Mmmm Mmmm Good!
Track-day street cars right off the assembly line is a little known segment in North America. Our much-luckier partners across the Pond are well aware of this niche category and are fortunate enough to have a fairly vast selection of cars to choose from. A track-day passenger car is a gifted version or specific model endowed with heightened abilities and components such as brakes and suspension which are more in tune with
lapping on a racetrack than commuting to work. In Europe, they have known of the Lotus Elise for quite some time, they also have Caterhams, Cup versions of the Renault Clio and many more.
In the summer of 1996, BMW tantalized our senses with the introduction of the Z3 with the aid of Bond, James Bond. From 1999 to 2002, BMW made available to us a potent Coupe version of the popular M Roadster. This M Coupe was an effective track car then and now; there are still a large number of them at general and BMW track events. In 2003, the Z4 made an entry as the successor to the Z3. It was immediately criticised for its ugly duckling looks when compared to the smooth classic flowing lines of the Z3. Detractors aside, the Z4 was still well received by the public while BMW inserted a large amount of powertrains under the long flat bonnet of the Z4. The most desirable of which is the 330 hp I6 from the M3.
Delicious throttle bodies
The award-winning S54 3.2L inline 6-cylinder is a marvellous engine. The 24-valve, Double-Vanos (variable valve-timing) with six individual
electronically controlled throttle bodies is a masterpiece. With 330 hp on tap, it is part of an elite group of engine that develop 100 hp or more per litre of displacement. Its 262 lb/ft of torque are available at 4,900 rpm and the redline begins at 7,900 rpm. Under full load is when the melody is best; the I6's sounds are that of a symphony created from the coming together of finely tuned and highly precise mechanicals working in unison to make the driver smile. From a standstill and with only 1,465 kg to move, the M Coupe will easily rocket to 100 km/h in 5 seconds flat. Making an incredible duo with the engine is a close-ratio tight-as-a-drum 6-speed manual gearbox. Few other manual transmissions provide the driver with a more direct and rewarding feeling when the job is done right. Granted the clutch pedal is heavy and stroking through the gate requires some elbow grease; to bad for you if you cannot handle it.
Near perfection on the road
With short overhangs, an ideal 50/50 (50.2/49.8 to be exact) weight distribution, lightning fast steering and an excellent suspension setup, the M Coupe can carve, grip, corner and be driven with incredible confidence. It must be noted that the high-performance damping system is geared towards track and spirited driving. This inadvertently means that a typical urban Montreal road will not only upset the car's composure but its passengers as well. Event though the M is designed for tomfooleries on a
track, it can effortlessly chew up mile after mile of highway. I was able to experience this on a near 4-hour trek. Basically, the car is comfortable on any tarmac configuration.
It is nice to have big power although I prefer to have big brakes and the M Coupe delivers. It has large vented and cross-drilled discs at every corner and they work flawlessly. Slowing down from highway speeds, say from 160 km/h to a paltry 100 km/h takes less than a heartbeat and best of all, the pedal is firm and easy to modulate.
Track-day street cars right off the assembly line is a little known segment in North America. Our much-luckier partners across the Pond are well aware of this niche category and are fortunate enough to have a fairly vast selection of cars to choose from. A track-day passenger car is a gifted version or specific model endowed with heightened abilities and components such as brakes and suspension which are more in tune with
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
In the summer of 1996, BMW tantalized our senses with the introduction of the Z3 with the aid of Bond, James Bond. From 1999 to 2002, BMW made available to us a potent Coupe version of the popular M Roadster. This M Coupe was an effective track car then and now; there are still a large number of them at general and BMW track events. In 2003, the Z4 made an entry as the successor to the Z3. It was immediately criticised for its ugly duckling looks when compared to the smooth classic flowing lines of the Z3. Detractors aside, the Z4 was still well received by the public while BMW inserted a large amount of powertrains under the long flat bonnet of the Z4. The most desirable of which is the 330 hp I6 from the M3.
Delicious throttle bodies
The award-winning S54 3.2L inline 6-cylinder is a marvellous engine. The 24-valve, Double-Vanos (variable valve-timing) with six individual
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Near perfection on the road
With short overhangs, an ideal 50/50 (50.2/49.8 to be exact) weight distribution, lightning fast steering and an excellent suspension setup, the M Coupe can carve, grip, corner and be driven with incredible confidence. It must be noted that the high-performance damping system is geared towards track and spirited driving. This inadvertently means that a typical urban Montreal road will not only upset the car's composure but its passengers as well. Event though the M is designed for tomfooleries on a
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
It is nice to have big power although I prefer to have big brakes and the M Coupe delivers. It has large vented and cross-drilled discs at every corner and they work flawlessly. Slowing down from highway speeds, say from 160 km/h to a paltry 100 km/h takes less than a heartbeat and best of all, the pedal is firm and easy to modulate.