With the imminent release...

With the imminent release of the firm"s latest sports saloon, BMW test drivers have apparently let down their guard. Snapped out on the road free of a heavy disguise for the first time, this week"s mag shots shows how the new coupé looks in M sport guise.

Set to take on Mercedes" next-generation C-Class AMG flagship, the new M3 will be faster and much more muscular than any of its predecessors. And while BMW"s decision to shun its legendary straight-six powerplant will not please all enthusiasts, engineers have come up with a fitting replacement. Boasting an extra two cylinders, the next M3"s V8 motor will deliver around 400bhp to the rear wheels. Following the lead set by its M5 bigger brother, an advanced sequential manual transmission will be offered, minimising gearshift time. The very latest technology will also be used to give motorists the ability to select settings to suit their individual driving style. But the coupé shown here will be only the beginning for the M3 range. While the two-door is expected to make up the bulk of sales when it arrives later this year, the flagship var-iant will also be available in coupé-cabriolet and practical saloon guises.

And BMW is also poised to launch a load-lugging version to complement the imminent introduction of its much anticipated M5 Touring.

There"s even more good news for 3-Series fans, too, as the companyis also rumoured to be developing an intermediate performance model which would bridge the gap between the new range-toppers and the existing six-cylinder machines.

These are tipped to be powered by a detuned version of the M3"s V8 engine, but aren"t likely to appear in showrooms until next year.