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Five reasons to love, or hate, the culture of German cars

A few months back, we took a 500-foot view of the culture of American cars, dissecting prides and prejudices on our way to the conclusion that automotive allegiances can be simultaneously embraced and derided. We had so much fun with the narrative that we decided to do it again, this time taking a look at Germany and its world-renowned lineup of automakers, including the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen, among others. Join us below as we discuss the points and counterpoints that make or have made the German auto industry what it is today. And remember, Germany did pretty much invent the automobile, after all... The V12 Engine If America is known for the proliferation of the V8 engine, an argument could be made that Germany owns the V12. Yes, of course, other companies have created V12 engines – Ferrari, Jaguar and Lamborghini immediately come to mind – but the big 12-cylinder powerplants from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, in particular, have proven to be some of the most effortless, luxurious and downright over-built engines the world has ever seen. These days, having 12 cylinders is more a case of wretched excess than ever before, and yet, you can still stroll into your local BMW or Mercedes dealership and get a brand-new 760i, S600 or even an over-the-top G65 AMG, efficiency be damned. Best of all, since the majority of these German powerhouses depreciate as fast as an anchor sinks, nearly any auto enthusiast who dreams of a dozen cylinders can satisfy their carnal desires. Current Star: 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 View 28 Photos Diesel Engines Remember how we talked about those glorious V12 engines? Well, you can even get one from Audi that runs on diesel. If your compression-ignition fantasies err more on the side of fuel savings, that's no problem, either. Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen have got you covered, with engines starting as small as 800 cubic centimeters (Smart Fortwo). If you want something a little more practical, it's hard to argue with a VW Golf TDI, which will provide plenty of space for you and three of your best friends, plus a fair bit of luggage, all while returning 50-ish miles per gallon. For the purposes of this discussion, we'd rather focus on the asinine levels of torque provided by Germany's high-end diesel engines than the lower-end fuel sippers.

BMW M4 Concept leaked ahead of Monterey debut

Last month, we heard that BMW might be bringing a concept previewing its next M4 sports coupe to this year's Monterey festivities. Well, thanks to the folks at USA Today, we have absolute confirmation of this by way of some leaked images. And goodness, she's certainly a looker.
While a few of us still find some of the 4 Series' design to be a bit awkward, it's hard to not immediately warm up to the aggressive bits of this hotter M4 concept. It certainly looks the business of a proper sports car, and a worthy successor to the M3 coupe. Of course, a lot of this will likely be toned down for the production version, which we'll likely be seeing at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January, along with its four-door M3 kin.
The official M4 Concept details will be revealed later tonight, but for now, have a look at a few shots of the golden show car in our gallery of leaked shots, above.

BMW pays tribute with Z4 racing livery

Whether it's from Martini or BMW, there's something that makes us a little weak in the knees when we see a racing livery of dark blue, light blue and red stripes over white. Like the one on this BMW racer that will compete at Sebring next weekend. Presented alongside its spiritual predecessor at Amelia Island this weekend, this BMW Z4 GTLM has been decked out in a throwback version of the Bavarian automaker's iconic color scheme. It's a tribute to the BMW 3.0 CSL that scored the marque's first victory at the legendary Floridian endurance race 40 years ago and even wears the same number 25. It's as good a reason as any to bring back a racing livery we love, but then we'd probably take just about any occasion to appreciate it anyway. 40 years after the first win in Sebring: BMW presents anniversary design of the BMW Z4 GTLM for the 12-hour race. Munich (DE), 14th March 2015. On 21st March, BMW Team RLL will contest the 63rd staging of the legendary 12-hour race of Sebring (US) in the US state of Florida. The endurance classic is also the second race of the 2015 United SportsCar Championship (USCC). BMW Motorsport and BMW of North America celebrate a special anniversary on their return to Sebring this season: 40 years ago, BMW Motorsport got its first Sebring victory, with the BMW 3.0 CSL. In honour of that success, the two BMW Z4 GTLMs of BMW Team RLL will sport special designs as they compete on the "Sebring International Raceway". Car number 25 will carry the colours of the winning BMW 3.0 CSL of 1975. At an unveiling ceremony, which was part of the "Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance" in northern Florida, BMW of North America presented the anniversary design of the vehicles to the public for the first time. Many of the successful heroes of that time took the opportunity to attend the presentation. Forty years after the historic victory, then winners Brian Redman (US), Sam Posey (US) and Hans-Joachim Stuck (DE) were reunited on Amelia Island. Jochen Neerpasch, the first managing director of BMW Motorsport GmbH, and BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt were also among the guests. They all had front row seats as current BMW Team RLL driver Bill Auberlen (US) completed the first presentation laps in the BMW Z4 GTLM with the anniversary design. 1975 was a significant year in the history of BMW in North America: BMW of North America was founded, and just a few days later came the historic first victory with the BMW 3.0 CSL in Sebring.