It’s not a facet of BMW we see too often, but the company’s tradition of commissioning modern artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol to use one of its cars as a “canvas” has produced some interesting stuff. The 17th and latest BMW Art Car is a Jeff Koons interpretation of the awesome M3 GT2. He says the lines of bright contrasting colors communicate the aesthetics of power. And two graphic rings on the rear represent supersonic acceleration. OK, Jeff, whatever. Even so, this is no pretentious, gallery-going fop. BMW and Koons worked together to make sure the graphics did not hinder the car’s weight or aerodynamics because, like many Art Cars before it, this one had a race to run. The 2010 Le Mans 24-hour bash, no less. It didn’t get past the sixth hour and almost took out a leading Audi-but it still raced at Le Mans.

Photo Gallery: Jeff Koons BMW M3 GT2 – European Car Magazine

Audi has already conquered Le Mans using diesel-powered cars. So when it brought out the E-Tron electric sports car for a lap before the 2010 24-hour enduro, was it making some kind of veiled prediction? It could happen if the battery packs were easily interchangeable and could be recharged outside of the vehicle. This matte-black model was driven by German race ace Frank Biela. Although the E-Tron is still one of those halo vehicles to show off new tech, Audi is saying that a road-going version could be available in 2012.

Photo Gallery: Audi E Tron – European Car Magazine

Of all the crass phrases dreamt up by car marketing departments, “four-door coupe” represents a new low point. We even feared that BMW had succumbed when, at the Beijing Auto Show, it unveiled a Gran Coupe concept that had two too many doors. Then BMW said it would produce the car as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the much-anticipated Audi A7. But the name doesn’t fit into BMW’s usual system. Word has it that Munich resounded with the idea of bringing the 8 Series badge back to life, but the Gran Coupe has ended up as a 6 Series. But there’s already a 6 Series coupe, so this will be the 2012 6 Series sedan and it gives us an idea of what the next generation 6 will look like when it comes out next year.

Photo Gallery: BMW Gran Coupe Concept – European Car Magazine

Some engines just go about their business in a workmanlike way-never really appreciated, but never really inspiring either. There are others, though, like the turbocharged 2.5-liter direct-injection five-potter in the Audi TT RS, that beg for more attention. This bundle of joy has just been voted International Engine of the Year 2010 for making 340 hp at 5400 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm. It also returns around 25 mpg. “Torque, power, a beautiful sound-this engine has it all. This is five-cylinder architecture at its best.” It took 71 car journos from 35 countries to think that line up. And adjudicate. This is Audi’s sixth win in as many years in the 2.0 to 2.5-liter category. Makes us want to go out and drive one right now.

Photo Gallery: Audi 2.5 TFSI Power Unit – European Car Magazine

With World Cup soccer now behind us, some people won’t want to wait another four years to get their fix. But if they had 12,900 euros to spend, they could get this Audi Design limited-edition foosball table. It’s made from handcrafted wood, brushed aluminum, and heavy-duty plastic, and has been the project of 10 styling studio trainees. “It’s an attractive task to transfer our design language to other day-to-day articles,” says Audi design chief Wolfgang Egger. “The results are often surprising.” Thomas Przesdzink, German table soccer multiple champion, has already had a go. “It looks just great,” he says. “That tells us nothing about how it performs, but here too I was pleasantly surprised. From a sporting point of view, it could certainly be used for an official tournament series.” So it’s almost kind of sad that only 20 will be made.

Photo Gallery: Audi Design Foosball Table – European Car Magazine

My first real personal indulgence, one that said “I haven’t arrived but I’m on my way up,” was a pastel blue 1976 BMW 2002. The sport coupe spoke to a sense of 20-something arrival and BMW was already a staple on the L.A. scene. Parked on the strip near the Whiskey or at the Palomino, clubs that were poles apart musically, Bimmers effortlessly connected the distance between these venues.

Photo Gallery: 2010 BMW 135i – European Car Magazine

I’ve got to be honest for a moment. I never really liked the Gallardo. I mean really liked it, instead of merely liking it.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera – European Car Magazine