What to Drive After That Fresh Cut: Hot Car Summer

These three re-designed stunners will make anyone’s summer a memorable one in this edition of What to Drive After That Fresh Cut.
Dennis Malcolm Byron A.K.A. Ale Sharpton
Beer, auto, travel, food, sports, music & clothing fanatic, award-winning journalist, photographer and Creative Director.

These three re-designed stunners will make anyone’s summer a memorable one in this edition of What to Drive After That Fresh Cut.

2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive Coupe 

Every once in a while, a review car is designed and presented the exact way you want it if you owned that model. This 2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive Coupe presented in a stunning Isle of Green exterior and Kyalami orange/black leather interior with M carbon bucket seats is one of these. Already a contender as one of this year's top cars, this coupe boasts the high-performance “M” insignia. It packs a 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine pushing 503 horsepower, reaching a hair-raising 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. It’s the highest performer of all the 2022 M4 coupe versions. 

From a performance and handling perspective, BMW’s signature “XDrive” category signifies intelligent all-wheel-drive capability, plus the technology to distribute power to the wheel, promising the most control and dynamics. This includes the Adaptive M Suspension, Active M Differential, M Drive, and M Driving Dynamics Control. With all of these enhancements, you won't hesitate to sit behind this beast's wheel, even if it’s for a quick errand. And about sitting, the aforementioned M carbon bucket seats ($3,800) sit low with curves scientifically placed to hug drivers firmly for any sudden turn or launch; ultimately, they give the driver the welcomed experience and mindset of a professional competing in the Grand Prix. The headrest is removable to make room for anyone who dons a helmet when on the track to fully feel this car’s performance capabilities. 

Adding to the “Luxury” designation is a theater-esque Harmon Kardon audio system. Consider the M Driver’s Package ($2,500); Driver’s Assistance Pro Package ($1,800); Parking Assistance Package ($800); and Executive Package ($1,800) to complete your pampering to the highest degree.

This car is simply a head-turning beast packing one heck of a haymaker under the hood. Now, the “M” also stands for magnificent. 

What the sticker says: The 2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive Coupe is $78,800 MSRP and $95,345, including all the above packages.

For more information, visit Bmwusa.com.

Photos courtesy of BMW.


2022 Subaru WRX Premium 

The Subaru WRX shines brightly as one of the most revered sports sedans for five generations and counting. The 2022 Subaru WRX’s 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER keeps the legacy going with an engine that tops off at 271-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of peak torque. For true racing enthusiasts, the experience remains exhilarating, while the technology and exterior get upgrades. The highly anticipated, faster-shifting Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) makes its debut with incline assist. It comes in all-wheel drive, unlike competitors, plus 18-inch alloy wheels with a custom matte-gray finish, an all-new D-shaped steering wheel, and various drive modes, including Track Mode. The exterior also flaunts more curvature, athletic lines, futuristic LED lights, and fenders getting a little more enhancement to bring a bolder look to the frame.

On the safety side, the award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology has new features to perfect lane keep assist, throttle control, and smart-braking; the rear seat reminder for articles and, more importantly, children, is also invaluable.

The Premium edition also comes with push-button start, multiple USB ports, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus version of the STARLINK now in a tablet form with high definition. All in all, Subaru’s new WRX will secure its fandom for generations to come. 

What the sticker says: The 2022 Subaru WRX Premium is $29,105 MSRP including all the above packages.

For more information, visit Subarusa.com.

Photos courtesy of Subaru.


2022 Nissan PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4 

Nissan wows truck enthusiasts and fans of their Frontier pickup with the re-designed 2022 Nissan PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4 trim that comes loaded inside and out. Driving the fully equipped review model, gawkers immediately notice the more muscular frame, large skid plates, signature LED headlights forming a futuristic “C” shape, 17-inch Beadlock, black-coated alloy wheels, and what we personally love — the Sport Bar boasting the Frontier logo on both sides — which perfectly accents the bed to deliver a more rugged look. The Tactical Green metallic premium paint deserves a salute as well. 

Under the hood, the Frontier leads its competitors with the best-in-class 310-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6, which is fully utilized by the Shift-on-the-Fly 4WD. This gas-pedal punch is ideal for city driving and off-road navigation. It gives the entire driving experience a literal boost. Towing peaks at 6,720 pounds, enhanced with Towing Sway Control. 

The Frontier also leads the way on the technology side, brandishing a 9-inch color touchscreen, plus a Wi-Fi hotspot, rearview monitor, two 120-volt outlets, Apple CarPlay/Android capability, and the optional 10-speaker Fender audio system. Safety is definitely a priority, with the Frontier being the first Nissan to have the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Off-Road Mode, plus Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, a plethora of airbags throughout the cabin, automatic emergency braking, and numerous other features to relax the mind. 

Although the standard equipment is generous, with a base price of $37K, strongly consider the numerous packages to truly flaunt what the 2022 Frontier offers. Research the Pro Premium ($2,700); Pro Convenience ($1,990); Technology Package ($990); and the aforementioned Sports Bar ($1,095). 

Whether you go with the base model or splurge with all the bells and whistles, the Frontier will be a front runner for pickup truck of the year. 

What the sticker says: The Nissan PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4 is $37,240 MSRP for the base price; $46,965 includes all the packages.

For more information, visit Nissanusa.com.

Photos courtesy of Nissan.

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