New BMW M3! Plus £1,500 cheap car challenge and where have all the convertibles gone? | TGS
About this episode
After a chaotic trip to Le Mans, the hosts return to dissect the action-packed weekend, comparing the thunderous Cadillac V8 to the screaming Aston Martin Valkyrie. They dive into the highly anticipated BMW Neue Klasse concept, debating what it means for the future of the electric M3. Plus, they share stories from their visit to Girardo & Co., where they got up close with a legendary Lancia Delta S4, and discuss the launch of the new PistonHeads 98 Collective.
BMW's new M Concept Neue Klasse isn't just a glimpse into the next M3 - it's practically the finished article.
In this episode, Cam and Sam break down everything they learned from the M Concept's world premiere at Le Mans, detailing the massive differences between the upcoming electric and combustion versions.
Then the two dive into a classic £1,500 cheap car challenge before wrapping things up with a troubling story on the frustrating decline of convertible sales and why there's no sign of a rescue mission anytime soon.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
11:35 BMW M Concept Neue Klasse
34:03 £1,500 cheap car challenge
52:54 Where have all the convertibles gone?
Topics:
BMW M Concept: https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-germancars/le-mans-debut-for-bmw-m-concept-neue-klasse/51299
Fun for £1,500: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=255&t=2144944
Convertible sales down: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=2144467
Cam’s MG TF: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20573202
Sam’s Audi A4: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20598036
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Le Mans
"We had quite possibly the most frantic Le Mans ever. The idea was that we were going to record a podcast live at Le Mans and bring you updates from on the ground."
A famous race track in France where drivers compete in a grueling 24-hour race to see who can drive the furthest distance.
The Circuit de la Sarthe, located in Le Mans, France, is a legendary semi-permanent race track famous for hosting the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car endurance race.
Nürburgring
"I think maybe we're both in agreement that the circuit itself isn't as spectacular as somewhere like the Nurburgring just for obvious reasons. It looks more like a track. Nothing beats the Nurburgring as a circuit."
A massive, incredibly challenging race track in Germany that car companies use to test how fast and well-handling their new cars are.
A historic motorsport complex in Germany, featuring the famous 20.8 km Nordschleife (North Loop) circuit, widely used by manufacturers for vehicle testing and development.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
"The Valkyrie sounded unbelievable there because you kind of need I'm a big, big, big Cadillac fan. And when you hear them coming, it's like, whoa."
An extremely rare, multi-million dollar hypercar designed with Formula 1 technology and powered by an incredibly loud, high-pitched V12 engine.
A limited-production hybrid sports car built collaboratively by Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing Advanced Technologies. It features a high-revving 6.5-liter naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 engine producing over 1,000 horsepower.
Lancia Delta S4
"Dude, you missed out on that big time because it was epic. I got to sit in a Delta S4 rally car. Yeah. Maybe jealous, why don't you?"
A famous 1980s rally race car that used both a supercharger and a turbocharger to make extreme amounts of power, built before rally rules were changed for safety.
A legendary Group B rally car built by Lancia in the mid-1980s, famous for its twincharged (supercharged and turbocharged) 1.8-liter engine and advanced all-wheel-drive system.
BMW Vision Neue Klasse
"One of the big stories that we should really cover from Le Mans that I think is going to be, it's going to be big right until the car's announced is the new BMW M-Concept. Yeah. Is that what it's called? M-Concept Neuerklasse."
A futuristic concept car that shows what BMW's upcoming electric cars and sedans will look and feel like in the near future.
A concept car showcasing BMW's next-generation electric vehicle platform, design language, and technology suite, set to underpin future production models like the next-generation 3 Series.
BMW M3
"And obviously, unofficially, it's kind of M3 preview. Yes. Yeah. So this is super highly anticipated because there's been a lot of ambiguity about what the next M3 is going to be."
A high-performance version of BMW's popular 3 Series sedan, designed to be incredibly fast on a race track while still being practical enough for daily driving.
BMW's benchmark high-performance compact executive car, traditionally powered by high-revving inline-six or V8 engines and celebrated for its sharp handling and everyday usability.
BMW i3
"...be what this looks like, if you have seen the new i3 Neue Classe, which I think is a really smart look..."
The BMW i3 is an all-electric car. While it used to be a small, futuristic hatchback, BMW is redesigning it as a modern electric sedan using their newest technology.
The BMW i3 nameplate is transitioning from the quirky, carbon-fiber hatchback of the 2010s to an upcoming all-electric sedan based on BMW's next-generation 'Neue Klasse' architecture. This new platform represents a major leap forward in battery technology, software, and sustainable manufacturing for the brand.
Neue Classe
"...what this looks like, if you have seen the new i3 Neue Classe, which I think is a really smart looking thing, i..."
Neue Klasse is the name for BMW's newest family of electric cars. It represents a fresh start for the company, focusing on advanced battery technology and modern, simple designs.
'Neue Klasse' (New Class) is BMW's upcoming next-generation modular platform designed specifically for electric vehicles, debuting in the mid-2020s. It represents a major shift for the brand, introducing 800-volt battery technology, highly efficient electric motors, and a minimalist design language that pays homage to the original 1960s Neue Klasse sedans.
Audi RS5
"...g is on another level. It's up there with the new RS5, which again, is a properly hunkered thing. It lo..."
The Audi RS5 is a sporty, high-performance version of Audi's luxury coupe. It has a powerful engine and all-wheel drive, making it fast and stable in all kinds of weather.
The Audi RS5 is a high-performance coupe and Sportback that sits at the top of the A5 family, competing directly with the BMW M4. The latest generation features a muscular, wide-body stance and is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Bmw M
"...l? I've forgotten already Van Neil, isn't it? Mr. BMW M Boss and Boss of Design as well, Oliver. And they..."
The BMW M Coupe is a unique, two-door sports car from the late 1990s and early 2000s that looks like a small station wagon. It is famous for its unusual shape and its high-performance engine.
The BMW M Coupe (E36/8), often affectionately referred to as the 'clown shoe' due to its distinctive shooting-brake styling, is a high-performance hatchback coupe based on the Z3 roadster. It is highly prized by collectors for its quirky design, stiff chassis, and engaging driving dynamics.
Ferrari 430
"...hey're looking a little bit like the intake off a Ferrari 430 Scuderia. That is a reference. But just kind of s..."
The 430 Scuderia is a special, lighter, and faster version of a mid-2000s Ferrari sports car. It was built specifically to perform well on race tracks while still being legal to drive on public roads.
The Ferrari 430 Scuderia is a track-focused, lightweight version of the F430 sports car, developed with input from Michael Schumacher. It features a stripped-out interior, a faster-shifting F1 automated manual gearbox, and a naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V8 producing 503 horsepower.
Ferrari LaFerrari
"...at joins to a splitter that's not dissimilar to a LaFerrari. Yeah, yeah. I see that. I definitely see the LaF..."
The LaFerrari is an extremely rare and expensive hybrid supercar made by the Italian company Ferrari. It uses both a powerful gas engine and an electric motor to go incredibly fast.
The Ferrari LaFerrari is a limited-production hybrid supercar that represents one of the 'Holy Trinity' of hypercars from the 2010s. It combines a screaming 6.3-liter V12 engine with an F1-derived KERS hybrid system to produce a combined 950 horsepower.
Frank van Meel
"That is exactly what I asked CEO M division, who's Frank Van Miel. Sorry, I said Van Miel earlier because I'm thinking of another person called Van Miel. Van Miel, definitely."
The big boss in charge of BMW's "M" division, which is the special group that designs their fastest and most sporty cars.
The CEO of BMW's high-performance M division, responsible for overseeing the development of the brand's most iconic sports cars and its transition toward electrification.
BMW S58
"No, no, no, they haven't. They've kept the S58, which has just recently been refreshed for Euro 7, which obviously means a lot more WLTP, but they've done what they always do, these brands..."
A highly respected, very powerful six-cylinder engine built by BMW for their fastest sports cars.
BMW M's high-performance 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, famous for its robust closed-deck design, high redline, and exceptional power delivery in models like the M3, M4, and M2.
WLTP
"They've kept the S58, which has just recently been refreshed for Euro 7, which obviously means a lot more WLTP, but they've done what they always do..."
A standardized test used by governments to measure how fuel-efficient a car is or how far an electric car can drive on a single charge.
Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure, a global standardized laboratory test used to measure fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and electric range for passenger cars.
BMW M2
"...ery familiar with that because that's also in the M2 CS and it is an amazing engine, the M2 CS that I ..."
The BMW M2 is a small, two-door luxury sports car built for high performance and fast driving. It is the smallest and most agile of BMW's dedicated 'M' performance cars.
The BMW M2 is a compact, high-performance coupe loved by enthusiasts for its agile handling and powerful turbocharged inline-six engine. The track-focused M2 CS variant is highly coveted for its lightweight components, upgraded suspension, and increased power.
BMW F36
"BMW used to do really lovely wheels. So I don't understand why they've just been that off. They were really good at that. I mean, your car's got a nice wheel. Yes, my F 36 435. I understand the lovely, lovely grip. I understand it would have to be updated for a cut because it would"
The BMW 4 Series is a luxury car that comes as a two-door coupe, a convertible, or a sleek four-door hatchback. It is designed to be a sportier and more stylish alternative to the standard BMW 3 Series sedan.
The BMW 4 Series is a line of compact executive coupes, convertibles, and five-door fastbacks (Gran Coupe) that split off from the 3 Series lineup to offer sportier styling and wider proportions. The first generation (F32/F33/F36) is highly regarded for its elegant design, while the second generation (G22/G23/G26) introduced a more controversial, vertical kidney grille.
Hyundai Ioniq 5N
"...y you're going to simulate torque curves like the Ioniq 5n has with your gear shifts. They were like, no, th..."
BMW M5
"...really took some getting used to when I drove the M5 is that when you shift, I've correct me if I'm wr..."
The BMW M5 is a high-performance, sporty version of BMW's mid-sized luxury sedan. It is designed to offer the comfort of a luxury family car combined with the speed and handling of a race car.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance midsize luxury sedan that serves as the benchmark for executive sports cars. The latest generation introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor, delivering immense power alongside significant weight.
iX3 (G08)
"...when they, the first electric BMW I drove was the IX3 and they got Hans Zimmer to create the sound for ..."
The BMW iX3 is an electric version of BMW's popular mid-sized SUV, the X3. It looks and feels like a normal luxury family SUV but runs entirely on battery power.
The BMW iX3 (G08) is an all-electric compact luxury crossover SUV based on the conventional gas-powered X3. It features a rear-mounted electric motor and a 80 kWh battery pack, offering a familiar luxury SUV experience with zero-emissions driving and unique synthetic driving sounds composed by Hans Zimmer.
Porsche Cayman
"...t going to be able to sell any electric boxes and Caymans. We need to keep petrol alive. I think BMW, I don..."
The Porsche Cayman is a small, two-door sports car made by the German company Porsche. It has its engine in the middle of the car, which helps it balance well and handle corners very smoothly.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine, two-seat sports car renowned for its exceptional balance, precise handling, and driver engagement. Positioned below the 911, it has historically utilized turbocharged flat-four and naturally aspirated flat-six engines.
Toyota GR Yaris
"Looking at, so I've just been, we'll talk about this on a, on a later pod, just been driving the in air quotes, new Toyota GI Yaris is in the one that launched a couple of years ago."
A tiny, rally-inspired hatchback built by Toyota that is incredibly fast, features all-wheel drive, and is highly sought after by car enthusiasts.
A homologation special hot hatchback developed by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, featuring a powerful 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.
Mazda MX-5
"ideas that I've come up with, but are unlikely in budget is in Mazda MX five and Z three. Yeah. I think you're going to struggle..."
A small, lightweight, two-door convertible sports car from Mazda that is famous for being incredibly fun to drive without costing a fortune.
Also known as the Miata, the Mazda MX-5 is the world's best-selling two-seat sports car, celebrated for its lightweight design, rear-wheel-drive layout, and perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
BMW Z3
"ideas that I've come up with, but are unlikely in budget is in Mazda MX five and Z three. Yeah. I think you're going to struggle to we definitely couldn't find anything..."
A classic two-seat convertible sports car built by BMW in the late 1990s, known for its long hood and retro styling.
A rear-wheel-drive sports car produced by BMW from 1995 to 2002, sharing its platform with the E36 3 Series and famously featured in the James Bond film GoldenEye.
C-Class C200
"First I've gone for, I'd smoke around in this. I've gone for a 2007 Mercedes C class. It's a C 200. So it's only 1800 CC, but got 163 horsepower."
A comfortable, mid-sized luxury sedan built by Mercedes-Benz, popular for daily commuting and highway driving.
Mercedes-Benz's compact executive car line, with the 2007 model (W204 generation) noted for its sharp styling, improved reliability, and comfortable ride.
Audi A4 Convertible
"Drop the roof Audi A4. It's a 1.8T, 2005. So same era. Also silver on silver and as far as wheels and bodywork are concerned..."
A four-seat convertible version of Audi's popular A4 sedan, designed for comfortable open-air cruising.
The open-top variant of Audi's popular compact executive car, offering a premium cabin, refined ride, and a range of turbocharged engines.
SEAT León FR
"There's no mention from his Lordship that we need Eulez. So diesel it is for my Seat Leon. It's a two litre TDI FR. The reason I've chosen it is because it's a 168 brake horsepower car."
A sporty, practical hatchback built in Spain using Volkswagen parts, known for being fun to drive and fuel-efficient.
A sporty hatchback from Spanish automaker SEAT, sharing its platform and engines with the Volkswagen Golf, with the "FR" (Formula Racing) trim offering enhanced performance and styling.
Ford Fiesta
"...2008. So right at the end of its production line, Ford Fiesta 1.6 Z-TEC S 30th anniversary edition. Blimey. Tha..."
The Ford Fiesta Active is a small hatchback car that has been styled to look a bit like an SUV. It sits slightly higher off the ground and has extra plastic trim to protect it from scratches.
The Ford Fiesta Active is a rugged, crossover-inspired version of the popular Fiesta subcompact hatchback, featuring a raised ride height, plastic body cladding, and roof rails. It was designed to offer the efficiency and agility of a small hatchback with the adventurous styling and slightly better ground clearance of an SUV.
Dacia Duster
"...t you wouldn't know it because it is a 2013 Dacia Duster. Lovely. Good cars. It's a petrol. It's a manual...."
The Dacia Duster is a simple, affordable compact SUV. It is designed to be practical, reliable, and cheap to buy and run, without unnecessary luxury features.
The Dacia Duster is a compact SUV produced by the Romanian manufacturer Dacia, celebrated for offering rugged capability and practical space at an incredibly budget-friendly price point. The 2013 model year represents the first generation, which gained a cult following for its no-nonsense, utilitarian charm.
MG TF
"If you can't tell what it is from what we've been talking about, it is an MGTF from 2003 in blue. And it's, it's got 98,000 miles."
A small, affordable British sports car with the engine placed in the middle of the car for better handling.
A mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive roadster produced by MG Rover from 2002 to 2005, featuring a lightweight chassis and the lively Rover K-Series engine.
Mercedes-Benz Cclass
"Yeah, go on. You sold me then. MGTF. That's my choice. Well, I'll contrast that massively with my C-Class, my Avant-Garde SE. Are you sure? Because I think if this was my money, I would want the A4. Oh, yeah, I do like the A4, but I'm just like, it's posh and I could put classic FM on the other one."
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact luxury sedan made by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. It is designed to be a comfortable, premium everyday car with upscale features.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive car that offers a blend of luxury, technology, and comfort. The 'Avantgarde SE' trim was a popular specification in older generations, offering a sportier aesthetic and upgraded equipment.
TVR Griffith 500
"But if you've got a slightly larger budget, oh boy, do we have some convertibles for you to choose from much like a very jazzy colored TVR Griffith 500. Oh, wow."
A wild, loud British sports car from the 1990s that has a massive V8 engine but no modern safety features like traction control, making it very exciting (and tricky) to drive.
A lightweight, fiberglass-bodied British sports car powered by a thunderous Rover-derived V8 engine, famous for its lack of electronic driver aids and raw performance.
Pontiac GTO
"... spec room. It is even more basic. But little red GTO has found a story from the BBC and they've linked..."
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American car known for having a very powerful engine in a standard-sized body. It is famous for being one of the original 'muscle cars' designed for straight-line speed.
The Pontiac GTO is an iconic American muscle car, widely credited with popularizing the muscle car trend in the 1960s by stuffing a large V8 engine into a mid-sized coupe. The nameplate was later revived in the mid-2000s as a rebadged Holden Monaro import.
Peugeot 206
"...cars. Nissan, Micro, Ford Focus, Renault, McGahn, Peugeot 206, and they've all died off spectacularly. Arnold C..."
The Peugeot 206 3-door is a small, budget-friendly French hatchback with two side doors and a rear hatchback door. It was very popular in Europe as an easy-to-drive city car.
The Peugeot 206 is a supermini car produced by the French manufacturer Peugeot, with the 3-door hatchback variant being a highly popular choice for young drivers in the late 1990s and 2000s. It became a massive commercial success thanks to its chic styling, affordable running costs, and agile handling.
scuttle shake
"If you go over a slightly uneven road and you get that, that kind of scuttle rattle as well. Scuttle shape. I just always imagine it's like having a, a chassis made of new guard."
The annoying vibrating or shaking feeling you get in a convertible when you drive over bumps, caused by the car not having a solid roof to keep the body stiff.
A phenomenon in convertible cars where the lack of a fixed roof reduces structural rigidity, causing the body and steering column to vibrate or shudder when driving over uneven surfaces.
Opel Astra
"...even know if they did one, but like a focus or an astra of that gen drop top with a diesel. And to be fai..."
The Opel Astra is a common, practical family hatchback made by the German brand Opel. It is designed for everyday driving, offering a balance of comfort, space, and affordable running costs.
The Opel Astra is a long-running family hatchback and estate car that has been a staple of the European compact segment for decades. The context refers to older convertible generations (like the Astra G or H TwinTop), which offered affordable open-top motoring with a variety of petrol and diesel engines.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
"Well, funnily enough, the car I'm driving next for PH will be the 911 GT3 SC. Very on topic. Very cool. Convertible. We both saw it at the same time with our best mate Andreas Prowley."
A street-legal race car version of the famous Porsche 911, built with a massive rear wing and designed to go as fast as possible around a race track.
The track-focused, naturally aspirated flagship of the Porsche 911 lineup, featuring extreme aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and a high-revving motorsport-derived flat-six engine.
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