The new BMW M3 will be available with a seven-speed double clutch gearbox similar to VW’s DSG technology, according to Autocar.
The magazine is quoting from a document released to BMW dealers ahead of the official launch.
The new gearbox will apparently be branded M DCT and will be available from March next year. It has been developed exclusively for BMW by the Getrag Company.
A double clutch system should offer quicker and smoother shifts over BMW’s previous automated gear change system – SMG – that’s still used on the V10 powered M cars. However, it remains to be seen whether it will offer enough interaction and driver reward for real M car fans. A manual gearbox option will still be available.
Similar versions of the M DCT ‘box are expected to appear on the 3 and 5 series models in the future.