2009 BMW M3 Long Term Update 2

"Yes, I love manual transmissions, but, man, in L.A., I'm taking the DCT," says Floyd of the M3's dual-clutch transmission. "I absolutely love the M steering wheel, too -- so meaty and just the right size. I also like having the paddles on the wheel instead of on the steering column, which makes it easier to pull around corners. Steering feel is just so...perfect. Brakes are solid, and suspension is taut but doesn't punish you the way the IS F's did."

Floyd also appreciates the M3's dual personality. "It's a total pussycat in D mode. You can slink about town and everything is sane and sedate. Pull it over to paddle mode, hit the power buttons, and it is so on. I crave that exhaust note, not your typical V-8 growl, but far from wimpy." Assistant art director Mike Royer also enthuses: "Dayy-emmm...what a car! The V-8 is magical: smooth, powerful, torquey, delivering sublime pipe music."