By Nick Aziz
Thursday, Mar 20th, 2008 @ 9:30 am

On Wednesday at the New York Auto Show, BMW announced its new M3 Convertible will be launched in the U.S. in the spring of this year. The same 420 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine powers the fourth-generation M3 drop-top as the coupe and sedan M3s already on sale. The M3 cabrio will cost $65,700, or about $11,000 dearer than the sedan and $8,000 more than the coupe.

The newest M3, just like its coupe and sedan counterparts, will be available with both a six-speed manual transmission as well as a new 7-speed twin-clutch unit BMW calls M DCT Drivelogic. Furthermore, an MDrive button like the one found on the current M5, allows drivers to pick from suspension settings, engine calibrations and steering response, as well as the thresholds of the electronic driving aids.

MDrive is part of an optional Technology Package that will include Electronic Damping Control, a navigation system with real time traffic data and a system that allows for keyless operation. BMW claims a 9.4 lb/hp power-to-weight ratio for its sun-seeking M3.

The M3 shares only the doors, hard top, luggage compartment lid, windows and rear lights with the standard 3-series convertible. In addition to the four metallic colors available on all M cars (Melbourne Red, Jerez Black, Interlagos Blue and Silverstone), the M3 Convertible can be had in Alpine White, Jet Black or Sparkling Graphite.

A rollover sensor is ready to eject protective hoops when the top is down and a rollover is detected.

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