2008 BMW M3 Review

Any way you look at the new 2008 BMW M3, it's gorgeous. There's nothing subtle about the lines. Surfacing doesn't blend into muted planes. Rather, there are sculpted indentions and bulges like the powerdome on the hood, framing around the quad chromed exhaust tips that seems to have  been carved, a look of almost racecar proportions in profile. That's all fitting for a vehicle with all the performance requirements to dominate, not just compete.

2008 BMW M3 Interior

You could say it has the same undertone of excitement of an Eva Longoria or a Patrick Dempsey. Something more than a facade. A contradiction, a twinkle of mysterius humor that peeks out from behind the gaze.

Cars are often compared with the people who drive them, or would like to drive them. Racy rear-drive cars in particular show their personalities that way. With BMW's new performance M3, back after a year-long absence following a wrap-up of the previous generation, it could pose a similar contradiction. Despite its sports coupe or sedan foundation that can survive or even thrive during a daily commute, it's really a track car that can't wait for the starting flag to drop.

The M3's power comes from a series' first-ever all-aluminum 4.0-liter V-8, delivering 414-horsepower with a heady 8400 rpm redline, that's mated to a six-speed manual. There's Dynamic Brake Control to assist in high performance braking. Three models (coupe automatic and manual, and the convertible automatic)are rated at best mileage of 14 city/20 highway mpg. The manual (six-speed) convertible loses a point in mileage each category and is rated at 13 city/29 highway mpg.

For trackworthiness, BMW has trimmed out every available ounce. The coupe's roof panel is lightweight carbon fiber. Drive-by-wire helps reduce weight. Side ventilation "gills" improve engine air flow.

With M3 entry pricing at a heady $45,500 (coupe) or $53,800 (sedan), one would expect a load of available amenities, and they're there. Bluetooth connectivity, 10-speaker audio, Xenon auto leveling and cornering headlamps, speed sensitive-variable assist power steering, and on-board navigation with voice command are a few. And they suggest that reducing track weight can go only so far. After all, imagine how Longoria would look if she only snacked on crackers.