Why she chose a BMW M2 DCT over a BMW M4 + Lexus GX470 overland build review
Niel upgraded from a Mini Cooper S to a BMW M2, purchasing it before the M2 CS had been unveiled. The choice between an M3, M4, or the M2 was a tough one, but the M2's appeal proved irresistible. Her license plate amusingly makes other drivers want to race her all the time. Niel's M2 is stock, offering an authentic ownership experience straight from the dealer. She shares her car adventures on Instagram @turrbokitty. If I were to own an M2, I'd consider a Stage 1 tune, smaller wheels, a valved catback exhaust, and maybe a roof wrap, though the toughest choice remains between a DCT or manual transmission. Ansrwd, a series of car reviews by real owners, offers insights not from automotive journalists like Chris Harris or Doug Demuro, but from actual enthusiasts. Cars featured in this series include models like the Gaglardi Vex, Porsche 911 GT3, McLaren 600LT, Ferrari F12/F430 and 458 Italia, Acura NSX, Corvette, FRS, BMWs, Drift Cars, and more. Douglas Sonders contributes with his experiences, including his latest project, a 2008 Lexus GX470. Thanks to Douglas for providing the photos in the video.
2026-01-22T23:12:04Z
Could electric cars have a manual transmission?
This is the second video of a five part series where I’ve partnered with Formula E to answer questions about electric vehicles, and this topic was actually inspired by Renault’s season 2 Formula E car, which uses a 2-speed gearbox matched with a single transversely mounted electric motor. What’s super clever about their set up, is that they have incorporated a manual gear stick, using cables and rods to switch between the two gears, rather than the pneumatic paddle shifters which other teams were using. Renaults solution is simpler, and also lighter, as it doesn’t require onboard pumps or air-tanks for gear shifts. But could this be taken a step further, and incorporate a clutch as well for street cars? I spent some time chatting with the current Formula E champion, Lucas Di Grassi, who spends his free time engineering electric bikes, about this idea. We have two questions to answer: 1. Is it possible? 2. Is it logical?
2026-02-04T23:11:53Z