Play Car of the Year

We like driving with the top down, being seen in a reborn icon and finding driving satisfaction where it's unexpected, but Cars.com's Play Car of the Year has to be one that delivers an exceptional driving experience. That car is the BMW M3. Certainly some dedicated sports cars can outdo this souped-up version of BMW's 3 Series sedan and coupe. They can squeeze more G-force out of a turn and wring faster times out of a hot lap, but not many can then drive home from the track with a low profile and two or three passengers in comfort. The current version brings a new level of completeness and cohesiveness, with ride quality that has made more than just a generational leap and without any great sacrifice in the V-8-powered, rear-wheel-drive car's legendary handling. The M3 is the equivalent of having your cake and driving it really fast through a hairpin turn, too. Bravo.