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The addition of a six-cylinder engine to BMW's flagship 7-series lineup might let the recession's sour taste seep into the mouths of some Bimmer fans, but it shouldn't. After all, the 7-series was a six-cylinder-only model from its U.S. introduction for 1978 until 1988, when the twelve-cylinder 750iL debuted. BMW hasn't built a six-cylinder 7-series for the U.S. since the 1992 model year (the 735i), but the twin-turbo straight six in the 2011 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li is a big-league engine that's clearly worthy of BMW's top sedan, what with its 315 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Indeed, the powerplant produces nineteen more horsepower and only two fewer pound-feet than the aforementioned V-12 7-series of twenty years ago.

From the hood scoop to the chiseled sheetmetal, the new M3 coupe is both restrained and extroverted, in true German style. The Melbourne metallic red paint-a reasonable $550 option-two pairs of chrome tailpipes, and a carbon-fiber roof complete the subtle yet conspicuous high-performance look. The options boxes were liberally checked on this car bringing the price to just over $66,000. It's worth noting that this M3 coupe was fitted with the standard-issue wheels instead of the bright aluminum wheels that come as part of the $2500 competition package included on this car. Although I've only seen them side-by-side in pictures, I think I prefer the standard gray wheels as they temper the M3s conspicuous half.

From the hood scoop to the chiseled sheetmetal, the new M3 coupe is both restrained and extroverted, in true German style. The Melbourne metallic red paint-a reasonable $550 option-two pairs of chrome tailpipes, and a carbon-fiber roof complete the subtle yet conspicuous high-performance look. The options boxes were liberally checked on this car bringing the price to just over $66,000. It's worth noting that this M3 coupe was fitted with the standard-issue wheels instead of the bright aluminum wheels that come as part of the $2500 competition package included on this car. Although I've only seen them side-by-side in pictures, I think I prefer the standard gray wheels as they temper the M3s conspicuous half.inline_mediumwraptextright0033358929/reviews/editors_notebook/1005_2010_bmw_m3_coupe1005_11+2010_bMW_m3_coupe+side.jpgtrue

With the simultaneous launch of the 5-series Gran Turismo and the Panamera, BMW and Porsche have created a new vehicle category. No, the segment doesn't require the vehicles be ugly, that's just a side effect. Instead, the new breed is characterized by sporty driving dynamics, luxury equipment, rear-seat opulence, and a slanted back that is as much about style as it is about functionality.

With the simultaneous launch of the 5-series Gran Turismo and the Panamera, BMW and Porsche have created a new vehicle category. No, the segment doesn't require the vehicles be ugly, that's just a side effect. Instead, the new breed is characterized by sporty driving dynamics, luxury equipment, rear-seat opulence, and a slanted back that is as much about style as it is about functionality.inline_mediumwraptextright0027607406/reviews/driven/1004_bmw_550i_gran_turismo_vs_porsche_panamera_s1004_39+bMW_550i_gran_turismo_and_porsche_panamera_s+side_view.jpgtrue