Tag: News

  • MANHART GOLF GTI 290 MK8 UNVEILED

    The Manhart Golf GTI 290 takes a regular Mk8 Golf GTI and ramps it up to Clubsport levels alongside more aggressive aesthetics. 

    With the Mk8 Golf GTI sharing a lot of its components with its predecessor, the Mk7, it wasn’t going to be long before we saw a number of companies making their own revisions. Manhart, famed for modifying BMWs but caters for other marques, is one such company. For the Mk7 Golf R, Manhart produced the RS450, and in doing so, learned a few lessons it could transfer to the Mk8.

    Manhart Golf GTI 290

    The Manhart Golf GTI 290 turns the wick up on the EA888-powered Mk8 Golf GTI, upping its power from 245hp to 290hp (286bhp) and its torque from 273lb ft to 313lb ft thanks to its in-house MHtronik Powerbox, a piggyback ECU module that adjusts fuel and boost pressure.

    Manhart Golf GTI 290

    To give the car a more purposeful look, the body was lowered 40mm in total by way of H&R lowering springs, while the factory-spec wheels were replaced with 8x19inch Manhart multi-spoke wheels shod in 225/35 section tyres. Further modifications to the exterior include a more aggressive rear diffuser as well as pin stripe decals on both sides, bonnet, roof and rear. Inside, the headliner is filled with small LEDs to produce a starry sky effect. Those who want to modify further can explore Manhart’s exhaust options.

    Prices for the Manhart Golf GTI 290 performance upgrades start from £1300, with the lowering springs coming in at £300 and the wheels £1400. Given the Mk8 Golf GTI Clubsport comes in at roughly £3755, would you opt for the Manhart upgrades or simply order a Clubsport form factory?

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  • 2022 BMW M240I XDRIVE REVEALED…

    …kinda. This is the new 2022 BMW M240i xDrive, but as you can see, it’s in camouflage. What we do know is that it keeps the six-cylinder turbocharged engine and gets 374hp.

    The BMW M2 was arguably the best M car BMW has produced for a while, so this upcoming 2022 2 Series has a lot to live up to in order to provide the foundation for a brilliant performance car. Thankfully, the new top model (at present), the M240i xDrive, has retained its heart in the form of the B58 turbocharged six-cylinder engine and not adopted the smaller four-pot engine that the BMW M135i xDrive received.

    2022 BMW M240i xDrive

    While the car has been photographed in camouflage here, we do know that underneath, BMW engineers have worked hard to retain the near-50:50 weight distribution that the 2er boasted in its first generation. We also know that BMW has employed its clever new all-wheel drive system that allows the vehicle to interchange between fully rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. This ensures that every BMW boasts the same tail-happy goodness that we’ve grown to love.

    2022 BMW M240i xDrive

    For the 2022 BMW M240i xDrive, BMW has stiffened the body across the board by 40% for the 2 Series to improve agility. Also new, as standard, are stroke-dependent dampers, which allows for higher damping forces when going over large bumps. This doesn’t replace adaptive suspension all together, instead, a new Adaptive M Chassis is offered as an option which brings in electronically controlled dampers for the driver to switch between comfort and sport driving styles.

    From launch later in the year, the 2022 BMW 2 Series will be available as a 220i, 22od, 230i and M240i xDrive. Engines and driven wheels change between models but the BMW 230i gets rear-wheel drive and the B48 turbocharged four-pot as seen in MINIs as well as the M135i xDrive.

    There’s no wording on pricing at the moment, but we’ll update you as and when they’re announced.

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  • THREE MEN FOUR WHEELS: NEW TV SERIES

    What is the greatest racing car ever made? That’s the question that new TV series Three Men Four Wheels will try and answer as it launches on Quest at 9pm on June 24.

    Antique and classic car dealer Drew Pritchard (Salvage Hunters), motoring broadcaster Andy Jaye & British racing driver Marino Franchitti are your three men and each episode will see them debating some of the greatest race and sports cars ever built.

    Three Men Four Wheels

    Jaguar. Trac Môn Anglesey Circuit.

    Getting their mitts on some serious motoring gems, Three Men Four Wheels takes an exclusive look behind the scenes of some of the most thrilling vehicles ever built, such as the eye wateringly expensive Porsche 911 S-T, Colin McRae’s 555 world famous machine and possibly the greatest F1 car ever, the Lotus 72.

    Three Men Four Wheels

    With access to extremely rare cars, they go where cameras have never filmed before at the Porsche Motorsport Garage, housing more than £100million worth of cars as well as gaining rare access to Ten Tenths, the private car collection of Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.

    Drew Pritchard, Marino Franchitti and Andy Jaye at Ferrari showroom.

    Poring over every inch of some of the most incredible vehicles ever made, Three Men Four Wheels gives you breath-taking driving, pure passion and genuine best mates desperately debating their car choice for top trumps!

    The first of 10 episodes airs on Quest TV on June 24th at 9pm. Freesat channel 167, Sky channel 144, Freeview channel 37 and Virgin channel 172.

    Three Men Four Wheels

    Three Men Four Wheels: Episode Breakdown

    1. The Ferrari F40…with Drew, who hates it, struggling to get into the car due to an ill-fitting race suit.

    2. The Stovebolt Special. A one of a kind car that holds a very special place in Drew’s heart.

    3. The Lotus 72. The greatest F1 car ever built? Marino is given ultra exclusive access to a very special machine.

    4. The Mini. Not only do we meet the Monte Carlo winning car (and drive it), we also get to hang out with the legend Paddy Hopkirk – at his house!

    5. The Aston Martin Ulster. A divisive episode, which also features Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.

    6. Porsche 911 ST. Not just any 911, this one is hyper-rare and eye wateringly expensive.

    7. Subrau Impreza – Colin McRae’s 555 world famous machine. A very special episode where Marino gets to drive his old friends iconic car, and remember the legend of Colin.

    8. Bugatti T35. Another special car for Drew…who instantly attempts to buy it, only to be given a children’s replica.

    9. Jaguar XJ220. The car which probably divided the gang most of all, but which brought the Welsh hills alive when we tested it on track.

    10. The Nasty Habit Hot Rod. So dangerous Marino refused to get in it, and it set the track on fire! Literally!

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