2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe

The first generation M Coupe, the Z3 M Coupe, was a highly competent sportscar that blended power with excellent handling, although aesthetics were perhaps an afterthought. For the new M Coupe, a sharp-edged, creased, aggressive shape was designed under the watchful eye of Chris Bangle, BMW’s well-known former design chief. Instead of the shooting brake-inspired roofline, the M Coupe adopts a fastback shape that descends back to an integrated rear spoiler and seriously flared rear fenders. Under the hood resides BMW’s excellent inline six, making 343 horsepower and allowing the Z4 M to charge to 60 mph in just under 5 seconds. Suspension tuning is as you’d expect from a BMW sport coupe—firmness and composure in corners, but suppleness on rough tarmac. It’s a worthy successor to the original M Coupe, and a sportscar worthy of respect in its own right.