It was always going to be an interesting stoush this year in the battle of the affordable supercars. Previous winner, Audi’s V8 RS4 sedan had to contend with a much revised BMW M3 coupe.
Both cars won the judges’ hearts for their competence and driving pleasure, but the M3 regained top spot on the podium.
The M3 is no longer powered by the aurally exquisite, torque-rich straight-six, but a high-revving, hi-tech V8. It’s lighter than the six it replaces and delivers 309 kW at a heady (for a V8) 8300 rpm. And it’s a ripper.
The 4.0-litre V8 features eight individually-controlled throttle butterflies, race car-style, as well as BMW’s double VANOS camshaft control, which helps the engine get a ‘second wind’ and sing sweetly at better than 8000 revs.
The 400 Nm of torque is also impressive but importantly, 85 percent of the pulling power is available through a 6500 rpm rev range, which means that constant gear swapping is unnecessary.
But there’s a slick, close-ratio, six-speed manual anyway.
The new M3 coupe is equally adroit on the road and the racetrack, with amazing grip, poise, suspension control and balance. It features tarmac tearing brakes: great pedal feel and modulation and devastatingly effective retardation.
The ABC judges aren’t fans of BMW’s iDrive but concede it’s been made significantly more user-friendly.
We were impressed by the new ‘M-Drive’ feature which, via iDrive, allows selection of various combinations and thresholds of steering force, damper control, throttle sensitivity, traction control and stability control.
M3 is an amazingly competent, comfortable and rewarding sports saloon.
Full Details: www.australiasbestcars.com.au.
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