BMW M3: BMW M3 Convertible
An April launch is scheduled for the new M3 convertible
BMW has announced details of the third M3 derivative, ahead of its April launch. It'll be the first M car to feature a retractable hardtop, and also the first to carry the option of BMW’s new seven-speed transmission
Gearchanges are predicted with the optional M DCT gearbox. Two oil-cooled wet clutches are deployed, one controlling gears 1, 3, 5 and 7 and the other gears 2, 4 and 6. Gearchanges are made in a few milliseconds and the next gear selected in readiness, contributing to better acceleration, economy and emissions than that of the conventional manual car.
To facilitate town driving, the new M DCT gearbox uses a gradient detection system and Low Speed Assistant. These combine to ensure that the car won’t roll back on hill-starts and that the engine’s high output levels don't intrude into low-speed driving.
Power output is 420hp at 8,300rpm, with 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm from its 3,999cc V8-power unit. All of which propels the car from zero to 62mph in 5.3 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The combined economy cycle, not that we suspect buyers would be that interested, is a creditable 21.9mpg.
The new BMW M3 Convertible goes on sale in April 2008 and costs £54,655 OTR. Add £2,590 for the optional M DCT gearbox.
