It isn't often that I jump in a rental car, because I was having so much fun in the Golf on track. After putting the daily on winter tyres I needed to drive something, and what better than the BMW M4 from Apex Nuerburg!
I've figured out how life works, and only message Robert when he's busy because he says 'yes' to get rid of me 😂. Robert Mitchell is the owner of Apex Nuerburg and has been running what has become one of the most successful outfits at the Nürburgring in the past few years. He is really into his cars and you can expect the same level of quality when renting one of the available fleet.
I've figured out how life works, and only message Robert when he's busy because he says 'yes' to get rid of me 😂. Robert Mitchell is the owner of Apex Nuerburg and has been running what has become one of the most successful outfits at the Nürburgring in the past few years. He is really into his cars and you can expect the same level of quality when renting one of the available fleet.
What you get is a fully prepped ring tool capable of insane lap times, but I only drive for fun and never try to set records. A rental car is exactly what it says it is - a rental! This means the cars are here to be enjoyed and not to be driven on the limit. Thousands of people visit the Ring every year and it is always sad when a rental car has an accident on track.
A lot of money goes into preparing these high end cars so I advise everybody visiting to enjoy the Nordschleife and never take it too seriously. That said this car is lethal as fook and driving at full throttle is incredible when you know your way around the track.
A lot of money goes into preparing these high end cars so I advise everybody visiting to enjoy the Nordschleife and never take it too seriously. That said this car is lethal as fook and driving at full throttle is incredible when you know your way around the track.
I initially booked just one lap to enjoy the buzz, but the minimum booking is two laps which makes sense as the tyres need warming when you first go out. I wouldn't recommend this as a first timer rental car - there are plenty of other cars with less power that are ideal for beginners.
Visit any of the rental companies along Hauptstrasse (Main Street) in Nürburg and you will find something decent for testing the track for the first time. Lets talk about the M4 now..
Visit any of the rental companies along Hauptstrasse (Main Street) in Nürburg and you will find something decent for testing the track for the first time. Lets talk about the M4 now..
It sits boldly on Michelin PS4 Tyres. The Nankang AR-1 is saved for when its really hot outside, and this was driven in October 2020 as the temperatures really started to drop. The JRZ Suspension works well with the car, and the Recaro bucket seats along with the harnesses squeeze you in quite comfortably for the time you'll spend behind the wheel.
The steering wheel, paddle shifters and carpet are all left standard which I like. Removing the carpet makes the car feel awful especially without a decent footrest fitted. Behind me is a clubsport roll cage which I am a real fan of. It also makes a great securing point for my camera, though sadly I mounted it in a position where the actual track wasn't clearly visible :-(
The steering wheel, paddle shifters and carpet are all left standard which I like. Removing the carpet makes the car feel awful especially without a decent footrest fitted. Behind me is a clubsport roll cage which I am a real fan of. It also makes a great securing point for my camera, though sadly I mounted it in a position where the actual track wasn't clearly visible :-(
Helmet? Check! Gloves? Check! Unicorn Lap Ticket? Check!
I have lived in Nürburg since the end of 2016 and have driven between 1-4 laps every week while the track has been open. I can wait a week and sometimes up to a fortnight, but I do NEED to get out and drive it especially during the warm months.
Hatzenbach in this car goes by so quickly its as though I blinked at the gate and next thing I was approaching Schwedenkreuz at nearly 270 km/h on the tacho 😮. As mentioned, this is a serious car and definitely not a rental for beginners. The M4 tackles the track without fault and the brakes are insane! A lot has gone into the development of this car and it gets better every time I drive it. This winter will see another suspension change and setup for me to play with in the new year and I'm looking forward to it!
I have lived in Nürburg since the end of 2016 and have driven between 1-4 laps every week while the track has been open. I can wait a week and sometimes up to a fortnight, but I do NEED to get out and drive it especially during the warm months.
Hatzenbach in this car goes by so quickly its as though I blinked at the gate and next thing I was approaching Schwedenkreuz at nearly 270 km/h on the tacho 😮. As mentioned, this is a serious car and definitely not a rental for beginners. The M4 tackles the track without fault and the brakes are insane! A lot has gone into the development of this car and it gets better every time I drive it. This winter will see another suspension change and setup for me to play with in the new year and I'm looking forward to it!
There are several rental companies with different cars available at the Ring, and it can be daunting choosing something right for you. I am based in the area during the summer months and am also available to give circuit guidance on Trackday and other private events on the Nordschleife.
If you are in the area wanting to get a decent car, simply drop me an email/instagram dm and I will direct you to the best places in town! I have spent a lot of time here and have made great links with the local companies. Taxi Laps are also great fun and I recommend at least two taxi laps if you are really interested in learning the correct line.
My laps in this car were just as incredible as previous laps and I will always choose the Apex M4 as my favourite from their fleet. The Seat Leon Cupra comes in at a close second ;)
If you are in the area wanting to get a decent car, simply drop me an email/instagram dm and I will direct you to the best places in town! I have spent a lot of time here and have made great links with the local companies. Taxi Laps are also great fun and I recommend at least two taxi laps if you are really interested in learning the correct line.
My laps in this car were just as incredible as previous laps and I will always choose the Apex M4 as my favourite from their fleet. The Seat Leon Cupra comes in at a close second ;)
To end, this is a fantastic rental car from the team at Apex Nuerburg. I cannot think of a better way to end my season and want to send a massive thank you to Robert for organising this for me. I am really looking forward to the new year - lets hope the Covid-19 figures drop so we can have a great season in 2021!
I'll add some pictures below for you.
Nicholas Lawrence
nick@on-cars.com
I'll add some pictures below for you.
Nicholas Lawrence
nick@on-cars.com
