New BMW M3 is awesomely fast

And so it should be, with a massive 4.0-litre under the hood capable of producing an awesome 308kW and 400Nm which is more than enough for 250km/h – and more, if it wasn't for the electronic chaperone stepping in to stop the fun.

Developed on the basis of the BMW 3 Series Coupé, the mighty M has a number of unique features such as a lightweight engine (15kg lighter than the six cylinder in the previous model), Individual throttle butterflies, double-VANOS variable camshaft control, manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-related oil cooling, double-plate clutch optimised for mass inertia, a brand-new chassis, forged aluminium track control arms, compound high-performance brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a first in a production car, a carbon-fibre roof, which not only lowers the car's centre of gravity, but sends out a very clear “don't mess with me” message of its motorsport heritage.

Not that the M can be confused with anything else on the road when you take in its bulging aluminium hood, gaping air intakes, wide flared wheel arches, 18-inch racing alloy wheels, spoiler and the tell-tale dual tail pipes.

The new M3 is an entirely new car, designed from the ground up and with very few bits and pieces of the previous model. And the list of superior driving aids is as long as the stretch of road between Laingsburg and Beaufort West and includes lightweight suspension with steering which adapts to the speed of the car, a high performance brake system, dynamic stability control and the ability of the sports-minded driver to customise the car's performance to his very own driving style.

In fact, you name it, this car's got everything you would expect from a luxuriously-appointed super sports car, from airbags and full leather to onboard computer and a range of fabulous sound systems, all MP3 compatible.

And yes, you can drive it to work every day (and you should, because it will do wonders for your ego), but in essence this is the thinking man's dynamic dream machine.

And if you have any doubts, bear in mind that this new M3 clocked the notorious Northern Circuit of Nurburgring more than 20 seconds faster than the previous model.... and that take some doing!

To own the standard M3 will cost you in the region of R650,000. The more upmarket Dynamic model will set you back about R55,000 more. And then you can still spend a further R150,000 on optional extras if you really want a stand-alone model.

Included in the price is a five-year/100,000km motor-plan maintenance contract, but you pay no extra for the admiring glances you'll get wherever you travel in this car.