A performance car's pedigree is nowhere better highlighted than on the race-track. Take the BMW M3 ? it's an icon of icons when it comes to skirting the outer edges of the performance envelope.

Its 2m05.7second blast around Kyalami is testament to its ranking in the top three in our hot-lap test results around the demanding track. This is not just due to that great V8 under the bonnet but perhaps more to one of the most positive saloon car suspension set-ups around.

Beautifully balanced for spirited driving on the track it also achieves something else well... doubling as a mom's taxi with a comfy ride that compares with everyday family sedans.

And when you add such other technologies to its armoury such as Brake Energy Regeneration, variable double-Vanos cam timing and those eight individual throttle butterflies, you have a piece of kit that exemplifies the acme in automotive technology terms.

For the connoisseur it represents a refined blend of track-tuning with street-tuning to satisfy the needs of both worlds. When driven around the urban sprawl the V8 is a honey with its oodles of low-down grunt. But, boy, when you floor it... heaven! That almost 8000rpm redlined tachometer says it all for a big V8 motor.

On the inside it's still BMW, with not much to hint to its plethora of beguiling and exciting traits. Externally it could do with a bit more shout, unless you like sleepers.

BMW M3 Sedan
Price: R679 000
kW/Nm: 260/440
0-100km/h (g): 5.8 secs
Top speed (c): 250km/h
Hot Lap (g): 2m05.7