What is it? The M3 Convertible made its European debut in Geneva earlier this month, but it took a second bow here in New York. This performance-tuned hardtop convertible is powered by a V8 engine that revs to 8,000 rpm and produces 414 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The convertible shares this engine with the coupe and sedan versions of the M3. The Convertible will cost about $66,000, some $11,000 more than the M3 sedan and $8,000 more than the coupe.
What's new or notable? The M3 Convertible will be available with a double-clutch transmission designed specifically for its V8. BMW claims it will provide smoother shifts and help the Convertible extract the most performance possible from the V8.
CR's take: With the folding hardtop retracted, the trunk space appears to be scant (and that's putting it politely), and a small center pass through to the rear seat won't help much. Consumers considering the purchase any hardtop convertible should be aware of this common sacrifice.
When will it be available? This spring.
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