Hey everyone. I had bought my Evo from a member on this site and loved the hell out of that thing. It was a blast to drive and made loads of power...then I sold it. I'm thinking about getting into another platform (preferably AWD turbo sedan). I've been heavily looking into the BMW F30 340i and really like the thought, but am a little disappointed in the aftermarket/tuning scene. I get the B58 is a newer engine, but it's hard coming across any crazy builds done to them besides bolt-ons + flash. That is where the 4G63 community really shines and ultimately how I fell in love with the Evo.

Basically, I'm looking for a new-ish model car to get behind - an AWD turbo sedan style platform with a competitive performance and tuning scene. Any recommendations?

 

Sounds like an Audi RS3 is right up your alley if you can swing the funds. The inline 5 is a good engine, transmissions are awesome from a performance standpoint.

 

I like that suggestion. If I were to go Audi, though, I would consider the S4. I've heard their potential is very respectable. Though I can't help but to think of Audi as a leather bound, faster VW. That is not to say I would dismiss the idea.

 

Turbo AWD is a popular genre for car enthusiasts, but currently it's dominated by the Subaru WRX/STI. Besides Evo and WRX, there are also Golf R, Focus RS, GR Corolla, Civic Type R (FWD), Elantra N (FWD), and CLA45 AMG (no manual). But if you are asking for a "competitive performance and tuning scene," then only WRX/STI, Golf R, and the RS3 like DontStopMe said seem to meet the criteria.

I also like the ATS-V and CT4-V Blackwing, which do have a somewhat competitive aftermarket because they use the GM drivetrain. But they are rear-wheel drive. They cater to the majority of car enthusiasts who consider big horsepower to be the most important feature. The new ones are really pricey that you can have a Shelby GT350R for that money, but used ones are affordable enough like an STI or an F30.

 

Thank you for you suggestions. I looked into each of these and like the CLA45 AMG. I feel it's more my style. Much like the F30/G20 (340i/M340i). And the more I look into the RS3 the more I like it.

The Evo is a fantastic machine. I got mine in 2008 when I was in my mid 20s. It was on HKS coilovers making it a rough ride. Not to mention the triple disk clutch it had making it tough (though fun) to drive. I'm 35 now and would appreciate something in the "luxury" category. Like someting in the AMG, RS#, M3, 335i, 340i/M340i. I'm watching a TY about the N54 as I type this and am really digging the N54 engine.

Also, just a side thought: the S58 engine is supposed to be the "new 2JZ". Just something else I have to consider.

 

I'm also a fan of the CLA45 AMG. I like the luxurious style and big horsepower (none-S 382hp; S 420hp), and its road manner is superb. I can live with its questionable handling at the track, because a CLA45 in my hands wouldn't be an autocross or track car. However, the crappy automatic transmission (and its disobedient shifting algorithm) really annoys me, so much so that I would rather drive a childish M2 with a proper 6-speed manual.

By the way, speaking of BMWs, my favorite is the E89 Z4. When it first came out, the E89 got really bad reviews. The reviewers said the E89 cost twice the price of the Evo X while offer less performance. Nowadays the used E89s cost about the same as Evo's, so it's a reasonable car to buy. I'm more of less okay with the G29 Z4 too, as long as it has a 6MT.