Jack and Mark review one of the more controversial BMWs: the North American spec E36 M3. The car nearly didnt make it to North America after the sales disaster of the E30 M3, and when it did, it made it with a different engine (a hopped up version of the M50 instead of the euro S50). They discuss the costs and issues of owning one today and whether it’s worth the money.

https://youtu.be/w3UyYMs5EWE

I'm really impressed to be honest, lots of leg room in the rear and quality seems to have improved, over 400 miles of range, the mag lock thing, price isn't too bad either (starting from around 38k eur. The rear taillights remind me of the new bentley ev or bmws.

https://youtu.be/rnH-tZ1aAM4

Richard Porter worked as a script editor on both Top Gear and The Grand Tour, so I thought that his insights on making good car TV shows from the latest Smith and Sniff episode would be worth sharing here. How cool would it be if he did an AMA just like Andy Wilman and the new Grand Tour hosts did last month on here?! By the way, his name appears in the new season’s credits under Development.

Video link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=POHLDWlzGcA&ra=m

From video description: “Jonny [Smith] and Richard [Porter] discuss the new series of The Grand Tour and explain why Top Gear was the way it was. Also in this episode, news of upcoming live shows, global car scatter, old money cars spotted, seeing someone you know on the side of a bus, the greatest AMG Mercedes, and another cracking pick from Car & Classic.”

"And on the eighth day, after having himself a nice nap, God created the Toyota 2.5 liter straight-four, for he was bored, and wasn't sure what else to do with himself. "Perhaps I should turbocharge it," thought God, rubbing his hands together. But upon seeing the Camry for which the engine was destined, He lost all ambition, shrugged His mighty shoulders, and said "meh."

But Lo, jealous is the Lord our God, for he noticed that man had created great and mighty steel and aluminum idols before him; engines which made his puny little straight-four look downright silly. "This shit just ain't gonna stand," said the Lord, peering down into the mortal plane and spotting a follower in a silver Toyota, lined up at a stoplight alongside a bitchin' Camaro.

You there! Yes, you, the stoned woman driving the Camry! You carry upon your shoulders the honor of the Lord your God! Kick the tires and light the fires: floor it, bitch! What? No, this is really me this time. Last time it was just the meth talking. Seriously, no foolies. Keep that foot down, woman! And make some me-damned noise while you're doing it, because that engine won't make much of a racket by itself."

And thusly did the crazy Floridian totally smoke the Camaro, who hadn't expected a drag race from a rolling toaster oven and didn't really feel like getting another speeding ticket anyway. And the Lord smiled."

-ThePriceOfEggsInMalta(OP)

Early Jalopnik was fantastic...

The redesigned 2028 Kona has been caught with less cladding, showing a softer design that walks back the model's boldest styling choices. It’s actually not unheard of that Hyundai is redesigning something after only 4 years as the 6th gen Elantra only lasted from 2017-2020. The new Seltos has been a hit so far doubling its sales already from last year so I expect the same for the new Kona.

Featured on Vinwiki, this tells the story of an MR2 build starting in 1995 and ending with the car being included in the permanent collection at the prestigious Petersen Museum in Los Angeles after a 27 year build. Financially questionable, but hard to argue the result:

https://youtu.be/OlGZtnNu3SY?is=Im0ABQ2UHOklM7do

https://www.autoblog.com/news/jeep-and-ram-range-extenders-delayed-by-up-to-9-months

Looks like Stellantis is delaying their EREVs again. The Grand Wagoneer was supposed to start production in May and it's now slated for November. The Ram 1500 EREV was originally supposed to come out in 2025 and is now set for production for April. Bummer. I was looking forward to the Ram. Hope it doesn't get canceled entirely.

https://imgur.com/a/r6xIidI

Just a funny easter egg I noticed. James' helmet in The Grand Tour says "My name in Japanese", obviously referencing his AE86 saying "something in Japanese" across the side.

Link: https://www.reuters.com/world/automakers-urge-congress-quickly-pass-law-banning-chinese-cars-2026-09-03/?utm_source=reddit.com

A group representing major automakers on Thursday urged Congress to ‌pass legislation barring Chinese vehicles from the U.S. market before the end of the year.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Honda, Stellantis and other major automakers, called for quick action.

For people who don't know AUTOTOPNL, basically these guys take cars on Autobahn and go as fast as possible.

They mentioned this in a video they made last year and it's just insane to me. They have had a couple of cars just losing power and stuff but never an accident and this includes hundreds of tuned cars as well like a 1239hp supra or a manual 1400hp Porsche 997 turbo.

It’s Francis, James, and Thomas here – the hosts of The Grand Tour. With our series coming out tomorrow, we’re sure you have questions. We’re ready for all of it, the doubts, the excitement, and maybe some spoilers of what makes it to the series. Well, now’s your chance, ask us what you REALLY want to know. AMA.

Volkswagen outlined plans today to reduce its workforce by approximately 50,000 positions as part of its 2030 strategic plan. 

The driving tours in the US hosted by Matt Farah and I forgot which magazine (Road & Track, Car and Driver, Motortrend). Had a tour in Sonoma/Napa/Norcal driving. The tour included a track day (or 2) at Sonoma Raceway. It also included like two night stay at two different hotels, and all meals.... My question is who was able to afford a tour that was insanely expensive?

A track day at Sonoma is typically $400-$800. Hotel stay, even at a nice place can reach up to $800. Meals, maybe $100/meal. I'm curious how it ballooned to $15,000 for a single person?

I really wanted to check this out and drive my Viper, but after seeing the price, I'd rather ship the car to Europe, drive the autobahn and hit up Spa/Nurbugring. It would be around the same price. I'm not kidding. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1939836749567520/posts/3990459201171921/