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BMW has released details of the third M3 derivative, the M3 Convertible.
The fourth generation of the car will be the first M car to feature a retractable hard-top.
It will also be the first car to showcase BMW's seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) as an option instead of the manual six-speed 'box.
Changing gears using paddles on the steering wheel or the gear lever, the M DCT uses two oil-cooled wet clutches; one controlling gears 1,3,5 and 7 and the other, gears 2,4 and 6.
Gear changes are made within milliseconds, with the next gear selected in readiness, it can out-perform the manual gear box in performance, economy and emissions. Instead of the manual 'box time of 5.3 seconds to 100 km/h, the M DCT reaches the benchmark in just 5.1 seconds.
- REUTERS
