CAFÉ RACER 76

The Machine BMW Must Give Us

What is the biggest omission from the BMW line up? Very simple – an M3 station wagon. Why BMW doesn’t want to give us enthusiasts a car that would obviously rival models like Audi’s RS4 Avant and Mercedes-AMG’s C 63 Wagon is beyond me. Will it happen with the current version of the F30 M3? Probably not. So what are people to do?

Well, they can make their very own using a bit of imagination – which is exactly what AP Garage from Osaka has done with this E91 Touring. Granted, it isn’t running the M3’s hard-revving 4.0L V8 under the bonnet – as appearance is all they were concerned with for this show-oriented build – but otherwise I think they’ve pulled off the M3 look rather well.

Up front a set of M3 fenders replace the narrower stock items, and while AP Garage were at it they made sure that the inner edges of the arches were cut and rolled to maximise the space within them. That allows the i.force FD-50HD wheels to tuck in neatly once the Airex suspension is dropped down to its lowest setting.

The conversion also includes an M3 front bumper, grille and bonnet to make sure that everything lines up as it should.

If you are out to steal attention at an event like The Check Shop’s Track & Show at Fuji Speedway, where I found this BMW on the weekend, then selecting a unique colour is a must. The choice of pastel yellow certainly made sure this wagon stood out amongst the masses of low-slung show entrants.

Rather than mimicking the M3’s rear fender blistering, which was perhaps considered a tad too conservative for this project, AP Garage took care of the custom metalwork themselves. The radial widening of the rear arches follows the profile of the front ones, and opens up plenty of space for the wider wheel and tyre combo.

Aside from a black roof that imitates the M3’s carbon one, everything else was kept stock looking. To me, it just adds to the well-executed feel of the project.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen someone give their 3 Series wagon M3 flavour, so it’s obvious there are a ton of people out there who are craving for an official M3 wagon from BMW. I know it would instantly become my dream family car.

BMW has given us the M5 Touring in the past, which you would think would be far more of a niche product, but no M3. What gives? BMW – listen to your fans!

Dino Dalle Carbonare

via http://www.speedhunters.com

MotoGP; Colin Edwards, jeune retraité actif / Colin Edwards, still going strong

Retraité officiellement depuis avril 2014 à l’issue du Grand Prix des Amériques à Austin, Colin Edwards n’a pas tout à fait raccroché puisque le pilote texan effectue des essais en collaboration avec Yamaha et Michelin pour développer les pneus pour la saison 2016 du Championnat MotoGP.

Colin Edwards a mis un terme à sa carrière sportive en avril 2014 à l’issue du Grand Prix des Amériques, chez lui à Austin, à 40 ans. Mais après plus de 20 ans à sillonner les circuits du monde entier, il est difficile de tout arrêter même si Colin avouait vouloir profiter de sa famille.

Arrivé en 1995 en Championnat du monde Superbike (WSBK), Colin Edwards a remporté deux titres mondiaux avec Honda et Michelin en 2000 et 2002. Il a ensuite enchaîné avec 12 saisons de MotoGP marquées par 12 podiums.«J’avais vingt-neuf ans quand je suis arrivé en MotoGP » se rappelle-t-il. « Quand je vois ce que fait Marquez aujourd’hui, je me dis que j’étais déjà un peu trop vieux.»

Entre 1998 et 2002, outre ses deux titres en Superbike, il a également remporté à deux reprises, les 8 Heures de Suzuka avec Daijiro Kato puis avec Valentino Rossi. « Mes 12 saisons de Grands Prix ont été moins fructueuses » admet-il. « Mais j’ai quand même régulièrement figuré dans le top cinq et décroché des podiums avec la Honda Gresini comme avec les Yamaha du team officiel et l’équipe Tech3.»

Colin Edwards a achevé sa carrière en remportant son dernier pari et en permettant à la structure de Giovanni Cuzari de se faire une place parmi le gratin du MotoGP.

«J’aurais roulé avec tellement de motos différentes que je crois pouvoir apporter aujourd’hui ma pierre à l’édifice avec le développement des pneus Michelin » souligne le Texan qui a toujours entretenu d’excellentes relations avec le manufacturier français.

«Son aide a toujours été précieuse », affirme Nicolas Goubert, directeur technique et adjoint Michelin Motorsport. « Notamment à l’époque où nous avions développé des pneus pour le Championnat du monde Superbike.»

Colin Edwards brought an end to his career after the 2014 Grand Prix of the Americas at Austin in his home state of Texas. However, he continues to do testing work for Yamaha and Michelin as the French firm develops its new tyres for its MotoGP return in 2016.

When he decided to hang up his helmet last April at the age of 40, Colin Edwards couldn’t quite bring himself to spend every day at home. After more than 20 years racing across the world, it was difficult to suddenly stop, however much he was looking forward to enjoying time with his family.

Since 1995 and his arrival in World Superbikes, Edwards has spent the majority of his time travelling all around the globe. After twice lifting the World Superbike Championship crown with Honda and Michelin in 2000 and 2002, the Texan contested no fewer than 12 seasons in MotoGP, tallying the same number of podium finishes. “I was 29 when I made my MotoGP debut,” he recalls. “When I look at what [Marc] Marquez is doing now, I tell myself that even back then, I was already a little too old.”

From 1998 to 2002, he claimed two World Superbike titles and secured a brace of victories in the Suzuka 8 Hours, partnered respectively by Daijiro Kato and Valentino Rossi. “My 12 years in the premier class were less fruitful,” he concedes, “but I regularly ran and finished inside the top five and scored podiums with Honda Gresini, the factory Yamaha team and Tech3 Yamaha.”

Edwards concluded his career by winning his final battle in helping Giovanni Cuzari’s Forward Racing to establish itself amongst MotoGP’s elite.

“I have ridden so many different bikes that I am confident of being able to play my part in developing Michelin’s tyres,” reflected the Texan, who has consistently maintained an excellent relationship with the French firm.

“Colin’s contribution has always been vital,” confirms Nicolas Goubert, “particularly during the period when we were developing tyres for the World Superbike Championship.”

WOULD YOU OWN AN ORPHAN CAR?

My taste in cars tends to border on the obscure, with a number of orphan marques on my list of vehicles I want to own…someday.

Orphan marques, you ask? It’s simple: they’re brands that no longer exist, meaning owners of Tatras, Panhards, Duesenbergs, Saturns, and other car companies are on their own when it comes to repairs, spare parts, historic documentation, and other nice-to-haves as a vintage car owner. They’re not essentials, of course—there are plenty of pre-war cars around running and driving…they’re just not often 100% original.

I owned somewhat of an orphan with my 1985 Citroën 2CV Charleston, as the automaker had long since pulled out of the country. The local Canadian Citroën club was my one and only resource, and they were exceptional, helping to source tires, provide technical help, and organize fun outings. I hate to think of those who don’t have such a great resource or help nearby.

Have you owned a vehicle originally made by a now defunct automaker? What lengths did you have to go to in order to keep it in working order? Did a local club help out? I find these sorts of stories fascinating…