The new BMW M3 is based on the BMW 3 Series Coupe but 80 per cent of its components have been redesigned. Only elements like the doors, windows and lighting units are common.

But even though both cars have largely similar looks, the M3 is more distinctive with its flared wheel arches, aerodynamic door mirrors and intake openings on the front fenders.

Neither can be described as devastatingly handsome cars but one is still better looking than the other - sort of like Ralph Fiennes and Joseph Fiennes, although you will have to decide which of the two thespians is the M3.

The M3 is also slightly longer than the ordinary Coupe because of new lightweight thermoplastic bumpers but otherwise share the same wheelbase. The most striking feature is, however, the carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof. Made of four layers of carbon fibre sandwiched by two pieces of plastic, it reduces the M3's weight as well as lowers its centre of gravity (the optional steel roof with sunroof will add 20 kg).

The bonnet, with its distinctive powerdome and two small intake air scoops, is also made of aluminium instead of steel.

To cut weight even further, forged aluminium and other lightweight materials have been used in the M3's revised suspension. Even the anti-roll bar is hollow. In fact, all the components for the front and rear axles are new except for two short lower trailing arms carried over on the latter.

Still, the new M3 weighs in at 1,655 kg, up from the previous model's 1,570 kg.

Amid all the improvements, one feature is noticeably absent - carbon ceramic brakes. BMW says this is not offered as an option because it would bump up the cost of the car.

As the fourth-generation model, the latest M3's silky lightweight V8 engine has twice the number of cylinders of the first M3 when it debuted in 1986.

In 1992, the second-generation M3 embraced the carmaker's classic inline six-cylinder engine.

The third-generation M3 continued with the straight-six layout as the engine capacity increased progressively with each respective model.

But all of them retained one thing in common - they combine the classic front engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with power and perfect weight distribution to devastating dynamic effect. For its many fans, the letter in the model name doesn't only stand for motorsports; M is also for magic.