Being reunited with the M Coupe after an enforced break also highlighted its relative crudeness. Noisier, livelier and far more of a handful than any other current BMW, the M Coupe is a much rawer experience than you'd expect. In fact it's quite similar to a TVR; that fabulously aggressive straight-six dominating the whole experience.

I'm now happily resigned to the fact that I'll never become blas΃© about the 'Running Shoe's' sheer pace, even after stepping out of Mr Barker's ridiculously rapid Evo VII RS Sprint. Though I doubt there's a huge amount between the two in straight-line speed, the way they deliver is completely different. The Evo's frantic, short-geared lunges for the horizon are utterly alien to the M Coupe's indulgent rev-range and endless third gear that punches you well into three figures. In fact I'd always thought the M Coupe encouraged me to drive like an arse all the time, but after the full-on RS Sprint I can happily snick the Bee Em into fifth gear and luxuriate in the amazing flexibility of the M Power straight-six. Smug? Me? You bet!