618 KILOS. THAT'S WHAT SEPARATES THE OFFICIAL kerb weights of our three protagonists, the M2 a whopping 1700kg, 1420kg for the Cayman GT4 and 1082kg for the A110 R. It's a huge disparity. One that points to just how light the Alpine is (remarkably so in the context of 2023), how bulky BMW's 'baby' M car has become, and how even Porsche is fighting to keep the kilos in check.
Nowhere punishes excess mass like a racetrack, but it's equally true to say big power - and more importantly, ample torque - can go a long way to mitigate its effects. Anglesey's 1.8-mile Coastal Circuit has a wicked blend of tricky corners and big braking areas, but it also rewards cars with the grunt to haul themselves out of slow corners.
We complete two timed runs in each car: three flyers in Track mode and/or with the most relaxed ESC mode engaged, followed by another trio of push laps with all driver aids switched off to drive free from overly protective electronics and reveal any nasty traits. Given the power/torque-to-weight stats and tyre fitments, the finishing order isn't a great surprise, the GT4 posting a best of 1:15.2 with TC on and 1:15.1 with all systems disabled, the Alpine nailing a 1:16.2 in Track mode and 1:16.4 with ESC off, and the M2 trailing on a 1:17.4 and 1:18.1. However, it's the manner in which these times are achieved that's most revealing.
Let's start with the A110 R. Easily the lightest, but also the least powerful with 296bhp and 251lb ft, it looks and feels the most authentic track car. That was its brief, after all, yet when we drove it for the first time on the international press launch in Spain it lacked sparkle and excitement around the Jarama circuit.
この記事は Evo UK の August 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は Evo UK の August 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
BEST BUYS BMW M CARS
THE PERFORMANCE CAR LANDSCAPE WOULD HAVE looked very different over the last five decades without BMW. Its M division, founded in 1972, has produced some of the best driver’s cars ever to hit the road, and in the process has provided a stream of benchmark models for its rivals to chase. In recent years, stricter emissions regulations, downsizing and electrification have seen some of those rival cars falter, yet by and large BMW’s M machines have remained strong. In fact, some rank among the greatest the department has made think of the eCoty-winning M2 CS and M5 CS while others are the only options worth recommending in their respective segments. Price tags have risen with performance, however, putting those latest offerings out of reach for many, but the marque’s popularity means there are numerous earlier M models available on the second-hand market for far more attainable figures. Here are four of our favourites.
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