Cars

Buying a B6 series Audi A4. This much-loved model can now be bought for less than £1,000, as Andrew Everett finds out...

During the late ’90s, the Volkswagen Group began to increase its empire, becoming the owner of brands such as Bentley and Bugatti. It also took control of Lamborghini, the Italian sportscar manufacturer which had been through a difficult time in terms of ownership. Instead of being taken over by Volkswagen itself, Lamborghini became a subsidiary of Audi, a move which was to result in much greater stability for the Italian company, and the production of a very successful model, the Gallardo.

After the last outing at the ’Ring I knew something had to be done about the suspension and the way the car handles. Part of the reason for this is because the huge GT2 rear wing upsets the car’s balance – the amount of downforce it creates even at the flattest angle of attack is creating understeer on the front end at high speed. The only way to tackle this was to stiffen up the rear but seeing as it is already mega stiff on the springs, this would make the rear even more of a handful on track. Luckily the amount of downforce it creates counteracts the problem in the high speed stuff and makes it very stable but, as said, it then upsets the front…

It might not have the fire-breathing powertrain of the Z4 M Coupé but the 3.0Si version still has good looks, excellent performance and reasonable running costs – it’s a great used buy! Words: Bob Harper and Andrew Everett Photography: Dom Fraser.

As part of BMW M’s birthday party to celebrate 30 years of the iconic model, it has wheeled out several of the rare prototypes that have previously been glimpsed only in passing…

Typically as I’m about to write about a poor start to the summer there’s blazing sunshine coming through the window, but on the whole it’s been such a damp and soggy start to the summer that I’ve been wondering if I shouldn’t have built an ark rather than a race car.

EXCLUSIVE “This car has been the biggest challenge for the company in more than a decade – if not its greatest challenge ever” Ian Minards, director of product development, Aston Martin.

What’s in your Garage? One man’s love for his lovely 2002 Targa. This month we look into the history and production of the soft-top ’02s and talk to Michael Oben who describes life with his unusual late model 2002 Baur Targa Words and photography: Mike Taylor.

Buying Guide. The BMW E28 M5 is one of the most iconic M cars ever produced and is still a brilliant classic choice.  The ultimate guide to buying and owning the original super saloon.   The original super saloon is a brilliant drive and while they’re becoming expensive it’s not too late to grab one while you still can. It’s a surefire investment and will be a hell of a lot more interesting than an ISA! Words: Bob Harper and Andrew Everett. Photography: Oli Tennent/www.olitennent.com.

What used BMWs can you buy for the price of the M5’s optional Carbon Ceramic brakes? If you’re speccing a new M5 you could spend nearly £7500 on a set of optional carbon ceramic brakes… or you could have one of these used cars for the price of those discs! Words: John Tallodi.

Five Star The new Five is upon us and we’ve all the details on BMW’s seventh generation mid-range executive. New 5 Series G30 Sleeker, leaner, faster – hi-tech new Five breaks cover. Five Star It might be a corny headline but the all-new 5 Series looks like BMW has taken the best elements of the 7 Series and wrapped them up in an attractive mid-sized package. Words: Bob Harper. Photography: BMW/Drive-My.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that manufacturers were shying away from making coupés. The two-door format was dead according to many pundits – but how times have changed. 2016 buyers who lust after a potent BMW Coupé have never had so much choice and the range of exciting options extends to the used market too – with a healthy £20,000 budget bagging some serious machinery. You won’t regret buying any one of these three classy contenders…