previously tested at ArabGT. These new figures set a new benchmark for rear-wheel-drive performance under the BMW M Power badge. Engineers didn't just amplify performance—they also shaved 97 pounds off the curb weight, bringing the M2 CS down to 1,710 kilograms. This was made possible through strategic use of carbon fiber components including body panels, a ducktail-style trunk lid, lightweight forged wheels, and standard-issue carbon racing seats. Precision-Tuned for Performance The 2026 BMW M2 CS doesn't just pack more muscle—it's also smarter on its feet. The chassis has been meticulously re-engineered: stiffer springs, recalibrated adaptive dampers, and finely tuned systems for the electronic differential, ABS, and stability control ensure flawless power delivery and rear-wheel grip, even under intense pressure. BMW claims the M2 CS rockets from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.7 seconds, with top speed electronically capped at 188 mph (302 km/h). These figures place it at the summit of rear-wheel-drive performance in the M lineup. Production Timeline and Launch Schedule Production of the M2 CS is set to commence in August 2025 at BMW's San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico. Customer deliveries are slated for fall 2025, God willing. While official pricing has yet to be confirmed, early estimates suggest a global sticker price around $100,000 (SAR 375,000). That positions it well above the base 2026 M2, which starts at $69,375 (SAR 260,156). 2026 BMW M2 CS Gallery: The 2026 BMW M2 CS delivers a visceral driving experience by combining electrifying power with the weight-saving magic of carbon fiber. For enthusiasts craving a machine that fuses racetrack DNA with daily drivability, this latest CS model stands as the ultimate manifestation of M performance.
Car and Driver
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 BMW M2 CS Is the Most Powerful Rear-Drive M Car You Can Buy
The 2026 BMW M2 CS features a 523-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six, making it the mightiest rear-wheel-drive M car. The CS is also lighter than the M2 Competition, and it's only offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The new M2 CS will start at $99,775 when it goes on sale sometime later this year. Let's get your first question out of the way: No, there is no manual version of the new 2026 BMW M2 CS. All versions of the most performance-oriented M2 will come with an eight-speed automatic. This decision isn't surprising since the CS (short for Competition Sport) is the ultimate M2, the one designed to produce the best acceleration and lap times. But when M2 customers are saving the manuals—half of all M2s sold in the United States have a six-speed manual—the question makes sense. The last M2 CS offered a manual and was a rare and wonderful little beast of a car. A More Muscular M2 There's better news under the hood where the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six now makes 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That's 50 more ponies and 36 more pound-feet than the standard M2, and it's 79 hp more than the previous-generation M2 CS. The engine is a version of the M3 Competition xDrive's, but it is 20 horses shy of the 543-hp screamer in the M3 CS. BMW resisted adding all-wheel drive, making the M2 CS the most powerful rear-drive M car you can buy. View Exterior Photos BMW Like its predecessor, the CS undergoes a weight-loss diet that includes a carbon-fiber roof, trunk lid, mirror caps, and the rear diffuser. We're told the ducktail rear spoiler that flips up coquettishly is functional besides looking good. Up front, the styling doesn't change, but the air passages are optimized to flow more air into the radiators. Inside, there are M carbon racing-style seats and various interior trim bits. Coupled with the standard forged aluminum wheels, BMW claims the CS comes in at 3770 pounds, a near 100-pound reduction. But the last M2 (a manual) weighed 3745 pounds on our scales, less than BMW's 3814-pound claim for that same car. So, BMW's number for the new M2 CS is likely conservative. For those looking to shed more weight, carbon-ceramic brakes are an $8500 option. View Interior Photos BMW Surprisingly, we haven't tested the current M2 with an automatic, so a direct comparison of the specifications is a little complicated. In our hands, the manual-equipped M2 hit 60 in 3.9 seconds. BMW claims a believable 3.7 seconds for the new CS, which is 0.2 second quicker than the company's claim for the 473-hp, automatic M2. A thorough retuning of the suspension has us eagerly anticipating our first chance to drive the new M2 CS. Its predecessor had a wonderfully direct and willing feel that made approaching its cornering limits a joy. The CS now sits 0.2 inch lower thanks to new springs. The adaptive dampers are also unique to the CS and have their own programming. Stability control and M Dynamic mode have been tweaked as well to let drivers have a little more leeway before coming to the rescue. BMW View Exterior Photos BMW A Nearly Six-Figure M2 Slated to go on sale before the end of the year, the 2026 BMW M2 CS will start at $99,775, which amounts to $33,100 more than the regular 2025 M2's base price. All M2s, including the CS, are made in BMW's Mexican plant, so some of the CS's lofty price is likely a reflection of the current tariffs in the United States. If the tariff situation continues, we'd expect the M2 to cost more next year, shrinking the price gap between the standard car and the CS, but it's too early to say for sure. And to the M2 buyers who own the six-speed, thank you for saving the manuals. Tony Quiroga Editor-in-Chief Tony Quiroga is a 20-year-veteran Car and Driver editor, writer, and car reviewer and the 19th editor-in-chief for the magazine since its founding in 1955. He has subscribed to Car and Driver since age six. "Growing up, I read every issue of Car and Driver cover to cover, sometimes three or more times. It's the place I wanted to work since I could read," Quiroga says. He moved from Automobile Magazine to an associate editor position at Car and Driver in 2004. Over the years, he has held nearly every editorial position in print and digital, edited several special issues, and also helped produce C/D's early YouTube efforts. He is also the longest-tenured test driver for Lightning Lap, having lapped Virginia International Raceway's Grand Course more than 2000 times over 12 years. Read full bio
ArabGT
4 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Owning a Ferrari for Under 30K Starts with the Mondial
In the world of classic cars, the saying 'you get what you pay for' often rings true. But what if owning a real Ferrari didn't require breaking the bank? Believe it or not, there's a way into the Prancing Horse club for under $30,000—enter the Ferrari Mondial. This report explores why the Mondial is the most affordable Ferrari you can buy today. Why the Ferrari Mondial is the Cheapest Ferrari Available Launched in the 1980s, the Mondial was a unique proposition from Ferrari: a mid-engined four-seater coupe powered by a 3.0- or 3.2-liter V8. Depending on the variant, it produced between 214 and 270 horsepower. However, its angular design failed to capture the same admiration as curvier icons like the 328 or 355. Enthusiasts remain split—some appreciate its balanced layout, while others criticize the complexity of its maintenance. Several factors contribute to its modest price tag: Challenging maintenance : Engine access requires lifting the rear compartment, significantly driving up labor costs. Parts scarcity : While some structural components are common, crucial items like cooling and electrical parts are rare and expensive to source—often imported from Europe. Lack of prestige: Unlike the 308 or Testarossa, the Mondial never achieved elite performance status, leaving it in the shadows of more iconic siblings. Why Consider Buying a Ferrari Mondial? Despite its drawbacks, the Mondial offers unique advantages: Affordable entry into Ferrari ownership : With prices between $25,000 and $30,000 (SAR 93,750 to 112,500), it's the most accessible route to experiencing the Ferrari legacy. Classic V8 symphony : That unmistakable Ferrari engine note has remained unchanged for decades, delivering a rich auditory experience. Investment potential: As clean examples become rarer, well-maintained models may see gradual value appreciation. What to Check Before Buying Before diving in, keep these points in mind: Service history : Confirm documented maintenance, especially timing belt replacements within the last 5 years or under 30,000 km. Brake and tire condition : The car uses custom-sized tires that are increasingly hard to find, and the ABS may need upgrading. Electrical systems : Aging wiring and dashboards can be troublesome, leading to unpredictable failures and costly repairs. Professional support: Always consult a Ferrari-certified workshop and consider joining the Mondial Owners Club for reliable technical guidance. If your dream is to own a Ferrari without spending a fortune, the Mondial offers an enticing gateway. It delivers the soul of Maranello in a package that, while flawed, is full of charm and heritage. Just remember—buying cheap doesn't mean running costs are light. Proper care, a thorough pre-purchase inspection, and a readiness to tackle maintenance costs are essential. With the right preparation, the Mondial could be your ticket to Ferrari ownership at a price no other model can match.
Auto Express
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
BMW M2 CS returns with bold new look and plenty of power
The current, second-generation BMW M2 arrived in 2022 and while many thought a hotter Competition variant would make a comeback, BMW has skipped this step entirely by revealing the new M2 CS. Like the previous BMW M2 CS, this new model sits at the top of the M2 line up - with plenty of powertrain and chassis upgrades to go with its more aggressive looks. Pricing hasn't been revealed just yet, though we expect a hefty premium over the standard M2's £68,705 price tag. We've seen the CS moniker not just on the old M2, but also on the previous-generation M5, as well as the current M3 and M4. All those cars got a noticeable power bump and it's the same story here. While the regular M2 has 473bhp and 600Nm of torque, we expect the CS to get well over 500bhp and 650Nm – using the same basic twin-turbocharged three-litre straight-six as the standard car. An interior image shows that power will go to the rear-wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with a six-speed manual option unlikely. We've seen the CS testing in prototype guise plenty of times ahead of its reveal, although there are some new styling cues to take in here. Firstly, the rear end has a prominent ducktail spoiler that's integrated into the bootlid (as on the recent M4 CSL) and a unique diffuser. The CS also gets a matt black front splitter, a carbon-fibre roof and bespoke, gold, staggered wheels – although it's not yet known how all of this will affect the M2's 1,780kg kerbweight. Advertisement - Article continues below Inside, there's plenty of M-branding, with added 'CS' logos and a carbon centre console. The CS gets more serious bucket seats, too, and – we suspect – some extra track-focused driving modes. UK customer deliveries are expected to begin in the coming months. However, prospective buyers may have to move quickly, because the new CS could be a 'limited run', just like the previous version, which was limited to just 2,200 units globally. Are you happy to see the BMW M2 CS return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section... Find a car with the experts New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini's potential return New Ford Fiesta: latest details on supermini's potential return The Ford Fiesta could be coming back as an electric car, and here's everything we know so far Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers? Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution Flawed hybrid car efficiency data to stifle UK EV sales and propagate pollution Half a million extra PHEVs could reach UK roads by 2030 in place of cleaner EVs due to changes surrounding the ZEV Mandate
