Spied: 2008 BMW M3 with minimal disguise

A pair of quick-thinking auto enthusiasts have snapped a series of photos showing a 2008 BMW M3 prototype with less disguise than ever before. The test car was parked in front of a café near Nuremberg, Germany.

The car's dramatic front fascia is mostly undisguised, and the rear apron is covered by black tape only. Engineers have also tried to disguise the the M3's integrated spoiler with some tape, but its shape is plain to see. Stylized side skirts and now visible without camouflage, and M-spec side mirrors can be seen beneath tape. The test vehicle appears to have production 19-inch wheels spray-painted black.

The M3 is expected to offer a high-revving V8 engine with over 400 horsepower. It will debut in "concept" form at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with the production version following a few months later. The car should be in showrooms by the end of the year. Gallery after the jump...