The straight-line performance of this thing is just ridiculous. It's not just the top speed of over 200 mph, either. This engine is insane from the moment we touch the throttle pedal. There's a guttural roar from the exhaust and the car just bolts forward.

Manhart Racing tells us that the V8R Biturbo can get to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, but it's still down to the traction rather than power. Drive this car with a clubfoot and it will pop the rubber before the car hits triple digits. As for the top-end speed, Gunther is looking to achieve 210 mph, but it's the in-gear acceleration that really blows the mind.

The overall handling balance doesn't seem to have been upset by the powertrain transplant. Apparently the car weighs 3,417 pounds, some 200 pounds less than a stock M3. The car wriggles at the rear with the torque reaction from 697 hp, yet the nose cuts into the apex of corners on command with no sign of washing out.