Well, we’re 13 posts in, and nothing bad has happened yet! I’ve had such great support from everyone reading and for that I am thankful.

Hopefully, you have already read last week’s edition - if you haven’t, click here to take a look. I want to know if you think we’ve improved on last week. I’ll put a poll at the end of this, please do let me know!

Also, please read until the end, I have more questions I need you to answer!

SOCIAL MEDIA

Unbelievably, all of you that read last week’s edition voted that YES you want to see me give TikTok a bash. Consider it done, and filming has already started by the time you have read this.

Keep in mind that I’ve never done anything like this before, so bear with me along this journey as I learn how to get it all right and eventually in the future be doing cool, fun, interesting and amazing things.

Click here to be taken to the Torque & Toast Instagram - here I post once a day about a car I’ve either had experience with, or that I think is cool. Anything really, but once a day posts, and also Reels too once there’s some content to post.

Click here to be taken to the Torque & Toast TikTok page - it’s unlikely there will be anything on there just yet, but click the follow button and be ready for when we GO!

Luckily, I have some friends and family with some very cool cars, so there will be good things coming for social media from the outset!

Now that all of that is cleared up, let’s move on to

CAR OF THE WEEK 👀

I am astounded at the volume of response to the car of the week, so thank you all!

Your opinion matters to me, which is why I am always open to suggestions about how I can improve T&T, but there’s something deeper…

I created this platform so I had somewhere to talk about cars to, and WITH my audience, so I want you to have an input:

This isn’t just about picking favourites. This is about celebrating what makes each of these cars special! Is it the performance? The design? The nostalgia? Or just pure, unfiltered coolness?

Here’s How It Works:

1️⃣ Check out this week’s contenders below.
2️⃣ Click the button to cast your vote.
3️⃣ Sit back and watch the winner be revealed in next week’s newsletter — complete with a deep dive into why it’s such a standout - or why it isn’t… 👀

This week, we will be taking a deep dive into a car that is very similar to last week’s spotlight car - they’re both 3.0, straight 6 BMWs, both in coupe form and both available with a manual gearbox…

Think of this like a slice of toast - the latest version (the M4) is the cooked toast, but it’s the ingredients that go into making the bread that really matter, so today, our deep dive focuses on the car that smashed the polls: please welcome,

The BMW M3 (E46)

The BMW E46 M3, produced from 2000 to 2006, is widely regarded as one of the greatest performance cars ever built. It wasn’t just a leap forward for BMW’s M division—it became the benchmark for what a true driver’s car should be. Read on to find out why the E46 M3 is such a legend.

Power and Performance

At its heart is the S54 engine, a 3.2L naturally aspirated inline-6 that produces 333 horsepower and 365 Nm of torque. This engine was (and still is) a masterpiece, encapsulating everything that the M3 should be about, and more…

The S54 revs to a glorious 8,000 RPM redline, delivering its power with thrilling urgency.

0-60 mph: Achieved in just 5.1 seconds (manual coupe), with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. Remove the limiter, and it could push well past that. Somewhere in the region of 190mph reportedly…

Paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or the SMG automated manual, the E46 M3 offered precise and engaging control over its power. That being said though, the SMG really offered nothing to the every day driver, proving itself only in situations of hard driving. Any self respecting petrol head would go for the manual, if possible.

Chassis and Handling

The E46 M3 wasn’t just fast in a straight line—it was built to conquer corners…

With it’s almost perfect weight distribution, the M3 receives very high praise for being extremely predictable and controllable right on the limit of performance.

BMW implemented an update, geometrically, from the previous M3, leaving it with razor sharp handling and precise steering feel making this E46 a particular favourite of those partial to a track day or some fast road bits.

As with all M cars, the E46 was fitted with a limited-slip differential, meaning you get the most grip possible at all times and all of those 333 horsepowers get transferred to the tarmac correctly and efficiently.

Iconic Design

The E46 M3 had a perfect blend of aggression and elegance. BMW just seem to get it so right with design, consistently.

Measuring in at an average of 25mm wider than a run of the mill E46, it’s no surprise that the M3 can carve corners like no other. These dimensional differences contribute to the M3's superior stability and cornering capabilities, distinguishing it from its non-M counterparts.

In 1998, the E39 M5 was the first M car to adopt the iconic quad exhaust tips that have shaped the future of how M cars look from the rear - an important quality since that’s the only side of the car it’s competition can see 😜

Following on 2 years later, BMW adopted the quad exhausts for the M3, except they located them closer to the middle of the car - a trait that carried through to even the M3s of today.

Of course, the M3 has iconic door mirrors, only being available on the M3 so that anyone that saw you coming KNOWS you’re in an M3!

Interior wise, BMW have always made well put together, premium feeling cabins. They didn’t break trend here either, but unfortunately, they also didn’t break the boring interior trend either.

Pricing

The E46 M3 didn’t just impress enthusiasts; it redefined what a performance car could be. It’s the car against which most rivals—past and present—are judged. Over time, it’s become a modern classic, and its values on the used market reflect its desirability.

Brand new, in 2000, if you were cool enough to want one of these Ultimate Driving Machines, BMW would have performed some serious weight saving on your wallet - to the tune of just under £40,000.

Now? You can get your hands on a tidy example for £15,000, ranging to over £100,000 if it’s the CSL that floats your goat the most.

Modifying your M3

You may see this become a theme, I’m quite the fan of a tastefully modified car, but that aside, this M3 (much like the M4) has served enthusiasts a platform like no other to modify and personalise. From grip to slip, the M3 serves up a solution to every need a petrolhead has.

FAST ROAD / TRACK (CLUBSPORT)

The M3 is hailed as a favourite for track day / fast road enthusiasts due to its balanced chassis, high-revving S54 engine, and razor-sharp handling. Track-prepped M3s often feature modifications like upgraded coilovers, lightweight wheels, and performance tyres for better grip. Many add a roll cage, racing seats, and harnesses for safety, along with brake upgrades to handle extended sessions. Stripped interiors and carbon fiber components help shave weight, turning the M3 into a true track weapon. These builds keep the car's DNA intact while enhancing its raw performance.

STREET STANCE

On the flip side, the E46 M3 has also become an icon in the stance scene. Stance builds prioritise aesthetics, with aggressive wheel setups, wide-body kits, and suspension kits that leaves the car sitting impossibly low. Custom wheels with deep dish designs or intricate patterns are paired with stretched tyres for that tucked look. While these cars sacrifice performance, they excel in showcasing creativity and individuality, making them a staple at car meets and shows.

Personally, for a car as capable as an M3, I think it’s a waste to do something like this, but hit that ‘reply’ button if you disagree!

FOR THE DRIFTERS

While the S54 engine is a naturally aspirated masterpiece, forced induction takes its performance to a whole new level. Turbocharger or supercharger kits are popular upgrades, often pushing the engine well beyond 500hp. Superchargers, like those from ESS or Vortech, offer linear power delivery, while turbo setups can deliver explosive boosts of power. However, forced induction requires supporting mods, such as upgraded cooling systems and reinforced internals, to ensure reliability. It’s a costly but rewarding way to unleash the full potential of the M3.

The M3 is more than capable of going sideways from standard, but drifters all over the world have realised the true sideways capability of this car once you shove a bit more air in!

Concluding the M3:

The E46 M3 didn’t just impress enthusiasts; it redefined what a performance car could be. It’s the car against which most rivals—past and present—are judged. Over time, it’s become a modern classic, and its values on the used market reflect its desirability.

This is more than just a car—it’s an experience. From the way the engine sings at high revs to the way the chassis responds to every input, it offers a connection to the road that few modern cars can match. It’s no wonder the E46 is considered by many to be the pinnacle of BMW’s M3 lineage.

Would you have one in your garage? And if so, would you keep it stock or go wild with mods? Hit the ‘reply’ button and let me know!

Moving on…

Just like last week’s M4, I get a serious tingle when thinking about this car, so maybe I’ll have to stop waffling on and get onto

THE HEADLINES: Automotive News

UK to Introduce Digital Driving Licences via Smartphone App This Year

The UK government plans to launch a Gov.uk app this year, enabling motorists to store and use their driving licences digitally on smartphones. This initiative aims to simplify identity verification for activities such as purchasing age-restricted products, voting, and domestic travel. While traditional photocard licences will remain available, the digital version offers a convenient alternative. The app will incorporate security features like fingerprint and facial recognition, ensuring secure access to personal information.

UK Police Seize Imported Tesla Cybertruck for Non-Compliance with Safety Standards

Greater Manchester Police have confiscated a Tesla Cybertruck imported from the U.S. due to its failure to meet UK safety regulations. The vehicle lacks a certificate of conformity, rendering it illegal on UK roads. Authorities expressed concerns over the truck's design, particularly its sharp edges and upright front end, which pose potential risks to other road users and pedestrians.

Hyundai Reveals Full-Windshield Holographic Display at CES 2025

At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Hyundai Mobis (Hyundai’s parts and services arm) introduced the world's first Holographic Windscreen Display, spanning the entire width of the windscreen. This innovative system comprises three head-up displays: two for the driver, providing essential information like navigation and safety alerts, and one for the front passenger, capable of streaming video or gaming content. The display utilizes special optical film to present information without obstructing the driver's view. Hyundai aims to commence mass production of this technology by 2027.

Discussion Starter: Torque Talk

Track Days vs. Sunday Cruises: What’s Your Ideal Driving Experience?

In my opinion, nothing can beat the feeling you get when you’re bashing a car round a track, but being a broke ass, the roads will have to do for now.

From a 7am Sunday morning summer drive on a beautiful, empty back road, to rattling your motor around as fast a possible in an environment literally designed to do it, driving is the best thing in the world, but I want to know which style you prefer and why!

Track days can get expensive, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand £££ if you want to have the track to yourself, or drive on an empty track. As an example, I contacted the team at Thruxton Circuit - £7,000 was the cost to hire the track and Marshalls for the day! A regular track day at the same circuit will run you somewhere around £250.

None of that cost applies to your favourite B road, but you run the risk of crashing into all sorts of wildlife, trees, and other people…🥴

Hit ‘reply’ and let me know!

Cars With A Story: I Want To See Yours

I, like you, am a sucker for a good story. I, like you, have had cars in my time that have either come to me with a story attached, or have allowed me to create my own story.

Either way, I want to see your cars. I want to know what the story is, whether you just saw it, loved it and bought it, or if you got stuck with it. Modified or standard, whatever you have, if it has a story I want to hear it!

Tell me your car’s story, reply to this email, and give me something good to read.

Who knows, you may end up making it into COTD 👀 That’s not one, but TWO!! Gold Stars if you manage to feature 🥳⭐️⭐️

NEW: THE CLASSIFIED SPOTLIGHT

If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time scrolling through AutoTrader, looking at cars you can’t (yet) afford.

This section is dedicated to 2 cars I’ve found over the last week that either display great value, practicality, power, flare, or just pique my interest. There won’t be much talking, but you’ll know why I like these cars!

Also, I am not afraid to buy a high mileage car - so the value of some of what you’ll see far exceeds the price… if you’re willing to stomach the numbers on the dash and maybe fork out on some repairs 👀

This Week: Performance Saloons Under £20,000

Click here to see a gorgeous Japanese Import BMW M5 - under £20,000, 500bhp, 5.0 V10 engine, and enough comfort and space to very comfortably drive the family about, the E60 M5 represents extremely good value for money. Reliability could hit you in the danglies though, so make sure whatever M5 you’re buying has had the necessary preventative maintenance items carried out!

Click here to see what could be one of the coolest cars on the road. The Audi S8 represents beautiful value for money. With this one, you get a 4.0 twin turbo V8, giving you 520bhp. A similar, but entirely different car to the M5, the S8’s goal is to get you across the country as fast as possible in ultimate comfort, whereas the M5 wants to get you to the shops round the corner in a cloud of tyre smoke, leaving you with a smile you can’t get rid of!

Thank You For Reading Till The End

This was just Edition 2 of Torque & Toast weekly, in case you forgot, and already I am overwhelmed by the positive support from you so thank you for that.

The Torque and Toast Weekly will continue to evolve over time, and after each one, I’m going to ask you some questions about what you thought.

I want this to be something genuinely valuable to you, and I want you to come back for more, and see your own suggestions coming to life.

This edition of T&T Weekly has been a little bit bare, but this is just the beginning of us building something genuinely amazing.

Questions I Have For You:

As usual, I’ll see you again tomorrow at 6am sharp!

Love,

Angus❤️