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Mini JCW Paceman vs. BMW M135i in family faceoff

Over the last year, we've had the chance to drive two of the most exciting hatchbacks in the BMW family - the BMW M135i and the Mini Paceman John Cooper Works - but Autocar has managed to get the two corporate cousins together for a head-to-head comparison. Just like our initial impressions of the Paceman JCW, Autocar has little to complain about this new 215-horsepower hatchback... until it begins to factor in the faster, better-mannered and similarly priced M135i.
Despite laying down an extra 100 hp and delivering a 0-60 time that is almost two seconds quicker, the M135i carries the same price tag of 29,535 pounds in the UK; US pricing for the Paceman starts at $36,200, while it still isn't even clear if the US will be getting the M135i. Even more surprising is the fact that the Paceman falls short of the M135i in regards to rear seat and cargo volume, and just barely squeaks out a win in the fuel economy department. Scroll down to watch the BMW versus Mini hot hatch battle.

Renderings may show upcoming BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

We've already shown you spy images of the latest member of the BMW Gran Coupe family, the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Following the trend of the larger 6 Series Gran Coupe, the 4 Series variant grafts a spare set of doors onto its two-door body.
Now, the f30post forum has come up with what it says are patent drawings of the new 4GC (originally from Chinese site Autohome.com), giving a glimpse of what the coupe-sedan-thingy looks like without its camo in the way. What we're seeing is seemingly a mix of the 3 Series GT (noticeable around the rear window) with the larger Gran Coupe styling, while retaining the current 4 Series front end.
We can't say it looks great, but as these are merely renderings, it's far too early for us to come to a final conclusion on the overall look of the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Have a look up top at the patent images. We've also included our spy photos of the new Gran Coupe below. Let us know what you think of the latest niche product from BMW down in Comments.

BMW M2, we're happy to see you

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the BMW M235i and, well, I didn't love it. Sure, it's a great car, but I just didn't truly bond with it the way I have with previous M cars. What I had hoped for was a proper successor to the 1 Series M Coupe I fell in love with in 2011, but what I got instead was just a sporty 2 Series that didn't exactly stir my emotions in the same way.
But now there's this: the honest-to-goodness BMW M2. Previously, spy photographers captured a development-mule M2, but this is the real thing, in its full prototype body. Notice the aggressive front fascia that mimics the M3/M4, the more more robust wheel/tire package, and the M-standard quad exhaust outlets around back. This thing sure does look the business.
Details are slim as of this writing, but rumors suggest power will come from BMW's now-ubiquitous N55 turbocharged 3.0-liter six, with output somewhere in the 360- to 380-horspower range. The seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission seems like a good fit here, too. As does a six-speed manual transmission (here's hoping).