2010 BMW M3

Dynamic Stability Control
Selectively applies brakes and reduces power when needed to maintain stability but can be switched off. Its Start-Off Assistant prevents roll-back when launching on a hill, Cornering Brake Control stabilizes when braking in a curve and brake pre-loading builds up instant pressure when it senses an emergency stop may be imminent.

Optional M Double-clutch Transmission with Drivelogic
This seven-speed gearbox operates like two separate transmissions handing off to each other from ratio to ratio. There's no clutch pedal but 11 shift programs (five automatic, six manual), and it can be shifted on the fly with the throttle on the floor (no interruption of power) through either its shift lever or steering wheel paddles.

The leather-covered steering wheel's spokes incorporate controls for audio and phone and the available MDrive button, and the black leather-trimmed center console presents a trio of switches for the electronic driving programs (Power, DSC and optional EDC). Accent trim is carbon fiber, M-car logos decorate the door sills, instruments are specific "M style" and the tachometer warning zone rotates upward to the maximum 8300 rpm as engine oil temperature increases. The front seats are available with backrest-width adjustments and optional folding rear seats open the interior to the 15.2 cubic-foot trunk. The available Navigation system requires BMW's newest -and much improved – iteration of its iDrive system.

The M3's purposeful face flaunts its trademark BMW twin-kidney grille between quad xenon headlamps and above three large intakes that feed high volumes of air to its engine and brakes; hence, it foregoes the fog lamps found on other 3 Series models. It sports signature M-car front-fender gills with tri-color M3 logos and sharp character creases over pronounced rocker sills. A discreet decklid spoiler reduces both aerodynamic drag and rear lift, while a split diffuser beneath the rear bumper mimics the front air intakes' shape above four serious circular tailpipes.

The 2010 BMW M3's light-alloy 32-valve double-overhead-camshaft 4.0-liter V8 delivers 414 high-revving horses and 295 pound-feet of torque, with 85 percent of the latter available from 3,900 through 6,500 rpm. It is 24 percent more powerful than the last-generation M3's inline six-cylinder engine, yet weighs seven percent less. Its compression ratio is a high 12.0:1 and its redline an astounding 8,400 rpm. A separate throttle butterfly for each cylinder - a feature adapted from the M's racing heritage - provides immediate reaction to the accelerator pedal at any rpm and double-VANOS variable camshaft management delivers fast valve timing adjustments to enhance power, torque, fuel economy and emissions all at once. It drives through a standard six-speed manual transmission or a new optional twin-clutch seven-speed that can be shifted automatically or manually with steering-wheel paddles.

4.0-liter V8
414 horsepower @ 8300 rpm
295 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (Sedan and Coupe), 13/20 (Convertible, manual)