Is there a better feeling than hood down in a V8 road going racer?
With 4 litres of petrol-devouring high performance engine under the bonnet, the third derivative of the stunning BMW 3 series M range is the drop top convertible.
The exterior is as muscular as the two and five-door versions but the roof 'seams' let you know that the hard roof folds down and stows in the boot.
The retractable hard top adds a level of sophistication to the interior for the 11-and-a-half months of rain we get in Ireland! Roof up or down, the M3 convertible is a joyous machine.
The most glorious sound comes from the 420bhp motor and, with the roof out of the way, the down shifts where the throttle 'blips' are simply sublime.
My test car had the optional new seven-speed M-DCT (double clutch transmission or gearbox to you and me) that, not only makes the car quicker, but also cleaner and less thirsty.
Speaking of thirst, the M3 will average the same consumption as a large diesel SUV and a lot less when pushed.
A recent 'Top Gear' test proved that when driven against a Prius going flat out around their test track the BMW M3 is in fact, more economical!
The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual. The self-shifter can be used as a pure automatic or manually override the changes using the lever or paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel.
Again you’ll want to keep it in manual just to hear those stunning change down throttle blips!
On the road the M3 is supple and in no way harsh considering the power on offer: 400nm of torque and 420bhp.
The V8 engine delivers over the magical 100bhp per tonne also, so it is no surprise that the rear wheel drive car can shift from 0-100km/h in just 5.3 seconds.
Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, although in my experience most electronically limited cars will exceed this speed by up to 20km/h - where permissible, of course.
The M3 is an immense machine and if you ever reach anywhere near its limits you better be talented and on a track.
While it may take a little more effort than a Lexus IS-F to live with day to day, and be a bit down on power next to the Mercedes C63, it is a pure driver’s machine.
A technological tour de force, the car also features BMW’s 'Efficient Dynamics', which harnesses power from braking. The V8 is 15kgs less than the V6 it replaced, which also helps reduce the rolling mass.
Of all the extras you will find standard on the M3 convertible, the best by far is the 'M' button. This is without doubt the best button in the world as it is the equivalent of the Presidential nuclear 'Red' button.
You can programme the M3 to boost its power to maximum and set the gear changes to the fastest possible while tuning the traction control to suit your skill level. If you drive this car prepare to buy it - it is that good.
The M3 has come a long way since the first 200bhp version launched in Dublin’s millennium year of 1988. I’ll add it to my Lotto list!
Michael Sheridan
