We've heard a lot about the new BMW M3, a car which has had a strong enthusiast following since it was first launched back in 1988. With all the teases and spy shots floating around we thought we'd finally get to see the production version at this year's Geneva motorshow, but instead BMW displayed the M3 Concept.

Well you can probably disregard that label entirely; we're quite sure that this will be the forthcoming product from BMW's M-Division, minus some of the more extreme components. When the automaker first unveiled the M5 the term 'concept' was also bandied about, but that car made it to the showroom without changes.

Obvious design cues announce the M5's smaller brother. The aluminium bonnet has a powerful bulge (replete with integrated air vents) denoting the monstrous powerplant tucked beneath; the front air dam is low and wide with large intakes and a honeycomb centre grille; the front wings are adorned with chrome 'gills' housing the indicator and 'M3' logo. Extended sills connect the swollen wheelarches while large 19-inch alloy wheels - reminiscent of the last generation CSL variant - occupy the space within. At the rear end is a subtle bootlid spoiler and quad rear tailpipes, characteristic of the BMW M-car derivation.

Up top, the roof of the concept is made of carbon fibre to keep the centre of gravity and overall weight low, while the wheels are shod with tyres akin to racing semi-slicks; both indicating that a possible track-optimised CSL version may be on the horizon.

Back to the engine... After much speculation it has been confirmed that power will definitely come from a V8 unit a BMW source assured us would create more than 400bhp. We're thinking it will probably surpass 420bhp to beat its Audi RS4 competitor on paper.

Though details are still sketchy, it is possible the current SMG gearbox (used in the M5) will not be employed by BMW in the next generation M3. A conventional six-speed manual transmission will likely be the sole means of shifting through the cogs at first, with a DSG-style gearbox joining the list of options after the car's initial launch.

Will Munich's new enthusiasts' machine be enough to dissuade perspective buyers from opting for the offerings from its German rivals? We think so. BMW's reputable rear drive mechanicals and renowned weight distribution will likely attract buyers of the imminent Audi S5 and upcoming Mercedes-Benz C63 (and quite possibly a few Porsche Boxster and Cayman owners) to BMW showrooms. The M3 certainly looks the business and it has got a rock-solid pedigree to match.

Full details of the production version will become available next month, and we'll give you first hand impressions when we drive the new BMW M3 in July.

Eric Gallina - 12 Mar 2007