BMW UK has announced details of the third M3 derivative, the new BMW M3 Convertible. The fourth generation of BMW's open-topped M3 becomes the first M car to feature a Retractable Hard-Top.
The launch of the new M3 Convertible also represents another first with the introduction of BMW's new seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) as an option to the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Offering the highest levels of performance and driving dynamics with instantaneous gear shifts, the new BMW M3 Convertible offers a unique recipe for drivers who enjoy open-topped motoring accompanied by an eight-cylinder symphony.
Engine and Drivetrain
The first generation of M3 Convertible, launched in 1988, delivered 200hp from BMW's first 16-valve 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine. Subsequent generations of M3 engines have taken top category honours on a record six successive occasions in the Engine of the Year awards.
Wind the clock forward 20 years to the introduction of today's E93-generation M3 Convertible. The new M3 Convertible's engine develops more than twice the power of the original, delivering 420hp at 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm from its 3,999cc V8-power unit. Like the previous three generations, the engine in the new M3 Convertible easily breaks through the magical 100hp per litre barrier, offering 105hp per litre. The new car also offers a 10 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio when compared to its predecessor E46 M3 Convertible.
The V8 engine powers the car from zero to 62mph in 5.3 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. However, even with these supercar levels of performance, BMW's EfficientDynamics programme ensures that economy is not compromised with the car delivering 21.9mpg on the combined cycle.
In standard specification, power is transferred to the road by BMW M's six-speed manual gearbox and variable M differential. This conveys up to 100 per cent of available power to the wheel with most grip.
In common with the Sequential Manual Gearbox on the M5 and M6 models, the new M DCT gearbox also features Drivelogic to allow the driver the ability to fine tune the shift characteristics of the transmission. With six shift speeds available in the manual mode and five available when the gearbox is pre-selecting its own ratio, the driver can fine-tune the gear change. And to ensure that the gear changes are perfectly tuned to the engine output, the new M DCT gearbox employs eight LED shift lights, located in the rev counter, to warn the driver of the need to upshift.
Finally, to guarantee ease of use in around-town driving situations, 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 levels of output don't corrupt the driving experience at slower speeds.
A reduction in weight is another EfficientDynamics facet adopted on the new M3 Convertible, especially in the drivetrain. Using an engine block manufactured alongside the BMW Sauber F1 engines at BMW's light-alloy foundry at Landshut, Germany, the new V8 powerplant weighs a mere 202kgs; 15kgs less than the six-cylinder engine it replaces. To further highlight the weight advantages, the crankshaft in the new engine is made from one complete forging and weighs only 20kgs.
Hard-top or open-top?
The new BMW M3 Convertible is the first M3 to feature an electro-hydraulic Retractable Hard-Top as standard. It's also the first M3 to feature BMW's innovative Sun Reflective leather technology, allowing the driver the opportunity to leave the roof down for prolonged periods without the seat leather overheating.
The flared wheel arches house the standard 18-inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels, with a striking 19-inch wheel available as an option. Another BMW M trait, a side gill in the front wing, also includes the side direction indicator and the M3 logo.
Aerodynamically-efficient door mirrors channel air flow and reduce drag, as does the rear diffuser, which houses BMW M's trademark twin double exhaust pipes.
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