At over €100,000, the BMW M3 has a monster price tag but it delivers monster performance.
I got to thrash it around Mondello recently and am still smiling.
New to the 3 series is a 420bhp V8 power plant replacing the previous 3.2 litre six cylinder. Also new for this generation M3 will be the availability of a four-door version (pictured).
The M3 since the mid 80s, and through four generations, has become the dream small coupe since the first left hand drive 195bhp M3 burst on the scene.
The new sub five second 0-100km/h car has over double the power of the original possesses a beautiful beefy look with a new sculpted bonnet that covers the chunky V8. The big petrol engine that is built alongside the firm's Formula 1 engines is actually 15kg lighter than the smaller engine it replaces.
The car comes with a host of traction and stability control systems as standard that do a remarkable job at compensating for adverse driving situations. In reality most ordinary drivers will thank BMW for helping them stay on the road and the right side up as the rear wheel drive car has power to burn (400nm).
The six-speed manual gearbox on my test car coupled with the M differential makes getting the traction through the wheels easy. On greasy Irish road the relatively short wheelbase could without difficulty catch an enthusiastic driver out. On the track I tried my best to upset the car but the dynamic stability control just keep guiding the beast in the right direction by apply braking force to individual wheels when needed and retarding the power when appropriate. On Mondello’s smooth race surface the M3 feels quite softly sprung but on the road the car will prove firm.
The beefy exterior is rugged and tough when viewed head on while the rear of the coupe is a little bland until you spy the subtle rear lip spoiler, air aerodynamic package and quad exhaust pipes – nice.
The Coupe’s roof is similar to the M6 as it is carbon fibre to reduce weight, however the carbon fibre roof does not feature on the four-door M3, which is fractionally slower than the two-door.
Underneath the M3 lurks some green credentials (yeah right!) as the performance car uses some elements of BMWs ‘Efficient Dynamics’ such as brake-energy regeneration to reduce carbon emissions to 295g/km, which is still a savage amount.
Inside the four seat car is well appointed as you would expect but to be honest I spent more time looking out the windscreen than casting a critical eye on the dash and ergonomics.
The M3 will draw a lot of attention to drivers and completes a wonderful BMW M range (M5, M6 & Z4M) that includes my favourite motor the M5 Touring.
If you want one I’m afraid this year's allocation is already sold out, but €103,000 will get you one next year.
