Alpine white with standard 18in wheels

Alpine white Rear view

The most anticipated new BMW heads state side in early 2008. The M3 has been BMW’s most sought after model since its original debut over two decades ago. The newest version, the fourth generation named the E92, is the best yet and deserving of the M title. With its technology, this M3 has managed to become closer to its racing pedigree while maintain the highest level of comfort and usability.

The most notable improvement from the last M3 is the 4.0L V8, which produces the most beautiful sound. This engine is worth a second look. Compared to the 5.0L V-8 in the previous M5 generation, this new 4.0L engine is nearly 100 lbs lighter and produces 20 additional horsepower. The current engine is 30 pounds lighter than the previous E46 M3’s I-6.

Thanks to individual throttle butterflies and Double-VANOS technology, the engine is more responsive and more fuel efficient throughout the rev range, which does not stop until 8,400 RPM. The M3’s engine is essentially a chopped version of the 5.0L V-10 found in the current M5 (E60) and M6 (E63). The M3’s V-8 produces 420 hp compared to the M5 and M6’s V-10’s 500 hp.

4.0L V-8 Engine

Aluminum hood with powerdome in Melbourne red

According to BMW, average fuel consumption of this powerhouse V-8 is said to be a respectable 22.8 mpg, proving the engineering skill of the BMW engine designers. Other journalists have found less then 15 mpg when flogging the M3 around mountain roads. The lightweight cylinder block is made with the same aluminum/silicon alloy that is used for BMW’s Formula 1 team engine blocks. These materials are proper supercar stuff.

BMW’s exceptional 6-speed manual transmission will be standard as usual and will incorporate temperature related oil cooling and a mass inertia optimized double plate clutch. Those who want an automatic (SMG) gearbox will have to wait till 2009. The M3’s body developed from the 3 Series Coupe only shares the doors and trunk. All the other components have been painstakingly developed with overall performance in mind. The hood swells to hint at the power below, two intake openings frame the hood. The fenders are flared to hide wider rubber. Front fenders incorporate typical M style grills with turn signal indicators. 18in wheels are still standard while optional 19in’s are much better looking and fill the wheel wells much better. The roof is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic to reduce weight where it is needed most, on the top of the car. 11 pounds was shaved from the roof thanks to this hi-tech material.

Silverstone silver with optional 19in wheels

Melbourne red with 18in wheels and side grill

One of the new features of the M3 is Brake Energy Regeneration. A new technology BMW has implemented to cut on fuel consumption and ensure that as much power as possible is going to the road. During application of the brakes, this energy being created is harnessed and charges the battery. The battery provides much of the power to the car’s electronics, eliminating the resources of the engine power.

Electronically adjustable suspension, which is taking the supercar world by storm is finally in the M3, which BMW calls Electronic Damper Control (EDC), this great option lets the driver choose between three distinct ride profiles: Normal, Comfort and Sports. Engine response can be changed as well.

Melbourne red side mirror

Interior with Novillo leather in Palladium silver

The exterior mirror design does not strike me as good looking.
They may be more aerodynamic, and the double arm design is very reminiscent of the E36 M3’s mirror design, but I find the standard 3 series equipment to be much more attractive.

One option that should not be over looked by any track enthusiasts, driver and passenger seats with adjustable backrest width. The standard seats are well bolstered but the ability to tighten the seat around ones self during spirited driving and the ability to relax the seats and be conferrable on long journeys is valuable feature.

This M3 is the most desirable model BMW has produced. The engine is quite possible the best of the year and driving experience would put a smile on the toughest of critiques, while at the touch of a button it becomes docile enough to be enjoyed as a daily driver. BMW has succeeded in making a multi purpose racecar.

Lamborghini has gone off the deep end with their newest Supercar. More expensive then a Bugatti Veyron, inspired by a jet fighter and four times more expensive then their current flagship Murcielago LP640. All twenty that will be produced are already spoken for. Deposits were reportedly over 300,000. For the $1.4 million dollar price tag one could buy 4 Murcielago LP640’s @ a mere $350,000 each. Even more thought provoking is the fact that the Reventon is built from the Murcielago platform. So what are you getting for all that extra dough? The jet fighter styling can be seen inside and out. The inside consists of a military color scheme of brown leather and tan suede. The gauges aeronautical theme can be seen in the triangular tachometer and speedometer rendered in red and green. The outside is just as theme oriented, flat gray paint gives this Reventon a true jet fighter look. Bodywork has the look of a F-117A Nighthawk. Vents and intakes have grown in size, and horsepower has grown. Expect upwards of 800hp and well over 200 mph top speed.

KTM X-Bow

The first car from Austrian motorcycle producer KTM is creating quite a stir in the lightweight sports cars segment. Nothing looks quite like the X-Bow. This is not the first car built with the ‘less is more’ philosophy, but it is a different take than other manufacturer’s offerings. Lotus and Ariel have both built great examples of their own, but the X-Bow has a look entirely its own.

Built to be light and fast, the weight comes to 1600 pounds without driver. The Audi power plant makes a whopping 240 hp and 300 ft-lb of toque from a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine, the very same engine that comes in the Audi TT and A4. The top speed may be only 135 mph, but getting there is as fast as the most expensive super cars on the market. It goes 0-60 mph in less then 3.9 seconds. Its bold styling will most likely attract a younger audience than cars like the Ariel Atom with its more classic look.

Check out more free downloadable desktop pictures of the X-Bow: fastwallpapers.com/Cars/ktm/

Another naked car: Ariel Atom

Check out more pictures of the Ariel Atom here: fastwallpapers.com/Cars/Ariel/

Lots more awesome free car wallpapers in our gallery: fastwallpapers.com/Cars/

Bonus: Check out this video from KTM of its X-Bow at the track.

Want one now?

Most cars today have beautiful design, engineering and looks. Some, however, look like they got hit big-time with the ugly stick. These 6 cars should be banned from the road because they’re just too damn hideous.

#1 Ugliest car the Pontiac Aztec

The number one most unsightly car goes to Pontiac Aztec. The late Aztec was canned due to lack of sales. What a surprise. It wins our award for the ugliest car ever. A combination of its shape and angular body-lines. Part Minivan part SUV makes for bad design in almost every case.

#2 Ugliest car the Chevy Malibu Maxx

The Chevy Malibu Maxx is similar to the Pontiac Aztec. They share an unsightly roofline and 5-door design. 5-doors can look sexy, just look at the Mazdaspeed 3 for example.

#3 Ugliest car the Dodge Magnum

The Dodge Magnum takes the number 3 place on our list. Considered to be a car reminiscent of a souped-up hearse. What were the Magnum’s designers thinking? Did they wanted to make a car as long and wide as possible? And that’s what sent good looks out the window.

#4 Ugliest car the Chevy HHR

Our next car, the Chevy HHR could be considered a pair with the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The PT Cruiser came to the market first and the HHR was quickly produced to compete with it. Unfortunately the General Motors designers that made the HHR made it even more ugly then the ugly PT Cruiser and thats why the PT Cruiser is our next car.

#5 Ugliest car the Chrysler PT Cruiser

The only positive about the PT Cruiser is that it is slightly better looking then the HHR.

#6 Ugliest car the Scion XB

The Scion XB tops off the list with the styling of an oversized cardboard box, with 4 undersized wheels. Aerodynamics was not high on the designers list when they designed the XB. At slower speeds the XB does well where the wind resistance is much less.

Even Scion Agrees

More ugly cars that didn’t make our list:

• Fast Wallpapers Ugly Car Gallery
• Autolanka’s top 10 list

If you want some beautiful cars to set as your desktop wallpaper, check out this Car Desktop Wallpaper gallery.

Disagree with our list or have a nomination for an even uglier car? Let us know by leaving a comment!

These are our favorite “green” sports cars. Some get awesome gas mileage while smoking the competition, and others use advanced bio-fuels to eek out ever higher performance over their gas-guzzling brethren. Big Oil doesn’t like any of them, because they all mean one thing: if you buy them, Big Oil makes less money.

#1 Greenest Sports Car: Tesla Roadster

Built from the same chassis as the Lotus Exige 265E is a next green sports car, the Tesla Roadster. Tesla has taken the most radical approach to being green; they removed the internal combustion engine and substituted a small 70-pound electric motor. Powered by a 3-phase, 4-pole electric motor producing 248 horsepower, which is good for 0-60 mph in 4 seconds. Despite the 70-pound motor, the battery adds enough weight to bring the total weight up to 2690, which is 600 pounds more than the Exige and Elise. The one thing you don’t hear from the bio-fueled cars is gas mileage. The Tesla can proudly say it gets 135 miles per gallon equivalent.

Download Tesla Roadster desktops in the FastWallpapers.com Tesla gallery

#2 Greenest Sports Car: Toyota FT HS

The Toyota FT-HS finishes out the line up of environmentally friendly sports cars. The FT HS is the only prototype in the line up because it will be the first hybrid sports car. The FT HS promises to be a real performer with help from an electric motor and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The combination electric motor and V6 are said to produce around 400 bhp and accelerate to 60 mph in under 4 seconds all while producing ultra low emissions.

See more pics of this sweet concept car by Toyota here.

#3 Greenest Sports Car: Lotus Exige 265E

Another offering from the British is the Lotus Exige 265E. The thing that sets this Exige apart from any other Lotus is its ability to run E85 ethanol and 95-octane unleaded fuel. Thanks to the 109-octane rating of ethanol, the boosted 1.8-liter Toyota 4-cylinder inline engine makes 46 more horsepower than its non-ethanol counter part, the Exige S. Its low weight of only 2061 pounds does not hurt either. The 0-60 mph acceleration drops from 4.1 to 3.8 seconds. Lotus has accomplished building the fastest car ever to leave their stables and the first Lotus to promote the use of renewable energy sources at the same time.

Click here to see more desktop background pictures of the Lotus Exige 265E.

#4 Greenest Sports Car: Trident Iceni

A small British company called Trident has produced a two-seater sports car called the Iceni. The Trident Iceni is the only Diesel fueled car that made it into the line up. Powered by none other than a GM sourced 6.6-liter V8 turbo diesel engine. The V8 produces 520 lb/ft torque at only 1800 rpm. That is enough power to propel the Iceni to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed over 200 mph. Most impressively, the Iceni can do all this with 60 mpg and 1,000 miles on one tank and it runs on pure vegetable oil. The Iceni is also the only car in the line up that will unfortunately never make it stateside.

Go to the Trident Iceni desktop gallery here.

#5 Greenest Sports Car: Porsche Cayman

Porsche has proved that sport cars can be just as fuel efficient as the common car, if not more so with the Cayman. The Cayman is Porsche’s greenest car ever with a 2.7-liter, 241 horsepower, and boxer-engine. The Cayman starts at $49,400, which is cheap for a Porsche. For under $50,000, you cannot have both the speed and style if you want a Porsche. Performance is good with Porsche’s 0-62-mph claim of 6.1 seconds. The Cayman’s fuel economy is a respectable 23 city/32 highway compared to the more powerful Cayman S’s 20/27 mpg. It’s no Toyota Prius, but it gets the job done, and in style.

See more desktop pictures of the Porsche Cayman here.

#6 Greenest Sports Car: Koenigsegg CCXR

Like Lotus, Koenigsegg has found the use of bio-fuels like E85 ethanol can add substantial performance to their already powerful engine. The CCXR bio-ethanol version of their CCX sports car is the fastest, most powerful sports car that can call itself environmentally minded. With 1,018 bhp, the CCXR will hit 60mph in 3.0 seconds. Its top speed is over 250 mph. This is a car that uses Green technology to increase performance.

See more sweet desktop pictures of the Koenigsegg CCXR here.

Summary

The Tesla Roadster highlights technology that all sports car manufactures should take a look at. The Toyota FT-HS sounds great but it could be so much better and greener if they made it fully electric and dumped the V6. The battery technology is good enough that the internal combustion engine is a waste. The only reason to put in an engine into any battery-powered car is for charging the limited range batteries. Making them capable of greater distances due to the fact that charging still takes at least 3 hours compared to 5 minutes to fuel up. Currently the Tesla has a 250-mile cruising range on a single charge. The Tesla’s charging time is better then most, from dead to fully charged in 3.5 hours.

If you have any suggestions of sexy sports cars that should be on this list, please leave a comment.