A figure like 414bhp doesn’t seem too extraordinary in 2008. Oh sure, it’s still a big number, just not enough to demand a double-take or a sharp intake of breath. It still feels pretty extraordinary, though, especially when it arrives at 8300rpm and you have access to it on a daily basis.

Yes, I guess I’m still coming to terms with having a new M3 tucked up in the garage. And when I say new I mean new, too. Despite appearances, this is not the same M3 that Barker was lucky enough to run for a couple of months recently (evo 111 and 112).