Marbella, Spain—Finally, after much anticipation during the past year, we are able to climb aboard the latest, if not the most famous, performance car in the BMW model lineup, the M3.
Turn on the ignition and the M3 wakes up with a purr. Stomp on the throttle and the silky-smooth V-8 comes alive with a roar. The BMW 4.0-liter engine is capable of pumping out an impressive 414 bhp at 8300 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at 3900 rpm. And according to the folks from Munich, the car can rocket from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds.
Through southern Spain’s fantastic winding mountain roads, the new M3 feels right at home. On open stretches of straightaway, the car is fast. But instead of a sudden rush of speed as you put the pedal to the metal, the BMW builds momentum smoothly and quickly. It is not until about 4000 rpm that the V-8 really begins to sound out its power through the intake and exhaust.
Around the high-speed sweepers and tight twisties, the M3’s exceptional chassis balance and power really shine. The car is sure-footed and confidence-inspiring, despite slippery conditions during our drive due to sandy conditions on the road. However, if the BMW does lose traction at the rear, it does so in such a progressive manner that there’s plenty of time to correct without much effort.
The new M3 appears the most menacing from the front. The bulge on the hood flanked by two air vents and the blacked-out carbon-fiber roof give the car an aggressive stance. In profile and around the rear, the car appears softer and more laid-back, except for the quad exhaust tips that hint at the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Unfortunately for diehard fans in the U.S., the M3 will not go on sale until spring of 2008. Pricing has not been announced, but expect to see the sticker price around $60,000. For more details on the BMW M3, checkout the October 2007 issue of Road & Track.
Road and Track Magazine - Driving the 2008 BMW M3 Coupe (7/2007)
