According to AutoCar, the 2008 BMW M3 will get a seven-speed double clutch gearbox, providing fast and hardly noticable shifts. Called the M DCT, the new gearbox will be available starting March 2008 in the UK.

The double clutch transmission is expected to improve the 2008 BMW M3′s 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds by a few tenths of a second. It will be controlled by shift knob that will be similar to the joystick style you find in the BMW M5 and M6, as well as steering wheel paddle shifting.

The M DCT gearbox has been exclusively developed for BMW by its transmission partner Getrag, of which different versions are planned for the 3-Series and 5-Series.

The 2008 BMW M3 goes on sale in September in the UK.

2008 BMW M3 Coupe Gallery (click thumbnails to enlarge):

Source: AutoCar

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