BMW Shows M3 Convertible

The New York International Auto Show marked the U.S. debut of the high-performance BMW M3 Convertible, which was unveiled a couple of weeks ago at the Geneva Motor Show.

The M3 Convertible is the third addition to the M3 lineup, taking its place alongside the M3 Coupe and the M3 sedan. Like the new 3-Series Convertible, the M3 is offered for the first time with a power-retractable three-piece hardtop that provides excellent noise management when closed, and automatically stows in a rear compartment during open-air driving.

The M3 Convertible is powered by a 414-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine developed specifically for the model range. It develops 24 percent more power than the 6-cylinder engine in the previous generation M3, but is also lighter and more efficient. At 8400 rpm the M3 is the highest revving engine ever offered by BMW.

In addition to a 6-speed manual transmission, the M3 will also be offered with an all-new M Double-Clutch transmission with Drivelogic, which is specially designed for high-rpm engines. With two clutches the transmission is able to shift gears without any interruption in the flow of power. The new transmission will debut as an option for the M3 Coupe, followed by the Sedan and Convertible.

The Convertible shares the aggressive styling of the Coupe and Sedan, including the powerdome hood with two openings, the functional design of the front and rear dams, fender grilles carried-over from the Coupe and light alloy wheels. The suspension is based on the technology in the M3 Coupe specifically tuned to accommodate the weight of the roof system.

BMW has acknowledged that it will add a 4-door Gran Turismo, or grand touring car, to the product lineup sometime in the future.

Without providing any further details, the BMW Concept CS was shown for the first time in the U.S. at the New York show as an example of the company's vision of a BMW Gran Turismo.

"The Concept CS embodies the core values of the BMW brand," said Tom Purves, chairman and CEO of BMW (US) Holding Corp. "It stands for superior dynamics and elegance combined with the thrill of a high-performance sports car."