BMW M3 Roadster

The M3 family has swelled further with BMW’s announcement of the new convertible version - and a twin-clutch gearbox. This is the first M3 with a folding metal hardtop, and the first with BMW's new transmission.

It's a new seven-speed gearbox called M DCT gearbox – a double-clutch affair (like VW's seven-speed DSG) allowing near-instant changes, with little drop in power. The new transmission works with BMW’s Drivelogic, offering 11 different settings including Launch Control. Expect it as an option to be added across the M3 range when the convertible arrives in summer 2008.

The M3 cab is distinguished from regular 3-series drop-tops by the powerdome on the bonnet and enlarged front air intakes; other telltale signs are the M-division gills on the side and fast M3 door mirrors. Beefed-up alloys are borrowed from the coupe, the carbon roof is not (for obvious reasons).

BMW claims the new convertible is 50 percent stronger than its predecessor, with less flex but added weight. The M3 Convertible weighs 135kg more than the coupe.