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BMW shows off 435i Coupe with M Performance parts

Greetings from the famous Circuito do Estoril racetrack in Portugal. We're here to put the 2014 BMW 4 Series coupe through its paces, and we'll have the chance to sample the updated 2014 BMW M5 with its new Competition Pack, as well. But before going out for some hot laps, we took a few minutes to check out this 435i Coupe that's been fitted with a full suite of goodies from the BMW M Performance parts catalog.
Starting with the exterior, carbon fiber bits are the most noticeable additions, with the lightweight material added in the form of a massive front splitter, mirror caps and a rear spoiler. Other visual changes include lightweight 20-inch wheels, a blacked-out grille, and unique M Performance side stripes. No, that's not a shadow you see under the 435i's strong side character line - that's a stripe. Yes, we're serious.
Inside (we couldn't get photos of the interior, sorry!), BMW has added its sport steering wheel with race display, unique M floormats, steel pedals, and a whole mess of carbon fiber and Alcantara trim.

Car and Driver lists 10Best for 2013, same as it ever was

Forgive us for having the distinct feeling of déjà vu, but it certainly feels like we've been here before. By that we are referring Car and Driver and the announcement of its annual 10Best vehicles for 2013. To be sure, it's an impressive selection of cars that combine heart-pounding performance and frugal sensibilities, but it also represents something of a broken record on the part of C/D. We're not so sure that's a flaw, though, as the resulting list is tough to argue with.
Vehicles like the Ford Mustang, Porsche Boxster, and BMW 3 Series have maintained their high-horsepower spots on this list for several years now. Even on the more practical and nimble end, the Honda Accord, Honda Fit and Mazda Miata have not budged. These continued spots are even in light of redesigns for some vehicles such as the Accord, Boxster and 3 Series.
In fact, the only newcomer to the 10Best list this year are the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ twins, which knocked out the Cadillac CTS-V. We think it would have been a huge misstep to have excluded the FR-S/BRZ, even in light of the supercharged Caddy's lamentable departure from 10Best.

BMW M4 Convertible poised for Goodwood unveil

It shouldn't be a shock that BMW is working on a convertible version of the M4. Not only have we caught it testing twice, but this is an automaker that seems willing to build a vehicle for nearly every buyer's needs. Evo claims that the high-performance droptop is going to debut at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in England from June 26-29.
Judging from the spy shots we've seen, the M4 Convertible will consist of a retractable hard top like the 4 Series cabrio. Other than the roof, there aren't expected to be many changes from the coupe. The engine will be the same turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, but the added weight of the roof and its mechanism may take a small bite out of performance.
We spoke to BMW USA about the rumor and were told that it has no comment at this time. After the M4 Convertible, Evo claims that BMW is working on a M4 Gran Coupe. How that would be all that different from an M3, isn't exactly clear.