Author: karla

Back in 2013, BMW and Toyota signed an agreement that was supposed to bring only good things for both parties: a new supercar, improved hybrid-technologies and better cars. Well, the bad news is that this agreement will not affect the next-generation Supra, as it will remain an in-house-developed sports car. What Toyota will do however will be to help BMW develop the next-generation Z4. The consensus believes that BMW will design and build the body of the next Z4. using lots of carbon-fiber and aluminum, while Toyota will offer its next-generation plug-in hybrid technology to the sports car.

Source: Top Speed

Seen here is a display from Star Road, the Fairlady and Skyline specialists, with a couple of their demo cars both fitted with Glow Stars — their original brand of mesh wheels.

Source: Speedhunters

Breaking from NAIAS, let’s take a glimpse at the Tokyo Auto Salon which is also happening. This Kuhl ZN6 is displayed with an intricate paint — yes it is paint and not a wrap — is nothing short of mind-blowingly complicated and time-consuming, but the result is truly art.

Source: Speedhunters

Bernie Ecclestone has stepped down from his position at Delta Topco following an indictment on bribery charges in Germany. The news comes as little surprise as Ecclestone has previously admitted to paying German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky. However, the F1 boss contends it wasn’t a bribe as he insists he paid Gribkowsky because he was threatening to reveal false details of his tax affairs. Despite stepping down, Ecclestone will still run day-to-day operations. As Delta Topco explained, “The Board believes that it is in the best interests of both the F1 business and the sport that Mr Ecclestone should continue to run the business.” However, we will be “subject to increased monitoring and control by the Board.” A trial date hasn’t been set but proceedings are expected to begin in April.

Source: World Car Fans

According to a BMW exec, the M3/M4 won’t tolerate sloppy throttle inputs. It’s without a doubt the highest-performance road car M has built, but it also requires a LOT of talent to drive … at least BMW has a network of driver’s schools to help there, starting with the teen driving program up through the BMW CCA race schools.

Source: Road & Track