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BMW reveals full details on M235i Racing

We were suitably excited when BMW first announced the imminent arrival of the M235i Racing. After all, what's not to like about a factory-prepared racecar with 333 horsepower you can pick up for just eighty grand? Now BMW has released the full details on the latest addition to its racing portfolio, where it joins the M3 DTM, M3 GT4, Z4 GTE/GT3 and 320 TC in a growing family of competition machinery prepared by BMW Motorsport.
Based on the new 2 Series coupe, the M235i Racing is the first M Performance model for the track, and boasts the line's most powerful engine: the 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six has been optimized to 333 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. A mechanical limited-slip differential helps transfer the power to the track surface, along with race-tuned ABS, DSC and traction control.
Four-pot calipers up front and two-pot calipers in the rear shave off speed for the corner and are packed inside the 18-inch alloys, with KW dampers and H&R suspension components. Inside there's a six-point racing harness and Recaro bucket surrounded by an FIA-certified roll cage, and customers can even have an extra seat installed to take passengers for ride-alongs. All of which can be yours for €59,500.00 - equivalent to $82k at today's rates, before taxes.

Is the BMW i8 actually already sold out?

The other day we brought you a report from Reuters, which quoted BMW's global sales chief Ian Robertson as saying that the Bavarian automaker had already sold out the entire year's production run of its new i8. Impressive, sure, but perhaps not all that unusual for a groundbreaking new sportscar from a major automaker, of which only limited quantities are typically built. But is the i8 really sold out?
Our compatriots at Car and Driver chased down the story and report that Robertson's claims aren't exactly accurate. According to C/D, the numbers are based on sales projections, not actual orders taken. So while BMW may build upwards of 1,900 i8 coupes next year and over 5,000 in 2015, and while they're all expected to sell, that doesn't mean that it's too late to get your order in. That is, assuming you have the $135k on hand and don't mind getting just three cylinders back in return.

Alpina Edition 50 models boast 204-mph top speed, company's most-powerful V8 ever

The folks at Alpina bridge the gap between a full factory outfit and traditional tuners. It currently only builds around 1,700 cars a year, but you're not going to find any massive rear wings or garish paint from the company. Instead, the business has been perfecting how to make BMWs better for the last 50 years and has decided to celebrate with its most powerful road model yet. For the Edition 50 models, Alpina is crafting 50 sedans or wagons and 50 coupes for European buyers based around its B5 Bi-Turbo and the B6 Bi-Turbo, respectively. The real birthday present is the upgraded, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 under the hood. It makes 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, a bump of 59 hp and 52 lb-ft from the regular versions. The extra grunt comes thanks to additions like an optimized intake, water-cooled intercoolers near the turbos, lightweight pistons and a titanium exhaust. Alpina claims that these celebratory vehicles can get to 62 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 204 miles per hour. Beyond just the major improvement in power, these special vehicles wear Alpina's more aggressive, though still understated body kit. They also ride on an updated version of the company's famous wheels that feature added side cuts on the multiple spokes to reduce weight. These exclusive cars are only available in Alpina's own shades of green and blue, plus a special color called Edition 50 Sepia from BMW Individual. There are also special logos on the seatbacks and center console to further promote the models' limited nature. Celebrating the brand's birthday in one of these high-speed vehicles retails for 86,850 pounds ($130,000) for buyers in the UK. NEW 204 MPH SUPERSALOON CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF ALPINA ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE 26/03/15 Extensively revised V8 is the most powerful roadcar engine in the company's history Nottingham - Bespoke car manufacturer ALPINA will create 50 remarkable saloons (or estates) and 50 similar coupes to celebrate the company's half century this year. Based on the B5 Bi-Turbo and the B6 Bi-Turbo respectively, each vehicle will include hand-crafted Edition 50 body and trim features and a remarkable, heavily revised V8 that will propel the luxury five seater from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 204 mph. ALPINA's fifty year heritage includes the creation of some of Europe's most highly-regarded luxury performance road cars and iconic race cars including the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL.