BMW M3

August 1985. This was the day BMW announced the most powerful 3-Series they have ever built. And in its 25 years of history, the M3 has seen four different generations and evolved from a 2.3 liter inline-four cylinder engine with 200 HP to an impressive V8 hitting 420 HP. It may not be the best sports car out there, but it is surely one that combines most of the virtues required from a sports car: an extraordinary look, great performance, the best class handling, and a luxurious interior.

In 2013, the sports car’s history will move on to its next chapter as BMW will be set to reveal the new generation M3. This time, the model will only be offered as a coupe and cabrio - the sedan version will be dropped - and will feature a twin-turbo 3.0 liter straight-six engine for the first time. This engine will be bumping up the M3’s horsepower to 450.

UPDATE 05/24/2011: According to M3Post, BMW has four different engines under consideration for the next generation M3. The first is an S65 V8 Biturbo that will most likely be used for the Z4 M and X3 M. There is also a modified N54 engine that seems to be the natural choice for the next M3, a modified S63 engine for use in the next M5, and a V6 engine based on the S63. These engines are already being tested in four separate E9x M3 prototypes, but according to numerous rumors, a 6-cylinder engine is the most likely choice.