The new model will compete against the highly desirable and more attractive Audi RS4.

The first-ever BMW M3 with an eight-cylinder engine will go on sale, locally, on 11th October, immediately after its debut at Sydney's Australian International Motor Show.

Developing 309 kW at 8,300rpm, the new high-revving V8 engine features eight individually controlled throttle butterflies, normally found on race cars and each weighing just 22 grammes, for faster response and additional performance, as well as variable double-VANOS camshaft control.

Peak torque of 400 Nm arrives at 3,900rpm with the new engine management system capable of processing more than 200 million operations per second.

Weighing 15 kilogrammes less than the six-cylinder engine in the former model, the 4.0-litre V8 continues the BMW M tradition of high-revving engines and lightweight engineering and is capable of revving all the way to 8,400 rpm.

Some 85 per cent of the engine’s peak torque remains available throughout the enormous speed range of 6,500 rpm.

The engine block comes from BMW’s light-alloy foundry in Landshut which builds the blocks used in Formula One by BMW Sauber.

Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, the new high-performance car from BMW M GmbH is the first BMW sold in Australia to be equipped with Brake Energy Regeneration.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox interacting with a brand new final drive.

The new M3 is the first production vehicle in its segment to feature a carbon fibre-roof, serving to reduce the weight of the car by 5 kg and improve handling thanks to the lower centre of gravity.

As a result of these and many other light weight engineering measures, average fuel consumption for the BMW M3 is 12.4 litres per 100 km.

Drivers of the BMW M3 can also tailor the car’s behaviour and performance thanks to MDrive, which is positioned on the steering wheel for immediate access to the vehicle setup saved in the MDrive menu. Steering forces can be varied between Normal and Sports settings, Electronic Damper Control can be adjusted with three different settings – Normal, Comfort and Sports, and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) can be completely deactivated, all at the touch of a button.

For the first time, Australians can order their new BMW M3 with Melbourne Red or Jerez Black paintwork, which like other M colours, is named after famous Formula One circuits around the world, including Interlagos Blue and Silverstone. Other paintwork options include Alpine White and Black as well as Sparkling Graphite and Space Grey metallic.

An aluminium bonnet with power dome, front end air intake scoops and flared wheel arches underline the M look of the car.

Due to the increased demand for air by the naturally aspirated V8 engine, the intake air plenum is located under the power dome and receives air from behind the kidney grille, front air dam and left side of the bonnet. At maximum speed, the V8 engine requires around 17 cubic metres of air per minute.

Air intake gills in the front side panels, M-specific side-sills accentuating the rear-wheel drive concept, spoiler lip and roof in clearly visible carbon-fibre look as well as four impressive tailpipes arranged in two pairs typical of BMW M, round off the exterior design.

Highlights of new standard equipment, compared to the previous model, includes the new V8 engine, Novillo leather upholstery, Electronic Damper Control (EDC), MDrive, Adaptive Headlights, High-beam assist, Voice recognition, Comfort Access system for keyless entry and starting with Start/Stop button, front as well as rear Park Distance Control (PDC), BMW Assist, sunroof (available at no additional cost), heated front seats, Brake Force Display, as well as metallic paintwork.

Pricing and options (RRP)

M3 Coupé six-speed manual: $157,000