I have seen the new CTS. I've never liked the styling on the CTS. It's too angular and looks like it was designed by someone who only had a ruler. The new one is similar, with too much bling. Plus, the interior looks a lot like the one in various Hondas, which I don't like because I quickly get tired of the look.

I liked the rasp of the S52, and loved the engine. But that's up to personal taste. I also love the sound from the Honda S2000, so um yea, you get the idea.

CTS-V may be cheap but resale value is where you will loose. BMW M3 retains good value.

Granted, M3 will retain the resale value. But what I find most amusing is the "true race car" comment. I love BMW, I love the appeal of the ///M badge. If it wasn't for money, there'd probably be an M3 sedan sitting in the driveway, or an e39 M5. But to say the CTS-V is just raw power couldn't be more of a false statement. I know people who have switched from M3s to the CTS-V for SCCA Solo auto-x's and handed other people their butts. I've seen them do quite well at open track days, and did we forget the efforts being made in Speed Challenge??? The CTS-V may be heavy, but Cadillac is doing it right with the V.

But anyhoo.... I'd still kill and would rather have an e90 M3 or e90 335 :)

When I said "true racer" I was comparing the M3 to the stock competition you can buy. Look, the M3 is lighter, has a higher revving engine, and is probably one of (if not the best) rear wheel drive handlng true 4 seater coupes that you can buy. Sure, it is no Lotus Exige or 911 GT3, but those are completely different cars.

I agree that Caddy is doing it right with the V, but at 500 lbs heavier I just don't see it outperforming the M3 in handling. Dude, the auto CTS-V is 180 lbs shy of a 750i! You are going to notice that on the track. Why would anyone chose that car for autocross or significant track time? :confused: I'm not saying it cant run an autocross or see some track days, but the vast majority of them will never see those venues.

As far as Caddy in the Spped Challenge series, those cars are full prepped race cars which have had a ton of bloated weight removed. I was referring to the road version. Stock M3 vs. stock CTS-V.

Having said that, I do think the Caddy is an interesting car and by far the most exciting sedan to coume out of the US. It is definately a good thing and a step in the right direction for the company.

Cadillac CTS-V takes on the BMW M3 and the Audi S4 (E46)

Good article. Even though it was the previous generations for both the CTS-V and the M3, it pretty much shows that the CTS-V is a step in the right direction, but an M3 it is not. I think AzNMpower32 said it before, the Caddy lacks refinement and according to this article it is with regards to chassy, transmission, and interior fit and finish. I would immagine that the new M3 is still going to be more refined than the new CTS-V. Both of these cars will perform, but the BMW is going to feel a lot different doing it than the CTS. The absolute best part of the CTS-V is the engine whereas the M3 is an entire package. Just my opinion, though.

The M3 is not for everyone....if you like to track the car and use the car as a daily driver....mainly for males from ages 20-40, usually single guys, usually a single car owner, income $150K +, etc....this is all according to BMWNA.....

Anyhow, still have the E46 M3 with 65K miles and the best thing I have done was to replace the OEM struts/shocks with KONI struts/shocks....the valving is better and the ride is definitely better and so is the handling. I don't notice the rasp that much but it doesn't bother me because it is a unique sound, but it doesn't resonate into the cabin as much as the earlier BMW M3 models....I think the 04-06 has less rasp that is noticeable inside the coupe cabin.

Looking forward to the new M3 sedan in the future!

The E90 M3 is fine if you only need nice dd and don't track your car at all, but as Josh pointed out there's nothing performance oriented about it's 3700-3800lb weight! The car to have will be the M version of the 1-series. If we anyone thought the 335i w/ tune + lsd would at least reasonably keep up with the M3, the 135i should be able to easily clean-up let alone the M version.

I agree with you on the 135i. With a little tuning, that car is going to be a rocket. The new M3 is out of my price range at the moment, so I am actually more excited about the 1 series. My only complaint about the 135i is that it could have been a little lighter also. I guess if you keep the options down and go with manual seats, etc, you can save some weight.

I know 3,700 lbs is pretty heavy, but once again you have to look at the available competition. In general cars are getting bigger and heavier these days. True 4 seat coupes like the e30 M3's just aren't going to happen again. The M3 is getting bigger and heavier, but it is still lighter than the RS4, AMG, CTS-V, etc. Of it's direct competition, what other 2 or 4 door 4 seater is lighter or would be a better combo of daily driver and occasional weekend track rat than the M3?

135i w/ tune + lsd or M(?)1. :)

Just because the competition is getting heavier too, doesn't mean it's a valid excuse. New tech/engr will go that much farther in a lighter chassis. And think about all the special weight reduction BMW has employed in this one (despite it being non-CSL), ie. composite panels, cf roof, lightweight crankcase, etc.

Imo, the current gen M3 is what it's been up till now, and I don't think BMW is pushing it that way either. All the reviews have said that it feels more sedated despite the performance; and BMW isn't a company to release a product with unintended consequences.

The 1series will more than easily fill the void left, and most likely do a better job. Hopefully, no one buys and e90/93 M3 regrets that it's not the same as what they've come to expect in the past.