Bucket Seat: BMW M2 CS

Meet BMW's all new M2 CS, the sledgehammer!  First shown this week at the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza  at Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. A car show for those with a more refined taste in automobiles, one would hardly picture a CS owner in loafers, 3/4 chinos and bow tie sipping fine Champagne with carviar laced horderves but regardless, BMW always loves to challenge the norm and they did so with some fashion. The new BMW M2 CS further raises the bar for sheer driving pleasure at the premium end of the compact high-performance sports car segment. Outstanding agility, a significant increase in power output, supreme dynamics and particularly sporty design characteristics make driving the latest exclusive special-edition model from BMW M GmbH an enthralling experience. 

The new BMW M2 CS is based on the second generation of the BMW M2 and significantly improves what is already an extraordinary level of performance. For example, the high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology develops an impressive 390 kW in the BMW M2 CS. That is 37 kW more than in the current BMW M2. As such, the BMW M2 CS matches the performance of the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive. The BMW M2 CS sends its power to the rear wheels via the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which comes as standard.

For the BMW M2 CS, BMW M GmbH has opted for an upgraded version of the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line engine found in the standard M2. This intensifies the performance experience in the special edition, particularly in highly dynamic driving situations. It further sharpens the engine’s unmistakable power characteristics and perfectly accentuates the linear power delivery – sustained into the higher reaches of the rev range – familiar from M models. Compared to the BMW M2 with standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, maximum torque has been raised by 50 Nm to 650 Nm and is available across a broad rev range – between 2,650 and 5,730 rpm. The engine produces its maximum power output of 390 kW at 6,250 rpm, with the engine speed topping out at 7,200 rpm. In order to allow extremely rapid reactions to the driver’s requests for acceleration and to make the improved performance characteristics of the engine a particularly intense experience, the accelerator mapping and response have been optimised in all the drive modes, which are selectable via the M Setup menu.

A model-specific engine mounting with a higher spring rate makes for a particularly rigid connection of the drive unit to the structure of the BMW M2 CS. The extremely direct transmission of power to the drivetrain optimises response. Thanks to the lightning-fast power delivery, in combination with the increased engine power and the car’s lighter weight, the BMW M2 CS is able to break the four-second barrier for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. It’s time of 3.8 seconds is 0.2 seconds faster than for the standard M2. The figure calculated using the “1-foot rollout” method** is 3.5 seconds. The increase in power also enhances acceleration from rest to 200 km/h. The time required here is reduced by 1.2 seconds to 11.7 seconds – or 11.4 seconds according to the “1‑foot rollout” method**. The mid-range sprint from 80 to 120 km/h takes 3.4 seconds. The top speed of the special-edition model, which comes with the M Driver’s Package as standard, is electronically limited to 302 km/h. The dynamic power delivery is backed by an emotionally rich engine note conjured by the M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps and the four exhaust pipes typical of M, which come in matte black on the BMW M2 CS. For those wishing to retrofit their car, the M Performance silencer system with carbon and titanium tailpipe trims developed specifically for CS models is available for the first time in the range of M Performance Parts for the BMW M2 CS. The lightweight valve exhaust system with titanium mufflers generates a racing-car sound guaranteed to stir the emotions. The Active Sound Design helps to convey the engine’s soundtrack authentically inside the cabin, with the intensity raised another notch when SPORT or SPORT PLUS mode is selected using the Driving Experience Control switch.

The punchy exterior of the BMW M2 CS is shaped by many components made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and other exclusive details. As well as the M exterior mirror caps familiar from the BMW M2, the M Carbon roof – which comes as standard on the special-edition model – and CS-specific rear diffuser are also made from eye-catching exposed carbon fibre. A front splitter in matte black and an exclusive black BMW M kidney grille with optimised air inlets complete the sporty and dynamic look. The lightweight CFRP boot lid with integrated ducktail is a real head-turner. The “M2 CS” logo on the rear has a red outline. Four colours are available for the exterior finish of the new BMW M2 CS: Sapphire Black metallic, BMW Individual Velvet Blue metallic, M Brooklyn Grey metallic and M Portimao Blue metallic. Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling High Beam Assistant and M lights Shadowline with dark inlays are also standard.

The BMW M2 CS will be available locally in the second quarter of 2026, with pricing and number of models being announced closer to the time. 

Bucket Seat: Toyota GR86

When building a great sports car, one of the fundamentals behind the design is to give the car perfect balance. Some would argue that power is all that matters but without balance, you're not going to be able to do those high speeds or do it comfortably. When Toyota first launched the 86 coupe, it was brought in as an affordable sports coupe for the purist, powered by a 2.0L Subaru sourced 4cylinder Boxer engine. It wasn't the fastest but with its design and low center of gravity, it proved to be quite a hit with many purely coming back to the fact that they managed to obtain a perfect balance and feel with the car. I got the opportunity to spend a week with the second generation 86 coupe which now dons the Gazoo Racing badge to see if they've managed to keep that balance and feel, along with a little bit more oomph from that new engine. 

DESIGN

The team at Subaru and Toyota again joined forces to produce a new look to the 86, while keeping the shape generally the same, the car has grown in length and width. The front styling is more distinctly Toyota with the rear very Subaru. The design is sleep with the front end having larger front headlamps with LED tech and day time running lights. The hood is more slanted and has a big gaping grille to allow for cooling to the engine bay. There is two angular air scoops with a black border that's directed at the front wheels for brake cooling with a matching air outlet behind the wheel arch, while these are functional, they add a very sporty look to the car. Certain angles when looking at the 86, it gives off Porsche Cayman vibes which isn't a bad thing if you ask me. The rear end is also very neatly designed with various height changes coming down from the back winds shield that tapers onto the boot lid, a nice little scoop style spoiler wraps around the curved edge with a solid black line that runs across the width and ties into the rear lights which have LED inserts for the indicators. The bottom diffusor is blacked out with twin round tailpipes on either end and like the previous generation 86, it features reflectors at the center. 18-inch 10-spoke blacked out rims adorned the GR86 which provides a great contrast to the bright red colour it is. The interior almost looks like a carbon copy of the old until you start inspecting it closely, you'll find that the design is actually better with a larger tub and great use of materials and textures adding to the sporty look. 

PERFORMANCE

The new GR86 is powered by a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated boxer engine from Subaru that generates 174kW and 250Nm of peak torque, all which is fused to a 6-speed manual short shifting gearbox that will have you grinning like Eskom just announced no load shedding over the long weekend. Look, I can't guarantee you the no load shedding part but this car will bring you tonnes of enjoyment. When I was talking about balance in the start of this review, getting behind the wheel of the GR86 will tell you all you need to know about it, it's effortless in steering which is perfect as your one hand will be on the gear knob and the other maneuvering the wheel around the bends. Yes! That is just how good this car is, I very rarely found myself having the need to be ten-to-two with it because of its sporty nature and high torque, when going at it around the twisty's this car just comes into its element. Toyota's catch phrase for it is "born to perform" and my word does it live up to it. The D4-S dual injection engine allows for more aggressive throttle performance which gives it a grunt of note. It's quick off the mark and picks up speed on the straight well, it's top end speed isn't the greatest but as I found when driving the car, straight roads isn't it's play ground, throw some bends in and it will be leaving the competition in it's dust. 

COMFORT

It's a sports car, so its not meant to be comfortable, it's low to the ground which means getting in and out can be tricky for someone like me but you know what, i didn't care one bit. The sport seats are nice though, snug fit with extra padding means you and the front passenger have a nice comfortable chair to be in, to make it more fancy, they threw in two setting seat warmers! The dash is well laid out, lots of plastic used, I presume for weight saving purposes, while it is good quality plastic, I feel that could have changed things up with the introduction of some suede here and there. There's a large touch screen infotainment display that has built-in mobile apps that is only accessible via USB, this is located in the large center storage compartment. There's dual zone climate control which is controlled by the three dials below the screen, these have built-in LCD's that display the temperature and fan speeds. The flick switch type controls below are for the other AC controls such as demister and aircon modes. The three pedals and finished off in machined steel with large holes to complete the racing car look. The GR badge is prominent on the bottom of the wheel with multi-function controls for radio and telephone. The instrument cluster is digital with the rev counter large and in center to give you that ultimate Adrenalin boost when revving this bad boy up. The rear seats, if I could call them that isn't design for human seating if I'm being honest, apart form the space being really limited, it's not really comfortable as the front seats. It's better used for additional storage should the boot not be big enough. The back rests do drop to extend the luggage hold. While the boot is shallow, with the seats dropped I did manage to get two sets of golf clubs in there. 

VERDICT

I love this car, while many may dub is as a baby Supra I think that is doing an injustice to it. The GR86 has its own character and appeal. The amount of fun this car can bring you as a motoring purist is unparamount. I think due to it being a fiesty little sports car with brilliant handling, it gives you the type of exciting driving that you don't need to being going extremely fast. The near perfect weight distribution is adds to the thrill of the balance, the design of the car is sculpted for speed and with the GR badge added to the mix, it's got heritage behind it. While Subaru opted not to bring in their version of the car to our shores, I can understand why, with the Toyota badge on it along with the Gazoo Racing backing, this model would be the clear winner in sales. I don't know what else to tell you about this car but I'll tell you this, the night before I was handing it back, I just got off my couch at 8pm and decided to take a 60km drive up the North coast in Durban, just to make sure I got one last good joy ride out of it. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.4L flat-four petrol boxer engine
Gear Box	6-speed manual
Torque	250Nm
Power	174W
0-100km/h	6.4 seconds
Price	R733,500*

*base price 

 

Bucket Seat: Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible

Ever since Ford launched their Mustang locally back in 2016, I've been dying to get behind this iconic American sports coupe. There's no denying the heritage and legacy that comes with the Mustang, we've seen it in movies, TV shows. It's easily one of the most recognizable cars in the world and when Ford South Africa deciding to bring this much loved model to the country, many enthusiasts were keen to see what it was all about. The Mustang was launched with two engine variants, the monstrous 5.0 V8 and the 2.3 Ecoboost engine, now many snubbed the smaller engine saying it doesn't live up to what a Mustang is, that raw American V8 power and while I can understand their point, the 2.3 Ecoboost isn't any slouch as this was the same engine that powered the manic Ford Focus RS. After waiting and praying to drive one, my prayers were finally answered last month as I got to spend a few days with the Ford Mustang Convertible, it was the 2.3 Ecoboost but I was not phased as it was my first Mustang and I was excited like a kid on Christmas morning to get behind the wheel. 

DESIGN

This is the face-lift model of the Mustang that was launched here in 2016, the overall design remains unchanged with subtle enhancements made to the front end, with the lights given more detail and presence than previous. The car is a looker, whether the top is on or off, it gets peoples heads turning. Looking stylish in Lucid Metallic Red, with blacked out Luster Nickel 19" rims, there was no denying that this car looked good. This car is a modern interpretation of the Mustangs of the past and you can make out the iconic design styles as you walk around the car, with the long hood, low stance and wide body, Ford have done an exceptional job on this design. There really isn't a bad angle to this car, trust me, over the four days I had it, I checked, even by the number of strangers that complimented me on the car, it was apparent that it was a firm favourite for many. Moving on the inside, the design remains unchanged with almost the exact same setup as the previous model, what I did like about the convertible is that with the roof open or closed, the luggage space was not compromised, the one thing that did annoy me was the coverings for the exposed sides with the roof down, which was a mission to attach so I just left them off. 

PERFORMANCE

Now the main thing that will get people about this particular model is the engine, as mentioned it does come with the 2.3L Ecoboost motor which is no dud, while it not be classified as "American Muscle" this motor does punch out 213kW and 441Nm of torque. That is impressive numbers, the one downfall to all this is probably the gearbox. The Mustang comes with a 10-speed automatic box which in my opinion is too many gears! While I understand why the V8 motor might need that many gears, for me the Ecoboost would have been so much better with an 8-speed box. On take off the car is a bit front heavy and the gearbox does go in a bit of a shock mode if you floor it, all that torque, power taking its time to come through does have you sitting and contemplating if you're ever going to get going but once you do, trust me you definitely going! This issue was when driving in normal mode, pop it into sport mode and it gets a bit more responsive and it even has a drag race mode which completely takes away all those issues but this is obviously for a straight line boost. Having a car like this with a weekend called for a Sunday breakfast run, something which Im glad I did as this car definitely proved its worth, navigating on the windy roads of the KZN North Coast, I really felt at ease with the Mustang, the heavy chassis kept the car planted, the power delivery was spot on when exiting corners and the breaks were superb. Having a cloth roof didn't even have a major impact on handling or cabin noise but the part that really put a smile on my face was this car taming a Porsche Boxster on the run and that really gave me a new found respect to it. 

COMFORT

Anyone who knows me, would know I hate driving with the sunroof open or the roof down as I get annoyed with the sun very quickly but with this car, the sun didn't bother me one bit. Every opportunity I got, the roof was coming down for my drive and if it was hot, the climate control helped blow some cool air on me to keep me in comfort, side note- I did get some sunburn while doing this so remember to use sunscreen! With the car having such a low ride height, you'd think this will make things a bit awkward for tall people, not so though, there was ample space for me to be behind the wheel and the seats were super comfy and also had a heater function, though with my seat pushed back to accommodate my long legs, this meant the rear passenger seats served no purpose apart from storing extra shopping. I did manage to get four adults in the car but can't really say it was comfortable for any of us but I guess just being in a Mustang helped us keep our mind off the discomfort. Other creature comforts in the Mustang is the large infotainment screen with Ford Sync 3 which has Android Auto and Apple Car Play, it also came with a Bang & Olufsen Sound System with a 12" sub woofer in the trunk! As an Indian guy this pleased me a lot, I mean a drop top with a cracking sound system?! Who needed a V8 when all you are going to do is cruise along the coast blasting the tunes? 

VERDICT

Overall, there's not much to say besides, IT'S A MUSTANG! Yes. its big, yes its in your face but that is what Mustangs are meant to be. If you want something modest, go buy a Corolla. It was my first drive in a Mustang and it lived up to everything I hoped it would. The fine mix of technology with the old is also great, which doesn't stray too much away from the legacy of the American icon. The styling is on point with great looks and options for you to choose from and customize the look of your Mustang. It still retains that great heritage and as mentioned, even with the Ecoboost motor, you're still getting quality performance that rivals others in its class. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.3L EcoBoost
Gear Box	10-Speed Automatic
Torque	441Nm
Power	231kW
Economy	No one cares, its a Mustang
Price	R930,370

Pictures by @dbn_spotter 

Bucket Seat: Audi RS5 Sportback

It's always difficult when you get a test car from a new manufacturer for the first time, you want to make a good impression so they continue giving you their cars and you always extra careful with the car, making sure you don't anything stupid with it. Then comes the part about being honest about the cars, I mean if the car doesn't meet your expectations, you have to be honest with your readers, but at the same time don't make the criticism too harsh to piss off the manufacturer, thankfully I haven't encounter that problem yet. A few weeks ago I was given my first Audi test car,  Audi's been one of SA's favourite brands over the past few decades, it's sister brand VW is extremely popular with the masses and it also proved to be a stepping stone for those who wanted more luxury and refinement in their drive. For my first Audi I was fortunate enough to get one of their powerhouse performance cars, the Audi RS5 Sportback. Now many who aren't too family with the Audi line up, the A5 is their Coupe variant of the mid range sedan the A4, the Sportback is a four door version of the coupe, like a Gran Coupe. 

DESIGN

It's not often I'd say a design is faultless but with the RS5 Sportback it's pretty much, being the range topping performance model, you would expect it to look the part. So a nice wide body that sits low with extra flares and added bits to give it that sporty menacing look and Audi has given it all of that and a little bit more. Just looking at this car is doing your eyes a visual favour. While the elegance and charm of the A5 is essentially still there, the team at Audi Performance made sure you wouldn't confuse this one with a regular A5 Sportback, from any angle! They're tons of added elements that just make you think "that's clever" or "that works so well on this". Standing and viewing it from the front, with that lowered stance, and the word "quattro" embossed on the front splitter bottom, just echoes what this car is all about and also harks back to their heritage with the quattro models of the past. On the inside, the sportiness continues with racing seats with a honey comb pattern, RS5 stitched on the head rest, added brushed aluminium and chrome finishes. Overall faultless design for me, and the added extras like coloured calipers and elements added to the lights finished in high gloss black really make the car stand out more. 

PERFORMANCE

I've driven a lot of fast cars in my life, but nothing will prepare you for the utter insanity of the RS5 power plant. Push start and your ears are greeted by the raucous twin tail pipes echoing the start of the beast which is the 2.9L Twin Turbo V6 beneath the bonnet. Just giving it a few revs while in idle has the whole car tipping to the side, displaying the brute levels of torque that it makes. The previous generation RS5 utilized the 4.2L naturally aspirated V8, and there was a lot of negative comments about this turbo powered engine when it first was made known about, but after driving this car for a week, it's actually better that the V8. Hard to believe I know and bold words spoken by me but it produces 331kW, 450bhp, and 600Nm of torque, all very similar or more than the previous engine. Then comes the question about turbo lag, no idea what voodoo they're doing at Audi HQ but there is almost none with this car, instant power when pedal meets metal, 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds! That is ridiculous, with a top speed electronically limited to 280. When dynamic mode is engaged, the trust in which the RS5 generates, pushes you and your passengers into your seats, giving you an adrenaline overdrive.

COMFORT

While the Audi RS5 Sportback does sit lower than more sedans, the ride comfort is still pretty great. Even with the large 20-inch rims there is hardly ever any road noise in the cabin. The seats, while styled in a racing trim are also quite luxurious and soft. The back seats are bucket styled so getting three people in there is possible but might be a bit uncomfortable to the person sitting in the middle. The RS5 Sportback comes with three zone climate control and the front two seats have seat warmers and came with the optional extra massage feature. It was the first time I had a test car with this feature and lord almighty I have been missing out! It has three types of massages for you to choose from and each has different levels or intensity. It really relaxed you as your drive and minimizes the road rage demons. 

TECHNOLOGY

With cars of this nature, there's bound to be loads of tech and the RS5 did not disappoint, electric seats, with massage functionality were a big plus as I spoke off earlier. The digital cockpit, a genius stroke by Audi, one of the first to introduce this to their cars and it honestly displays everything you want to know. There was also a heads up display which project info on the windscreen which was very handy, what I liked about that was that the controls for it was an individual knob located on the the side of the dash so you could adjust to suit quite easily and not mess about in the infotainment system. Now with the infotainment system, you got a big screen in the center which for me, served very little purpose, granted there was connectivity for Apply Car Play and Android Auto but then to, it would just do the same thing and display what I was listening to but this didn't bother me too much as I know this is the outgoing system and interior from Audi and the next gen has already debuted in the Q7 and Q8. The car also came with side mirror warmers, my guess is to melt ice of them, something you wouldn't need in Durban, ever. The car came with the usual driving aids such as lane departure warning and blind-spot assist which I really liked as unlike other cars which have a tiny light on the actually mirror, the RS5 has big light on the inside of the mirror holding which is much bigger and brighter so it gets your attention right away. 

VERDICT

While I may have made it seem that all this car is good for is speed and power but the honest truth is that while that is the main draw card for it, it actually is very tame when you want it to be. A sort of Jekyll and Hyde persona, which I enjoy. It's a four door saloon which essentially is aimed at families so you can't be hurtling them from point A to point B. The car is a functional family car, with adequate luggage space, the loading compartment is made more easier to access with the large automatic tailgate. There's just something about cars like this which makes me smile from ear to ear, it car be practical and functional but also demented when you want it to be. The quattro technology lets you thrash it around bends at high speed, giving you the confidence to try it faster the next time, but not too fast, don't want to be breaking any laws of the road now. It's probably the best test car from Audi I could have possibly started with and while many ask if whatever follows would top this one, I'd like to think it would surprise in its own way. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.9L Twin Turbo V6 Petrol
Gear Box	8 Speed Tiptronic
Torque	600Nm
Power	331kW
0-100kph	4.1 Seconds
Price	R1,312,000

 Pictures by: @mvrc1988 @ridhwaanr @roarkebouffe