BMW reveals ferocious new M3 and M4

IF YOU’RE no fan of Top Gear-style wheel-spinning, tyre-smoking oversteer, then it’s probably best to look away now, because BMW has unveiled the new M3 and M4.

Essentially the same car underneath, the main differences come in the number of doors and the suspension settings, with the M3 built as a four-door, slightly more forgiving saloon and the M4 as a harder-edged two-door coupe.

But both will go very sideways, if that’s the sort of thing that revs your engine, thanks to a shared 425bhp six-cylinder engine that sends all that juicy power to the rear wheels.

That’s good for supercar-rivalling acceleration, measured at 4.1 seconds from zero to 62mph as long as the clever dual-clutch automatic gearbox is installed.

Put it this way: if you’ve got a heavy right foot, prepare for a first-name terms relationship with your local tyre supplier.

The M3 is likely to be the real star, with better practicality and a more comfortable ride. It’s also a bit less showy, which is good for avoiding at least a little slice of the BMW driver reputation.

Prices are still likely to be a little obnoxious, though, and they’ll be confirmed early next year. But if you really want one it’s time to start saving those pennies.

By Press Association reporter