M3 Lives Up to Legacy - Thrilling BMW coupe draped in gadgets, luxury

摘要

In balancing its high-performance legacy with growing calls for efficiency, the fourth edition of BMW M GmbH's M3 sport coupe emerges with a powerful display of V-8-enriched techno-think wrapped in the body of a grand touring car. Honed from motorsport nearly 25 years ago, the first M3 arrived in 1986 with a Formula 1-derived 200-hp 4-cyl. and weighing less than 2,700 lbs. (1,225 kg). This first of the anabolic 3-Series, along with two subsequent 6-cyl. generations, launched the M road cars into serious contention for sporting purity. The first to feature a V-8 - the new '08 M3 is a very quick and rewarding drive. Its screaming 4.0L V-8 punches out 414 hp at more than 8,000 rpm, while the rest of the car bristles with refinements made on Germany's tricky Nurburgring racetrack.