All text taken from leftlane news.

BMW will launch its 2008/2009 M3 coupe with an all-new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox as an alternative to the regular six-speed manual. Official confirmation comes from a memo sent to BMW dealers, according to Autocar.

The gearbox will be called M DCT, and is very similar to Volkswagen's DSG transmission. A dual-clutch system features two computer-controlled clutches, making shifts both smooth and extremely quick. Simple automated manuals — such as BMW's SMG — provided quick shifts but can be jerky during tame driving.

The M DCT model will likely be a few tenths of a second faster than the manual M3. The transmission is being built by Getrag. Drivers will be able to use a shift lever or paddles to change gears.

The M DCT will be available on the new M3 in March 2008. BMW is likely to replace the SMG III transmission used in the M5 and M6 with a similar gearbox in the near future, possibly along with mid-cylce facelifts to the cars.

 

must be at least 70k..... one word "SICK"

 

Awesome.

Big $$$$ but big fun!

 

dual clutch should be cheaper than squential m gearbox to produce, it seems less complex to me, but what do i know