For its 2008 introduction, we get it all: A coupe, a sedan, and a convertible. And under the hood is the first-ever V-8 in an M3: A downright stellar 4.0-liter V-8 with 414 horsepower. It revs up to a stratospheric 8,400 rpm, and in all six gears of its manual transmission, the engine just sings.

Crank the new BMW M3 to life and its bassy burble resonates with a meanness that says business. Blip the gas pedal (or the eight individual throttle butterflies to be exact), and the ensuing crescendo might have been inspired by Beethoven’s 1812 overture – it is a siren so purposeful it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention. It also speaks to the unmitigated fury that sits beneath the M3’s new power-domed hood.

Remarkably, and in spite of its two extra cylinders, the new high-revving 4.0L V8 (it redlines at 8,400 rpm!) is actually 15 kilograms lighter than the previous six. More impressive is the 8% increase in fuel economy – this in an engine that pushes 414 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Were it not for the electronic overseers (sophisticated traction and stability control systems), the engine would melt the massive P265/40 ZR18 rear tires!

The power is relayed through a six-speed manual that’s the model of civility. The first four gears keep the engine in its considerable sweet spot as the road twists turns through the foothills. Hit the highway and fifth and sixth bring comfortable cruising – an easy 2,500 rpm at 100 km/h. The best part is that when passing a slower vehicle there is no need to downshift out of sixth to accomplish the move with authority.

The handling lives up to the demands of the monster engine – the M3 sticks to the road like you won't believe. To begin with the chassis is incredibly stiff, which allows the aluminum intensive suspension to do its thing without having to compensate for the vagaries of a lesser platform. The optional electronic dampers (with comfort, normal and sport modes) curbs squat, dive and roll to the point where each is non-existent without ever feeling harsh. Only BMW manages to tune the best of both worlds into a single suspension.

Not only is this new car the model of civility when driven sedately (something most super cars have difficulty doing), when used to its full potential it is as hyper and hypnotic as anything on the road – even the mighty M5, and that’s saying a whole lot.

The all-new 2008 M3 Convertible shares the M3 Coupe and Sedan's high-revving 414- horsepower engine, and just as its counterparts, will feature the first V8 in a series-production BMW M3. The introduction of the Convertible also marks the debut of BMW's optional M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic (M DCT Drivelogic)-a unique 7-speed double clutch transmission specially designed for a high-rpm engine (6-speed manual transmission is standard). 

The M3 Convertible will also feature driver- adjustable settings for crucial dynamic controls encompassing throttle response, steering, damping and stability (with an available steering-wheel-mounted "MDrive" button to store the preferences) and a sumptuous interior which can be optimized to the driver's desires including the comprehensive entertainment/navigation system operated through BMW's latest iDrive controller.

From a distance, it may look a lot like a regular 3-Series sedan. But as you draw closer, the M3 sedan becomes a wolf in wolf's clothing. You see the power bulge in the hood, there to contain that all-new V-8. You see the enormous drilled brake rotors. You see gills behind the front fenders that actually look as though they belong there. You notice the absence of boy-racer fog lights, replaced by huge air intakes for the brakes and engine.

But mostly you notice the flared fenders and nose-low, hunkered-down profile that suggests a nearly audible snarl. Crank the engine, and the snarl becomes entirely audible. Run the M3 through the six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox, and the snarl becomes an Indian battle whoop as you approach the stratospheric redline.

Then, like any good BMW sedan, the M3 is more than happy to lope along in the pickup line outside the elementary school, even as the more auto-savvy parents shoo their children away from yours.

The cockpit is snug but roomy enough; instruments and controls are typical BMW, and the extra-fat, red-and-blue-laced steering wheel feels right. The front buckets are firm but adjustable to the point where anyone should be able to find the sweet spot. 

On the road, the M3 seems telepathic: Think what you want it to do, and it pretty much does. Brakes are progressive and linear, handling is superb, and the ride is smooth, even on very rough roads, and even with all the "sport" settings engaged. 

What better time to check out the M3 than during our Spring Event??