BMW is sending off the current-generation M3 with something enthusiasts have been asking for. The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter combines the lightweight CS formula with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive.
Its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six produces 473 hp and 550 Nm of torque, deliberately less than the 543 hp offered by the automatic M3 CS. BMW says the manual setup prioritises driver involvement over outright acceleration, with 0–60 mph taking a claimed 4.1 seconds and top speed reaching 290 km/h with the M Driver’s Package.
The CS treatment includes extensive carbon-fibre components, M Carbon bucket seats, a titanium exhaust muffler and a chassis lowered by 6 mm. With optional carbon-ceramic brakes, BMW targets a weight reduction of nearly 34 kg compared with a standard M3.
The M3 CS Handschalter will be sold exclusively in the United States and Canada. Starting at $108,450 including destination, it is the first M3 CS ever offered with a manual transmission.
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@TheRubberTherapy
Its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six produces 473 hp and 550 Nm of torque, deliberately less than the 543 hp offered by the automatic M3 CS. BMW says the manual setup prioritises driver involvement over outright acceleration, with 0–60 mph taking a claimed 4.1 seconds and top speed reaching 290 km/h with the M Driver’s Package.
The CS treatment includes extensive carbon-fibre components, M Carbon bucket seats, a titanium exhaust muffler and a chassis lowered by 6 mm. With optional carbon-ceramic brakes, BMW targets a weight reduction of nearly 34 kg compared with a standard M3.
The M3 CS Handschalter will be sold exclusively in the United States and Canada. Starting at $108,450 including destination, it is the first M3 CS ever offered with a manual transmission.
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@TheRubberTherapy
👍6
Nissan has revived the spirit of the Sentra SE-R with the new Sentra Spec-V Concept, a 300-hp sport compact built to celebrate 35 years of the nameplate’s enthusiast heritage.
Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine has been extensively modified with a Garrett G25-550 turbocharger, forged internals and an upgraded fuel system, producing 300 hp at the wheels. Power goes to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox borrowed from the Juke NISMO RS, paired with a helical limited-slip differential.
The upgrades go far beyond the engine. The concept features GT-R NISMO Brembo brakes, GT-R Recaro seats, track-tuned NISMO suspension, 19-inch forged wheels and a dramatic BOMEX widebody kit. A GT-R NISMO rear wing, vented bonnet and side-exit exhaust complete the transformation.
The Sentra Spec-V is a one-off concept created for the 2026 SEMA Show, not a confirmed production model.
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@TheRubberTherapy
Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine has been extensively modified with a Garrett G25-550 turbocharger, forged internals and an upgraded fuel system, producing 300 hp at the wheels. Power goes to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox borrowed from the Juke NISMO RS, paired with a helical limited-slip differential.
The upgrades go far beyond the engine. The concept features GT-R NISMO Brembo brakes, GT-R Recaro seats, track-tuned NISMO suspension, 19-inch forged wheels and a dramatic BOMEX widebody kit. A GT-R NISMO rear wing, vented bonnet and side-exit exhaust complete the transformation.
The Sentra Spec-V is a one-off concept created for the 2026 SEMA Show, not a confirmed production model.
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@TheRubberTherapy
👍5
Honda is taking the Passport far beyond its SUV roots with the new Passport Baja Spec, a purpose-built Trophy Truck packing a staggering 1,300 horsepower.
Developed by Honda Racing Corporation USA for the top Trophy Truck class of the 2027 SCORE World Desert Championship, this machine shares little with the road-going Passport beyond its name. It is engineered for high-speed desert racing, where suspension travel, durability and power are essential.
Behind the wheel will be Bryce Menzies, a two-time Baja 1000 winner. Honda has not yet disclosed the engine configuration, displacement or transmission details, but says the project draws on technologies developed across its Formula 1, IndyCar, IMSA and off-road racing programmes.
The truck will be unveiled on October 29 before making its first public appearance at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Its competitive debut is scheduled for the 2027 SCORE Baja 500.
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@TheRubberTherapy
Developed by Honda Racing Corporation USA for the top Trophy Truck class of the 2027 SCORE World Desert Championship, this machine shares little with the road-going Passport beyond its name. It is engineered for high-speed desert racing, where suspension travel, durability and power are essential.
Behind the wheel will be Bryce Menzies, a two-time Baja 1000 winner. Honda has not yet disclosed the engine configuration, displacement or transmission details, but says the project draws on technologies developed across its Formula 1, IndyCar, IMSA and off-road racing programmes.
The truck will be unveiled on October 29 before making its first public appearance at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Its competitive debut is scheduled for the 2027 SCORE Baja 500.
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@TheRubberTherapy
👍4
MINI is sticking with one of its most distinctive design features, its circular central display. Despite criticisms, the brand is not replacing it with a conventional rectangular screen. MINI believes its native software makes better use of the display’s unique shape.
MINI Australia general manager Alexander Brockhoff said the round display is an important part of the brand’s identity and will remain a defining feature of future models. However, he also acknowledged that the technology and integration could improve over time.
Measuring 9.4 inches across, the OLED touchscreen combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system in one unit. It also controls functions such as climate settings, reducing the need for physical buttons. A head-up display provides key driving information, while a physical volume knob remains.
The design has its drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto appear inside a window that does not fully utilise the circular screen.
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@TheRubberTherapy
MINI Australia general manager Alexander Brockhoff said the round display is an important part of the brand’s identity and will remain a defining feature of future models. However, he also acknowledged that the technology and integration could improve over time.
Measuring 9.4 inches across, the OLED touchscreen combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system in one unit. It also controls functions such as climate settings, reducing the need for physical buttons. A head-up display provides key driving information, while a physical volume knob remains.
The design has its drawbacks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto appear inside a window that does not fully utilise the circular screen.
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@TheRubberTherapy
👍4