2002 BMW M3 - The Practical Supercar
When BMW announced that it would bring its European specification M3 to Canada back in the winter of 2000 my heart started to palpitate. After all, I''d had the privilege of testing the sensational 286-hp 1994 Euro-spec M3 up the Sea-to-Sky highway to Whistler, a memory I''ll never forget. Rarely had I driven a car as inspirational in the corners or as spine tingling upon acceleration. As good as the 1994 model was it only took one glance over the new cars specifications to realize I was soon to experience a new level of performance.
I first laid eyes on it in the flesh in the New York International Auto Show in the spring of 2000. The example before me wore stunning titanium silver, a slight twist on the classic German racing color. A front air dam integrating purposeful cooling ducts projected the cars aggressive nature, as did the meaty P225/45ZR18 front and P255/40ZR18 rear tires on glorious 18-inch alloy rims. Subtle yet effective chrome side vents separated the M3 from its lesser 3-Series coupe sibling, while four wickedly ominous tailpipes peeked through the rear bodywork.