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Figured it was about time I updated you guys (at least, those of you who know me anyway) on what I've been up to since I sold my GT86 in August 2017. For those of you who didn't know my last car, feel free to delve into that, at your leisure, here, but the highlights: Tuning Developments Turbo (first one to have a UEL manifold) Tein Coilovers 3SDM 0.01 Wheels Brakes, minor body mods, minor interior mods etc etc. In June 2017, I started my new job. Working 37 miles away from home, and earning twice my original wage, meant that my requirements and availability of replacements changed quite quickly. I daily drove the GT86 for the 75 miles per day round trip for 2 months, before realising it just wasn't a great proposition any more, so I had to sell it on unfortunately. After some deliberation, and much disappointment (finding out an F10 M5 wouldn't fit in my garage was a particular lowlight), I decided upon the replacement for the GT86...a BMW M2. And here she is... The eagle eye'd amongst you will no doubt have noticed, this isn't an M2 - Despite the 3 hour journey to buy an M2, I just couldn't convince myself that spending £42,000 on a car was a good idea, when for £18,000 less, I could buy an M235i, with more or less the same engine, interior and running gear, but with about £10k less fancy M bits. Not a huge concern given the fact that I never buy a car and leave it standard. The car remained much the same for the first few months of ownership, as the buildup to Christmas was all about saving money to make some modifications leading up to summer. A few small changes, but nothing I can't summarise now. That brings us very quickly to today, and the way it currently sits: To summarise the build so far: Richter 4" 200 cell sports cat downpipe BMS JB4 ECU Bilstein PSS9 Coilovers M Performance front grills, front splitter, rear spoiler, rear diffuser and carbon tailpipes 2Forge ZF3 (semi-forged) wheels - 19x8.5 front, 19x9.5 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (225/35/19F and 255/30/19R) M4 brake pads and discs Dyno'd at 420bhp and 450lb/ft Safe to say, everything I've done so far has increased my enjoyment of the car a huge amount. From factory, I would say the M235i is slightly quicker in a straight line than my turbo GT86 was, but wouldn't have a chance through the bends or around a track. The car also had a very strange ride from factory, quite compliant and soft, but very bouncy. The combination of Bilstein coilovers and PS4S's has transformed both the ride quality and road holding capability of the car, and it can truly handle the increase in power with very little issues. I have timed the car (on a private road, of course) using a Dragy GPS, at 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, 0-100 in 8 seconds, and 60-120mph in a little under 8 seconds. Comparing that to stock cars, it sits somewhere between a 911 Carrera S and an Audi R8 V10, not bad for a little 3 litre Going forward, the plans aren't massive as I feel the car is in a good place. Non-resonated mid-pipe for some extra burbles and some gloss black wrapping (roof and a few accents) will likely be next. Will then look to explore a custom map for the JB4 to really make the most of it (should approach 440bhp and 500lb/ft), at which point some reinforced charge pipes and boost pipes may be required, but nothing major. I appreciate this may not be to everyone's taste, seeing as this forum can, at times, look down on any car that weighs more than 1300kg, but please be gentle I'll still be attending local meets and non-Jap only shows, so keep an eye out for me on your travels, and give me a wave if you see me Thanks, Ross

So on the trip to my local gym yesterday I encountered a brand new M2. I didn't think I would see one this early from release and my God it looks chunky. I didn't manage to find the owner but had a good look round it, I used to own a 1 series coupes and always wanted an 1M coupe. I must say I'm not sure on the colour, wouldn't be my choice but then it isn't my car! It's only been on the road 5 days.