PRE-FLIGHT BRIEFING I BMW M3 COMPETITION

⊲ Why is it here?

Because this is the new M3 – the latest in a long and lauded line of outstanding performance saloons from BMW’s M division. Compared with the previous car, the new one, based on the G20 3-series, is bigger, heavier, stiffer, runs bigger tyres and gets a load more power: 503bhp from a twin-turbo straight-six.

⊲ Any clever stuff?

Plenty, much of it focused on preparing the base G20/ G22 platform for life in an M car. In go braces to lock the front shocks together, new elements to tie the lighter, stiffer front subframe to the reinforced engine bay, and underfloor shear panels, for the kind of twist-resistance beloved of racecar engineers. In total there’s 38kg of reinforcement, a penalty the team behind the car describe as an investment. Up front there’s the proven S58 six, with its twin turbos and racecar-style closed-deck construction. The M3/M4 will get a version of the M xDrive system that works so well in the M5 Comp, but not yet.

⊲ Which version is this? There’ll be four bodystyles: saloon (the M3), coupe (the M4), convertible and a Touring (which the US won’t get). While BMW’s design team has worked hard to put clear water between the 3- and 4-series, M division has worked to make the M3 and the M4 feel identical to drive. Other markets will also get a less powerful version, for which a manual ’box is an option, but the UK only gets 503bhp Comp cars and their eight-speed auto. Our M3 is loaded: M Pro ceramic brakes, M Carbon exterior styling pack, HUD, ‘826 M’ forged wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) and Isle of Man metallic green paint – a total of £94k, give or take.