One of the key engineering feats defining the new BMW M3 is mass control. To get the car to dance like a prima ballerina when being pushed to within a millimetre of its considerable limit, it was subjected to a ruthless diet.

Eighty per cent of the 2008 M3's components are all new, meaning only 20 per cent came from the current coupe (rear-quarter windows among other things).

For starters, the M3's totally new V8 engine is actually 15 kilograms lighter than the in-line six it replaces. This means the car retains its perfect 50/50 weight distribution despite the two extra cylinders. There are some pretty exotic materials in its makeup, but using hollow camshafts and the like works wonders.

Source: [url=http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/driving/story.html?id=d189ab10-72e2-488b-bc84-a9441f357a1c]Montreal Gazette[/url]