The latest generation of the BMW M3 Convertible has been officially unveiled.
The vehicle features the same 4.0 litre V8 414 bhp engine as the coupe and saloon versions of the M3. However, because of the addition of the folding hard top the car has added 135kg. Consequently performance figures for the convertible are down compared to the other M3 variants: the 0-62 mph time has increased to 5.4 seconds, and fuel consumption is now down to 21 mg.
The convertible is also the first M3 variant to feature BMW's new seven gear dual clutch transmission as an option. The gearbox will not be available for the other M3 models until later in the year.
You can find images of the new BMW E92 Convertible at Autocar.co.uk and further details on the official BMW M3 website.
Photographs of the new BMW M3 Convertible have been leaked several months before the vehicles expected launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
You can view the images at Wheels24.
BMW is exporting it's range of M performance cars to India for the first time. The first to reach the sub-continent will be the latest incarnation of the BMW M3, followed by the M5 and the M6.
BMW are also initiating a major expansion of their dealer network in India, as well as ramping up production capacity at the company's factory at Chennai from 1,700 vehicles a year to approximately 3,000.
BMW India sold 1,387 vehicles during 2007, comfortably beating it's target of 1,000.
BMW is to crack down on the practice of UK BMW dealers off-loading unsold stock on to online brokers who then sell the vehicles at large discount. The drive aims to increase the residual values of BMW's sold through approved dealers by limiting the supply of vehicles entering the market at lower prices.
Currently large discounts for brand new BMW's can be found through online brokers. Recent deals include Drivethedeal.com offering £4,750 off the price of a new BMW 320d M Sport, and Broadspeed offering £8,260 off the dealer price of a BMW Z4 M Coupe.
German aftermarket tuning house 'G-Power' are offering a series of mechanical and aerodynamic enhancements to BMW's 500 bhp V10 M5. The upgrades increase the M5's already heady output to an incredible 730 bhp offering 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds. The vehicle has a limited top-speed of 211 mph.211 mph.
The car also ships with a revised front spoiler, a carbon fibre diffuser, improved brakes, and 21 inch alloys. G-Power are selling the vehicle for Eur 240,000.