· Spy-scoop: Lexus IS200 with V8 thunder
· Maserati Quattroporte ready for 2003 Frankfurt
· American Le Mans Series ready for Miami

WHEN THE NEXT BMW M3 generation will hit the market in 2006, it will be the first time it will carry under the bonnet a V8﷓engine, likely to have around 360 HP. A rocket on wheels with a silky-smooth drivetrain.

However, by that time a V8 built into a sporty mid-size sedan will be nothing new anymore. By then, Audi will have introduced their V8-powered A4 (not to be confused with the up-coming S4) and Lexus, too, will have presented its IS200 sports-version with the prestigious machine under the bonnet.

A first prototype of this hot rocket has now been snapped undergoing shakedown-tests at the challenging German Nürburgring racetrack. Wider fenders front and rear, additional air-intakes besides the fog-lights, bigger wheels and a spoiler on the boot-lid will clearly distance the top-of-the-range from its less potent brothers.

Most impressive, however, will be the mid-mounted thick macho-style single exhaust pipe, releasing a storm of exhausts when the car’s put to the limits. Those will come from Lexus’ 4.3-litre 32-valve V8; developing some 320 HP in revised form. Though that’s less than we can expect from the new M3, the sports-version of the IS200 won’t still be a slow car. And, after undergoing chassis refinements, it’ll be a very comfortable one to drive, too, with perfect road manners and a smooth-running engine.

FACTS
The V8 thunder class
· Lexus IS 430
V8, 320 HP, rear-wheel drive – launch 2003
· Audi A4 V8
V8, output: n.a. 4-wheel drive – launch 2002
· BMW M3 – next generation
V8, 360 HP, rear-wheel drive - launch 2006
· BMW M3 – current generation
6-cyl. inline, 343 HP, rear-wheel drive

Images
· Spy-scoop from Nürburgring
· Concept car from 2001 Essen Motor Show

Photo: AutoMedia and Stuart Wep