[stooker]

Originally Posted by seetohey

True except Toyota has completely abandoned performance for only economy and practicality. At least BMW has fast cars, that just lack any sort of feeling/feedback.

Edit: I forgot, they have the 86. I drove one and it's actually pretty remarkably fun for a "slow" car.

Yep don’t forget the 86! I’m also a huge fan of the LFA. Would love for BMW to attempt a proper super car.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by The HACK

No way. That's like saying the hydraulic pump saps up to 5% of power. Where did you get that figure?

At most, it's the difference in maybe .1 mpg. Well within statistical error.

Studies show HPAS on small engines can use up to 15% of the power, less (10%) on larger engines. That does seem high, but those are the sort of figures quoted in worse case applications.

Using EPS definitely reduces consumption. The 0.4 l/100kms figure below, comes up in a lot of the studies.

From ZF:

Depending on vehicle type, ZF Servolectric consumes over 90% less power than hydraulic steering solutions. This means in particular that, for the NEDC driving cycle, the fuel consumption is reduced by 0.4 l/100 km, and city driving up to 0.8 l/100 km fuel savings can be realized.

Working the maths show these are not insignificant figures to be ignored, particularly when you are talking of diesel cars capable of under 6 l/100kms.

[Maynard]

FWIW, the big difference for me, when I was shopping my 228 vs the BRZ, were the IIHS ratings. Those Toyota/subarus were significantly worse in several of the major crash metrics - it showed where a lot of the engineering money went. Hoping that the new supra is truly a BMW under the skin, and not a gutted version - and also hoping they name it the Gazoo, so we can buy them at 25% off MSRP (wasn't that the alien imp on the Jetsons?)

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by Maynard

FWIW, the big difference for me, when I was shopping my 228 vs the BRZ, were the IIHS ratings. Those Toyota/subarus were significantly worse in several of the major crash metrics - it showed where a lot of the engineering money went. Hoping that the new supra is truly a BMW under the skin, and not a gutted version - and also hoping they name it the Gazoo, so we can buy them at 25% off MSRP (wasn't that the alien imp on the Jetsons?)

Flintstones.

[M2joey]

I subscribed to Car and Driver about a year ago, I am liking their articles. A couple that stand out recently are interviews with industry pool development drivers and RSR Nurburg. They are not the exact titles of course.

In regards to BMW, I feel it is like anything else. When you take some exclusive and extend it to the masses something will have to give. At the same time what is good or bad is really all in the eye of the beholder.

On thing I can say, BMW still stands strong with the media it seems. If there is a car wreck on the news and it is a BMW, the media will say "the BMW" or "a BMW". ALL other manufactures do not get this recognition.

[Maynard]

It looks to me like BMW is shifting focus for their media schmoozing - I'm seeing some signs of 'extra love' going to Automobile and Grassroots Motorsports (looks like they are getting invites to try old classics, info on the new z4 and 8, and collaborating on summer tours w/GRM). Perhaps this signals a shift back to the enthusiast drivers? I can't help but hope that the Toyota collaboration will also help juice them up to the idea that there really is a market for these sporting cars, albeit a fairly small one.

[Towerworld]

Originally Posted by boostm3

Anybody check out the Jan. 18 issue of Car and Driver? Im ready to trade in my subscription.. This issue is the much vaunted '10 Best Cars of 2018' issue, and theres not one 2 series, 3 series, or M car on the entire list of contenders.. The 5 series gets a nod, but doesnt even make it beyond the first week.

Moreover, the highly media touted M2, in comparison to the RS3 and the A5/S5 in the Ride Sharing article finishes 3rd! All they talk about is how the Mighty BMW has fallen, and loses out to MB and Audi, and a host of others.

You get the feeling that BMW must have snubbed their efforts at obtaining timely samples to test drive or something in order to be so summarily banished from any favorable comments.

What is going on between BMW and Car and Driver? What's the real reason the bromance ended?

BMW's were so well liked by reviewers because they had far better driving dynamics than any other car in their segment.

BMW's are still very good cars but their priorities have changed: mpg, 0-60 and gagets are now the main aim.

[M3nic]

Originally Posted by jpdchicago

Magazine reviews are heavily based on advertising revenues. Check the number of ads from GM, Ford and Chrysler and it should give you an idea...
True for all printed press.
BMW is getting record number in sales. Does not seem to hurt them.

Bump the post on ad revenue, I don't think they're getting the money from Bmw .

[Obioban]

Endlessly amusing how people think it's about ad revenue when magazines don't like their stuff.

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by Obioban

Endlessly amusing how people think it's about ad revenue when magazines don't like their stuff.

It must be as the products no longer speak for themselves