M3 cab debuts BMW's dual-clutch box
Newswheel staff :: 29 April 2008 :: Filed under Cabriolet, Front engine sportscar, BMW, BMW M3
[Click on an image to view]
Seven speeds for new M DCT tranny
Drop-top versions of BMW’s M cars are traditionally a little off message when it comes to driving dynamics. That’s the price you pay for hacking the roof off, compromising structural integrity and cranking up the kerb weight. But the new M3 Convertible is the first BMW to feature the firm’s new seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT). So, it’s a little more interesting than your average 155mph sun trap…
Powered by the same 414bhp 4.0l V8 lump as both the coupe and recently released saloon models, the latest chopped M3 is predictably the fastest ever. Specified with a conventional manual six-speed box, you’re looking at 5.3 clicks from rest the 62mph. That’s half a second down on the equivalent tin-top manual model. Intriguingly, the long awaited double-clutch robot manual box shaves two tenths off the sprint to 62mph.
But despite tipping the scales at a scary 1,885 kg (over 200kg neavier than the coupe), BMW says it still has a 10 per cent better power to weight ratio than the previous E46 M3 cab. Sounds impressive until you remember that it packs 20 per cent more power.
Still, thanks to the introduction of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics kit, including brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and lightweight materials, the new M3 convertible is actually five per cent more fuel efficient in manual trim (21.9mpg combined) than the outgoing model. Bung in the double-clutch box and economy improves even further to 23.0mpg.
For the record, the double-clutch box has also been added as an option on the remainder of the M3 range. The benefits in terms of performance and fuel consumption are largely in line with the Convertible – a couple of tenths off the quoted sprint times and a shade more economy.
The M3 Convertible is on sale £54,760. That represents a £4k premium over the coupe and pretty good value when you consider the gap between coupe and convertible variants of the 335i is actually a little larger.
Linkage:
Official M3 Convertible specs
