Car briefs - April 14, 2007

The new BMW M3

After months of anticipation, BMW has finally announced its new V8-powered M3. Two decades after the first M3 proved compact cars could provide supercar performance, the latest incarnation looks to have more power and presence than any of its predecessors.

This is the first M3 to use a 4-llitre V8 engine instead of a six-cylinder and, as you'd expect, the vital statistics have leapt up - the new model produces a maximum 414bhp and 295lb ft torque compared with the current models' 343bhp and 269lb ft. But there was concern that a heavier engine with two more cylinders could change the M3's induction howl and lithe handling characteristics for the worse. Seems we shouldn't have worried - astoundingly, this V8 is 15kg lighter than the old straight-six and red lines at a startling 8,400rpm.

In fact, although it's longer and more spacious than the old M3, Munic's latest offering will weigh only 8kg more overall. BMW achieved this by introducing CSL-inspired weight-saving technology, like a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic roof panel. And of course that means it is much faster - accelerating from rest to 62mph in 4.8 seconds, with top speed limited to 155mph.

It looks more aggressive too - the wider front valance is full of gaping air vents to feed the induction system, purposeful wingmirrors look like they were forged in a wind-tunnel and a (completely necessary) power bulge in the aluminium bonnet reminds you a big V8's squeezed underneath. There's still the trademark quartet of exhaust pipes, a side gill in the front wing and 18-inch alloys as standard - although 19s will be on the options list.

The new M3 will use a traditional six-speed stick shift, although BMW is working on a DSG gearbox to rival Audi and VW. There's also an enhanced version of the current M3s trick rear diff, which can fully lock either rear wheel if necessary. And being an M3 it's loaded with driver-aids all controlled from a (supposedly) more intuitive version of the iDrive, BMW's computer system. As before, the electronic dampers, throttle response, traction control, power steering speed and engine mapping are all electronically adjustable but this time there'll be an MDrive button which saves the drivers' favourite set ups and activates them at a single press.

BMW claims the new M3 beats the current models' best official time of eight minutes 15 seconds around the Nordschleife but won't say how much by - expect a very impressive laptime to be revealed nearer to the UK launch in November.

Subaru Tribeca

Subaru has released first pictures of the facelifted Tribeca, which will be displayed at the New York motor show this week.

Despite being launched less than a year ago, the SUV has been hastily redesigned after almost universal criticism of its offensive aeroplane-wing front end. After the original model underachieved terribly in the showrooms, the 2008 version has undergone a serious makeover and will benefit from a completely redesigned front grille, updates to the cabin and a new sliding seat arrangement to improve access. Mechanical upgrades include a more powerful stroked-out 3.6 litre version of the current 3.0 litre flat six, with peak power raised to 256bhp from 245bhp and torque jumping to 247lb ft from 215lb ft. There'll also be a revised gearbox with a torque converter to help distribute maximum drive across all four wheels.

However, Subaru still has no plans to bring a crucial diesel model to its Tribeca line up, something that will undoubtedly turn many UK buyers away. Expect the revised version in British showrooms by spring 2008.

Hyundai's luxury brand

Korean car maker Hyundai is considering launching a luxury car brand to rival Toyota's Lexus and established European brands like BMW and Mercedes. The announcement comes as the eminent-looking Genesis concept car prepares to debut at the New York motor show. "Genesis will be sold through our Hyundai dealers as a Hyundai, but we're still in the midst of discussions as to whether we should have an alternative distribution channel," said John Krafcik, head of product planning. Of course, it's well known that Hyundai often look to Japanese rivals Toyota as a business model, so a Lexus-style badge to market more expensive cars doesn't seem unlikely. Both Hyundai, and its subsidiary brand Kia, would probably struggle to achieve the necessary up-market image to sell high-end cars successfully in Europe.