Why the BMW M4 is better than the M3 V8 (2013)

It’s no exaggeration to say that the turbocharged engine in the upcoming BMW M3 (saloon) and M4 (coupe) models is one of the most important engines ever produced by BMW’s M Division. No, it’s not the first turbo lump the performance off-shoot has built – you'll probably know we’ve already had the X5/X6M mutants plus the brilliant 1M and M5 and M6 – but it is the first turbo ever to slot in a production M3, the car that personifies BMW’s iconic performance sub brand, which itself has always been defined by high-revving, naturally aspirated engines. All of this explains why M’s engineers have cut their teeth on other engines first before plucking up the courage to develop the M3/M4 turbo while turning their backs on the outgoing E92 M3’s exceptional V8.

Fiat Panda Cross comes to the UK

By Tom Richards Motor Industry 11 August 2008 13:04 Finally Fiat is launching the Panda Cross in the UK. It's essentially a plastic addenda-clad version of the existing Panda 4x4, but the Cross has so far only been available in mainland Europe. Like the exisiting Panda 4x4 it features a permanent four-wheel drive system and an electronic differential lock, so should you choose to take the fields home, traction won’t be a problem. But the Panda Cross also gets new round front and rear lights, chunky side sills in contrasting colours to the body, new bumpers, 15-inch alloys and a two-tone interior.

Renault Frendzy concept

Renault has revealed details of the Frendzy concept ahead of its anticipated debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. Fully electric, and with an asymmetrical design, the compact vehicle is the fourth 'life-cycle' concept to be unveiled since Laurens van den Acker took over from Patrick leQuement. Designed by Deyan Denkov (exterior) and RCA graduate Ana Zadnik (interior), the Frendzy's design blends the utility of a commercial business vehicle and the comfort of a family car.