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Small coupe: BMW M3
Starting price: From $56,500
Power: 414-hp V-8
2nd place : Audi S5
3rd place: Infiniti G37

It's almost boring to name the M3 the winner -- its engineering and emotional appeal make it a perennial standout. And yet, once in the driver's seat, there's nothing boring about its godlike dynamics, power, and technical prowess, This latest edition is the most serious track star yet, with a carbon fiber roof that not only looks trick to look at but saves weight, too.

Its high-performance pedigree stands out when you drive. BMW has built in multiple electronic systems to tailor the car's performance, from various levels of traction control, suspension sportiness, throttle response, transmission shift points, etc.

NEXT: Large coupe: Bentley Brooklands

Last updated July 01 2008: 11:45 AM ET
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