There were quite a few people who scoffed at the idea of BMW M GmbH changing from the high-revving V8 to the smaller, turbo-charged inline six for the M3 (and now the M4). Yes, the glorious sound of the V8 is gone—but in exchange, they gave us more power and tons more torque, all while increasing fuel economy.
If you are still wondering if that was the correct direction to go, Chris Harris got behind the wheel of the new Lexus RCF and tested it out on the track and the street. Lexus likes to think that they have built an M3/M4 competitor in the RCF, with its 467-horsepower five-liter V8, Brembo brakes, torque-vectoring differential, and carbon-fiber components. The thing we love about Chris Harris, though, is that he is not afraid to speak his mind.
Even though this was supposed to be video featuring the Lexus RCF, we found it entertaining how many times he compared it to the new M3 and M4—further indicating that even though BMW M may change the formula, they still make cars that become the benchmark.—Nate Risch
