Seven-speed sequential for new BMW M3

We recently reported on Volkswagen's new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (see story here), and now it seems BMW is about to get in on the act too.

A report by UK's respected Autocar magazine suggests the Bavarian carmaker will equip its all-new V8-powered M3 Coupe with a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual.

The gearbox will reportedly be called M DCT and launch internationally in March, 2008.

Official confirmation of the new transmission was provided by a document sent to BMW dealers, according to Autocar.

Using the same principle as Volkswagen's DSG, the M DCT transmission features two computer-controlled clutches to provide faster, smoother shifts than can be achieved by BMW's existing single-clutch seven-speed sequential (as fitted to the current M5 and M6).

The M5/M6's SMG transmission is quite effective in 'max-attack' mode, but it makes for jerky progress in normal driving conditions. In fact, such has been the discontent among US buyers that BMW was forced to build a manual version of the M5 for that market.

In addition to providing smoother shifting characteristics, Autocar has speculated that the M DCT gearbox could improve the M3's 4.8sec 0-100km/h time by a couple of tenths of a second.

As is now the norm, the sequential gearbox will feature a self-shifting mode, whereby it can be left to its own devices, as well as a manual mode that enables the driver to run the show via steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The dual-clutch gearbox was exclusively developed for BMW by Getrag and a beefed-up version is reportedly destined for the M5/M6 in due course.

Hmmm... it seems there's now even more reason to lust after the new M3, as if the promise of V8 power and razor-sharp dynamics wasn't enough in the first place.

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