BMW continues to keep the motoring world on the edge of their seats with announcements surrounding their new M3 sports car. This time, the news is in regards to a high-tech, high-performance new gearbox.The Double-Clutch unit will be available in all 3 M3 models, which now include the Coupe, Cabriolet and Sedan if you're behind on your news. The gearbox provides high-speed shifting with no interruption in power delivery or traction during shifts, BMW says. The new transmission also promises a reduction in fuel consumption and an increase in acceleration by a 'significant' margin. Sounds pretty 'win-win' to us.
The gearbox has 7 speeds, and eleven electronically-controlled programs allow drivers to customize exactly how the car uses them. Anything from an efficiency-enhancing automatic-mode to a high-speed manual-mode program are available. BMW's Drivelogic control system also comes with a built-in launch-controller for maximum acceleration off the line. The double-clutch gearbox also comes with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles and shift-lights, like a race car. Appropriately, BMW's engineers have installed a special cooling system to keep transmission fluid temperature in check, even during hard racetrack driving. What's next for the M3? A wagon? All wheel drive? Stay tuned!
photo: BMW