A key factor in the undiluted performance of every generation of M3 is the parallel development of the car with its motorsport sibling. For the latest generation this process harnessed the development of the new BMW M4 GT3. , The engine’s immense thrust is accompanied by a stirring soundtrack courtesy of the specially designed dual-branch exhaust system that feeds into the unmistakable quartet of tailpipes finished in Black Chrome. , Fine-tuning of the engine sound, using electrically controlled flaps, suppresses intrusive frequency ranges and gives greater voice to the engine’s linear power delivery and high-revving tendencies., Its acoustic character automatically changes according to the driving mode selected or the driver can manually adapt the engine’s aural impact using the M Sound Control button on the centre console. Power delivery is harnessed through the unique eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic enabling both fully automatic gear changes and manual shifts with sequential gear selection., Its highly efficient transmission management, extremely short shift times and direct connection to the engine ensures razor-sharp responsiveness to the driver’s demands., Furthermore, the transmission’s shift characteristics can be adjusted using the Drivelogic button integrated into the gear lever. The driver can access three clearly distinct setups – comfort oriented, sports focused or track optimised., The chassis setup has been carefully adjusted to the engine’s higher output and perfectly tuned with the suspension system to offer remarkable versatility from the demands of track use to everyday driving and long distance comfort., The electronically controlled shock absorbers of the adaptive M suspension optimise road contact and traction in every situation with the use of electromagnetically controlled valves that react in milliseconds to generate the required damping force – infinitely variable and set for each individual wheel. , Basic damper characteristics can be adjusted via the M Setup menu. The driver can select from three modes – COMFORT, SPORT and , Metallic Portimao Blue, £84,499