This Week in Motoring: October 19, 2015

Summary: The BMW M2 is here, Tesla’s Model S gets Autopilot, the death of the Viper and more.

On the Radar

The Latest in Motoring News

The M Car You Really Want

BMW fans have something to get excited about with the new M2. Essentially a pumped-up M235i, the M2 uses the same 3.0-liter inline-six to produce 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque. The M2 is also 78 pounds lighter than the M235i and comes with either a manual or DCT transmission. You’ll hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds with the former and 4.2 seconds with the latter.

The Ultimate Ferrari GT Car

Ferrari has gone and made its already batshit-fast F12berlinetta even faster to create the F12tdf. It gets a power boost from 730 horsepower to 769, and a torque bump from 509 lb-ft to 520. Weight is down by 240 pounds. All this makes for a front-engine GT car capable of hitting 60 mph in 2.9 seconds.

Look Elon, No Hands!

Tesla has released a software update that lets the Model S (if it has been built after September 2014) drive itself. Kind of. Autopilot allows the car to take control on simple highway drives and, together with the car’s adaptive cruise control, allows the car to steer and even change lanes on its own.

Death of an Icon?

A proposed contract between FCA and the UAW could potentially lead to the ceased production of the Dodge Viper in 2017. FCA is cutting back production at the Conner Avenue Assembly plant where it’s made, and sales of the flagship supercar have been disappointing to say the least.

Not Your Uncle Olaf’s Volvo

Though they’re no “Flying Bricks,” Polestar Cyan Racing has announced plans to return to the World Touring Car Championship in 2016 with two Volvo S60 race cars.

A Better Superbike for Beginners

Honda has refreshed its accessible superbike, the Honda CBR500R, with sharper styling, a lighter exhaust and a better fork.

An Exciting MotoGP

This weekend’s Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island was one of the most exciting of the season. Marc Marquez, Andrea Iannone, Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi — four of the motorsport’s best talent — duked it out for the podium. Marquez snagged the win, with Lorenzo in second and Iannone taking third, leaving season leader Rossi off the podium. That closes the gap between Rossi and Lorenzo in the overall season standing, with Rossi ahead by only 11 points. Oh, and Iannone obliterated a seagull.

Reviews and Buying Guides

Advice from the Crew

Unleashing the Lexus GS F on the Raceways of Spain

The new Japanese performance sedan hits Jarama Racetrack and the twisties outside of Madrid. Read the Review

10 Best Motorcycles for Getting Around the City

Riding a motorcycle to work is much more rewarding than taking the F train. Read the Review

The Find

What to Buy, Now

1963 Ferrari 250 GTL Lusso

The new Ferrari F12tdi is great and all, but if you’re more into style than speed we suggest you go with this classic Ferrari GT car — just expect to pay a serious premium.

1996 Dodge Viper GTS

This 1996 GTS Coupe was the first model year of the GTS version. Considering the Viper’s potential demise this may very well become a collector’s car in the near future.

Noteworthy Reads

Motoring Stories from Around the Web

Petrolicious interviewed Jay Leno about his first car, a ’34 Ford pickup.

Jack Baruth over at Road & Track explains why the loss of the Viper is so, so much more than losing the car itself.

Chris Harris had the opportunity to drive the Renault R.S. 01, a mid-engined, GTR-powered track monster. His thoughts? “Spot on.”

Looking Ahead

What We’re Driving Now

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