HOT LAP COMMENTARY! KONA N, BMW I4 M50 AND M240I XDRIVE, TOYOTA SUPRA MANUAL

EV Channels Review

Car and Driver's Lightning Lap 2023 feature highlights the performance capabilities and challenges of four distinct vehicles: the Hyundai Kona N, BMW i4 M50, BMW M240i xDrive, and Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Manual. The Hyundai Kona N impressed with its performance for its price point, achieving a strong lap time despite initial tire issues, and offering a surprisingly engaging driving experience without major torque steer. The BMW i4 M50, a notable EV entry, demonstrated solid performance for its weight and price, though it faced limitations with power delivery and battery drain during sustained track use. The BMW M240i xDrive, returning with an improved performance package, showed significant gains over its previous iteration, offering enhanced grip and quicker lap times. The Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Manual was a standout, praised for its driving dynamics, balance, and the pure engagement of its manual transmission, making it the reviewer's favorite despite a slightly slower straight-line speed compared to its automatic counterpart. The review underscores the complexities of track testing, including tire wear, brake fade, and EV-specific challenges like thermal management and battery degradation.