The waiting is almost over. No more 'Concept M' show cars with blacked-out glass, no more 'scoop' photos that were just Photoshoped 335is (we're looking at YOU, Car Magazine), the new BMW M3 is almost upon us and it's going to be awesome.
The new M3 Coupé engine develops 420hp at 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm from its 3,999cc V8-power unit, and red-lines at 8,400rpm. To highlight the flexibility of the engine, 85 per cent of torque is available from 6,500rpm. Power is transferred to the road by BMW M’s six-speed manual gearbox and variable M differential which conveys up to 100 per cent of available power to the wheel with most grip.
Like its predecessor, the new M3 easily breaks through the magical 100hp per litre barrier, offering 105hp per litre. This engine powers the car from zero to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph. However, these supercar levels of performance do not compromise economy with the car still delivering 22.8mpg on the combined cycle, being an eight per cent improvement over the outgoing car.
Tie that kind of performance in with lighter build (only 8kg heavier than the old M3), a carbon-fibre roof (doesn't save much weight but is incredibly cool), serious aerodynamic aids and a new version of the now-legendary M-Differential (oversteer on tap) and this is adding up to the performance car of the year. Which is good, because after the flabby, pointless M6 convertible, we really want to see the M-Division's teeth bared again.
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