2008 BMW 3-Series

BMW's need to constantly top itself has resulted in every M3 getting a way bigger, stronger engine than the one before it; we're now up to a 414-horsepower, 4.0-liter V8! I'm not sure the new V8 is as seductively sonorous as the old straight six, but the point is that the M3's acceleration now stands where its shifter, steering, handling, braking, and all that other stuff stand: right at the top of the class. The body-hugging seats, meaty steering wheel, and ergonomically perfect shifter are as pleasing as ever, too. Honestly, the M3 is one step away from driving perfection -- that step being a less abrupt-acting clutch pedal.