I don't fully agree that Porsche has watered down to the extend BMW M has either. Porsches still provide pure track performances and racing heritage. The latest GT series are closer than ever to the actual racing series.

Meanwhile BMW brings out an M3 GT with literally just a few plastic bits and a new color mail
The first new 3er M model to be released will be a sedan.....

I've owed both the E30 and E34 M cars and they are true masterpieces.. hand built and very very quick in their own ways.

After the E36, the M series really went a terrible poseur route enlightened


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indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :)