BMW was ringing in spring at the 2008 New York Auto Show with the North American debuts of two vehicles. The first was a drop-top version of its high-performance M3, the other a design exercise that made its initial appearance in China.

2008 BMW M3 Convertible

2008 BMW M3 Convertible
2008 BMW M3 convertible

2008 BMW M3 Convertible
2008 BMW M3 convertible

Hot on the heels of the M3 coupe and sedan launch this winter, BMW showed a convertible version of its hot-rod premium compact car. Imagine wind whipping through your hair to the tune of a 414-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine. The M3 convertible is based on the existing 3-Series convertible and features a power-retractable hardtop.

CG Says...
The new "manu-matic" transmission should prove to be much better than the one previously employed by BMW. The M3 convertible looks like it'll be a must have for those who want fast fun in the sun.

The debut of the M3 convertible at the New York Auto Show also included a first look at BMW's new M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic (M DCT Drivelogic). This transmission functions just like an automatic in that drivers can set it in drive and forget it. It also comes with a shift gate on the console as well as steering wheel paddles to facilitate manual gear changes. It's a similar system to what you'll find in the Volkswagen GTI and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, but the BMW has seven forward gears, rather than the six found on those other setups. For those who prefer the feel of a clutch pedal, BMW will offer the M3 convertible with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Other M3 convertible go-fast goodies include a specifically tuned sport suspension, optional 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, and an antiskid system that can be completely disabled for those who want to walk on the wild side.

The 2008 BMW M3 convertible goes on sale later this spring in Europe and in the U.S. this summer. The M DCT Drivelogic transmission will debut in the U.S. on the M3 coupe, with the convertible and sedan arriving shortly thereafter. Count on the double-clutch gearbox making its way into the company's other vehicles, where it would replace the oft-panned SMG (sequential manual gearbox) transmission.

BMW Concept CS

BMW Concept CS
BMW Concept CS

BMW Concept CS
BMW Concept CS

Though its premiere was at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show in China, BMW wanted to show off its Concept CS at the 2008 New York Auto Show.

CG Says...
Don't count on any vehicle resembling the Concept CS to find its way into production. BMW could implement some of its styling cues in its future products, though.

This large, four-passenger, four-door sedan was a "what if" design exercise to show what BMW might do if it produced a "Gran Turismo" luxury car in the vein of the Maserati Quattroporte.

At 200.8 inches in overall length, the Concept CS is shorter only than BMW's flagship 7-Series Li sedans. A stretched wheelbase and low build make for a slippery shape. Paradoxically, it could hold the road very well with its 21-inch tires.