"On this new M3, easy identification by police is achieved or negated mainly by color. The buyer may choose be­tween flamboyant (“Hey, you with the radar gun!”) Mugello Red and Dakar Yellow, or go for a stealthier effect with handsome shades of white, blue or black. There is also a Daytona Vio­let that this writer found both interest­ing and attractive, though it was not to everyone’s liking at the press launch.

So. We have a nice-looking car with a good pedigree, horsepower, torque, good brakes and a developed chassis. But what about the harmony among these elements? How does it all work?

Nicely.

Out on the road, the M3 performs that rare trick of translating an impres­sive spec sheet into a car that is equally impressive to drive. A genuine plea­sure, in fact.

First, the engine. There are few configurations nicer on the ears (or the motor mounts) than a smooth, free-revving inline-6, and the M3’s 24-valver upholds this tradition in fine form. It winds up to its 7000-rpm red-line with one of the most euphonious snarls this side of the Mulsanne Straight, all with a minimum of vibra­tion and mechanical discord. Running it to redline is fulfilling but not mandatory. The engine has torque—and horsepower— everywhere."