Ahead of their arrival in the USA this spring, BMW unveiled a raft of exciting new machinery, including the M3 Coupe and Sedan plus the 128i Coupe and Convertible as well as the 135i Coupe and new mini Clubman. So far, we’ve been able to drive both M3 derivatives on the exciting Laguna Seca circuit in Monterey, CA. and while the Coupe is attracting all the headlines, the cheaper four-door sedan won our hearts. Not only does the body look more elegant but the four-door seems to sacrifice very little for its greater practicality. The only real change appears to be the lack of the M3 Coupe’s characteristic carbon roof and lightweight fenders. In its favor, though, the sedan is $54575 on the road, compared to the Coupe’s $57275. We may be imagining it but the Sedan felt more composed around Laguna’s high-speed turns, but that could have been because the Coupe we drove later in the day had received more abuse by the end of the day… Either way, BMW’s new M3 is a winner on paper, on the street and on the racetrack. It’s 414hp 4.0 V8 revs effortlessly to the 8400rpm redline and although it lacks real torque (with less than 300 lb-ft on offer), you have 85% of that figure available from 1800 to 8400rpm. With 103hp per liter and a power to weight ratio of almost 9 lb/hp, this fourth generation M3 continues in the fine tradition of its predecessors. The latest M3 announcement involved the option of a six-speed double-clutch transmission. This replaces the SMG tranny from the M5 and previous M3 and promises faster, smoother gear changes. It costs $2700 and has five auto and six manual gear changes settings for the technological fans. If you’re looking for something a little less pricey, perhaps the new 1-Series Coupe would be more appropriate? The zesty 128i starts at under $30k and offers a silky-smooth 3.0 24v straight six with a generous 230hp on tap. On fast and undulating roads, this motor provided more than enough power for every situation, while the superbly balanced chassis gives the car poise far beyond its diminutive size. However, the 128i will be overshadowed by its 300hp twin-turbo sibling 135i. Power by the same motor as the acclaimed 335i, this could be the performance bargain of the year, even if it does break the bank at $35675. That’s a great deal of money for a small Coupe but it comes well equipped with 18” wheels, multi-piston brakes and M-Technic styling, to mention just a few. Inevitably, the optional extras list means the 135i can be spec’d to a much higher price with something like 19.2 million combinations of parts and spec, but in its basic form it offers a thrilling ride, 0-60mph in 5.1sec and incredible mid-range torque. We’ve yet to sample the 128iConvertible or the new Mini Clubman, but will bring you updates as soon as we get behind the wheel.