Photo courtesy of BMW AG: The 2007 BMW M3 coupe. The 2007 edition is the first-ever M3 with an eight-cylinder power unit, all-new V8 engine displacing 4.0 litres.

The fourth-generation BMW M3 has arrived, and BMW is singing its praises as an "all-new, unique high-performance sports car with unprecedented design and technology".

Within BMW's M model range, the BMW M3 has always been a special model, living up to its motorsport heritage. The 2007 edition is the first-ever M3 with an eight-cylinder power unit, all-new V8 engine displacing 4.0 litres. Maximum output is 309 kW/420 hp plus peak torque of 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm, with a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm, optimum power and torque throughout the entire engine speed range.

Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, with the top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph), its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 12.4 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 22.8 mpg Imp). Its manual six-speed gearbox has integrated, temperature-related oil cooling and mass inertia-optimised double-plate clutch.

Unique design

Although the latest generation of the BMW M3 was based in its development on the new BMW M3 coupe, the new high-performance model differs from the "regular" coupe in terms of both looks and technical features. Apart from the car's unique design as well as its drivetrain and suspension technology conceived from the start for supreme performance, lightweight technology came right at the top in the brief given to the engineers at BMW M. And just how consistently this development target has been translated into reality in terms of intelligent lightweight engineering is borne out by the car's power-to-weight ratio of only 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) per horsepower.

One of the reasons for this low weight is that the new BMW M3 is the first production car in its segment to boast a roof made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic.

And in all, the new BMW M3, with the exception of just a few components, is indeed completely new in its engineering and design concept, clearly reflecting the successful tradition of BMW M.