[hoppy6698]

Hoping this isn't a repost. Tried a quick search, but could not find the full article link on here.

So, for our enjoyment:
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...-class-feature

M235 Excerpt:
"Ever wonder what it’d be like to drive out of a showroom in a brand-new E46 M3? This is as close as you’ll ever get. Sure, the M235i is a lot heavier; all cars are. And maybe the electrification and robotizing of everything in the 21st century has chilled some intimacy out of the experience. But this semi-compact coupe with the big six is the finest fusion of track-day toy and commuting joy you can buy.

It only takes a session or two before you’re certain the little BMW is giving its all. The sensations through the seat and steering wheel hide nothing about the contact-patch situation. The easy, intuitive operation of its perfectly placed controls, down to the snap-click action of the automatic transmission when you order a shift, means you never blow laps wrestling with sloppy source code. Within a few laps, the M235i, cool and steadfastly neutral on its Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires, never wavering in its braking ferocity, had gnawed 6.5 seconds off the time posted by a 2008 135i. That’s a credit to its inherent calmness and predictability, and the ease by which you can access the car’s maximum performance.

BMW’s pricing lofts the M235i into our LL2 category, against a grab bag of some very formidable vehicles, including the Chevy Corvette and the Cadillac CTS Vsport. Still, the 2 finished mid-LL2 pack in most sectors, above where its price, power, and weight say it should. Obviously, there’s more speed available out there if you can afford it, but scant more refinement or driving satisfaction."

Nice write up Especially in the same class as the new Stingray.

[uberspeed]

Lots of choice in the pretty wide price bracket. Mid pack is where I thought it would've finished, the 2 series seems to be good enough all around but others may outshine it in certain areas. New Corvette seems to be amazing, that big ass Caddy sure did move!

[one1er]

the driver is soooo bad...

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by one1er

the driver is soooo bad...

I was waiting to agree!!

[overcoil]

He's not a bad driver - he seems quick and he's smooth. Some of his high-speed turns were perfect, with just the exact amount of drift.

[rosenbergendo]

I've been tracking since I was 18 and instruct from time to time. Currently tracking a 2011 GT3 and this guy is a poor driver. Out of control and not smooth at all. He needs to be sent back to the Blue group and have proper instruction. He should've left the car in Sport plus and let it shift on its own. I also wondered if that car had on Supersports as the rear end grip seemed poor.....although it likely was down to very poor throttle control.

[tke743]

I may not be an instructor, but my guess is that he left 2-3 seconds on the track during that lap. You can't call anyone smooth when they get a tank slapper like that. (Yes I know it usually a motorcycle term, but it is applicable here.)

He was much smother with the AWD, that usually says something about the driver.

[overcoil]

I'm not exactly sure what tracking is - but the driver of the M235 also put down a lap in the Viper and that's not an easy car to drive even in 2014 and he takes that car to the edge. He's fast and he actually quite good-IMO

[VMRWheels]

Interesting read, thanks for sharing!

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by one1er

the driver is soooo bad...

This was a thought from a friend who races a track built E30. You would think C&D could put someone more competent behind the wheel.

[rosenbergendo]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

I'm not exactly sure what tracking is - but the driver of the M235 also put down a lap in the Viper and that's not an easy car to drive even in 2014 and he takes that car to the edge. He's fast and he actually quite good-IMO

It means I'm on the track with either my GT3 or a Cup car 2-4 times per month at Daytona, Sebring, AMP, or Homestead.

[mike@tpc]

I remembered reading about the lap times a couple months back and just watched the video. He was not a good driver. I instruct with NASA and consider myself ok, not great, but I could easily do a few seconds faster. He was not smooth at all. If they want to compare lap times, they should have the same driver doing all of them, and preferably a professional like MT uses Randy Pobst.

[bladeomatic]

The driver didn't pick very clean lines.

FWIW… he could shave about 5 seconds off his lap time if he learns the difference between the paddle shifter and the windshield wiper.

[uberspeed]

Originally Posted by bladeomatic

The driver didn't pick very clean lines.

FWIW… he could shave about 5 seconds off his lap time if he learns the difference between the paddle shifter and the windshield wiper.

I kept thinking the same thing, maybe the tires were too cold as well? He was squirrely in lots of sections.

[sstarrx3]

He was driving exactly how the car handles in the Drive Club video game! In the game the car has mad torque but it is squirrley has hell and hard to drive until you get use to it and learn how to drive it. Takes some player skill to master it. Maybe the M235i takes some driver skill to master it

[one1er]

I don't care how many cars and tracks that guys has been in...he does a very bad job on this lap...he has poor skills, IMHO!

[RobNH]

Originally Posted by one1er

the driver is soooo bad...

LOL! I was thinking the same thing last night when I was watching the video.