BMW 3-Series

Although the 3-Series which lines up on the grid has a different heart from its forecourt stablemate, in the quest for better performance, the standard 320i engine has been replaced by a race-prepared unit. And the good news is that, due to competition rules, 2,600 models fitted with this track-bred motor must be made available to the public.

The result is the 320si and, while it lacks the racer's flared bodywork, the showroom model gets the same storming 2.0-litre engine, which revs higher but weighs 10kg less than the standard motor. This unit urges you to drive it hard, responding with a refined bellow if you cling on until nearly at the increased 7,300rpm red line before shifting gears.

Torque stays the same, but the unit now delivers 173bhp - up from 150bhp. With the extra power, the well balanced chassis has excellent neutral handling, and the brakes have been uprated to cope with the more aggressive style of driving.

The package includes black door mirror housings and 18-inch alloy wheels, but they don't go far enough to indicate that this is probably the most exclusive 3-Series on the road. BMW will sell only 500 in the UK, so if you want one, act now!