If you’ve heard of John Baldessari, then you can consider yourself more educated than ESM when it comes to art. He’s the man responsible for the latest in a long line of BMW Art Cars. So just what is this M6 GTLM all about? Actually, choosing the M6 GTLM as the basis for an artistic creation…
Author: EngageSportMode
Ned Jasper | 2017 Vanquish S – The last proper Aston Martin?
The greatest noise from Aston Martin this year has, understandably, been all about the new DB11. Does it mean time is up for the naturally aspirated V12 creations? Ned Jasper takes a look at the latest Vanquish S. Now, I don’t usually tend to comment on a car manufacturers yearly model alterations. The changes from the previous year are…
Motorsport | Can a Porsche 911 really be mid-engined?
With a new Porsche 911 RSR announced, EngageSportMode ponders if anything is truly sacred in 2016. It’s fair to say that 2016 has been something of a rollercoaster ride. From Brexit, to Donald Trump, and even Boaty McBoatface this has certainly not been a ‘normal’ year. However, amongst the madness, there’s always certain automotive things you can…
Ned Jasper | The Unclaimed M – Four BMWs you never knew you wanted
It’s Friday, so what better way to celebrate than with photos of BMW’s special M creations? Ned Jasper takes you through them. BMW M cars – namely the M5 and the M3. They’re blisteringly-quick saloons, right? Yes, in the past the M3’s also been a coupe and a convertible. But what about a hatchback version, or…
Editorial | Volkswagen to end World Rally Championship commitment
Another week, another Volkswagen Group motorsport project gets canned. After the end of Audi’s Le Mans campaign, now comes the closure of VW’s highly successful rally programme. ESM’s Editor reflects. Just three days after winning the 2016 Rally GB, along with more World Championship titles, Volkswagen officially that there will be no 2017 WRC campaign. The official…
Motorsport | Audi ditches Le Mans for Formula E
After almost two whole decades of dominance, one of the biggest names in endurance racing has called time on participation. Audi Sport officially announced yesterday that, at the end of 2016, the Audi brand will no longer compete in the World Endurance Championship. That means 18 years of Le Mans competition will also come to…
Short Review | 2016 BMW M240i Convertible
The M235i might be gone, but the replacement has even more performance. We took a short, topless, drive, to see if the M240i stacks up as a cut-price M2 alternative. Full disclosure. The M240i does not have a 4.0-litre engine. BMW nomenclature has paid little attention to engine capacity for years, so don’t be fooled. No, under the bonnet…
New – BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition
Saddened you couldn’t get your hands on a BMW M4 GTS? Worry no more! Now you can have one to honour a racing driver you’ve most probably never even heard of. It’s a shame the DTM series doesn’t get more coverage in the UK, with close competition between 4.0-litre V8-powered coupes sounding like a rather attractive package….
Ned Jasper | Tesla Model S 90 P90D
The Tesla Model S is kind of a big deal. No, scrap that, it’s a massive deal. We’ve heard from The Tame Geek when he drove one, but what is it like to be a passenger in the fastest four-door in the world? Ned found out. [Just a small disclaimer before I start the article,…
Twin Test Review | VW Polo GTI vs SEAT Ibiza Cupra Black
On paper these two VAG family cousins share many similarities but, peel back the surface, and you’ll discover that things aren’t quite so homogenous. Which Spanish-built supermini wins out though? If you’ve read our review of the SEAT Ibiza Cupra you’ll know there is a lot to like about this condensed hot hatch. However, sharing a powertrain and platform with the…
2016 SEAT Ibiza Cupra 1.8 TSI | Review
With the current SEAT Ibiza nearing the end of a lengthy lifecycle, the Cupra has been hotted-up for one final fling. Is this Ibiza still up for all-night rave, or is it now more last tango in Benidorm?You remember 2008, right? A time when George W. Bush was still President of the United States, ‘Rockstar’…
Friday Photo – BTCC Audi A4 quattro Super Tourer with Frank Biela
Twenty years ago the British Touring Car Championship was reaching peak popularity with global motorsport fans. On track, the 1996 season was being dominated by an all-conquering silver machine.Full disclosure – the Audi A4 quattro Super Tourer is, without doubt, the favourite BTCC machine of ESM‘s Editor. Ever. He even has the t-shirt, although it’s a little…
EngageSportMode 