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BMW officially unveils the 2009 BMW M3 convertible. Powered by a 4.2L V8 that produces 420hp, buyers will be able to choose from either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed M DCT gearbox. Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

The introduction of BMW's EfficientDynamics programme - which features Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and lightweight materials - ensures that both running costs and emissions are kept to a minimum. The M3 Convertible returns 21.9 mpg on the combined cycle - a five per cent improvement over the previous generation model

In this BMW promo vid, we get "an inside look at one of the engine's cylinders as it's fired up, all captured by high-speed camera magic." Continue reading to watch.

To film the process, photographers had to dissect manifolds, shave cylinders and drill-in special lighting holes

In this Autocar segment, the crew hits "the track with the BMW M3, Nissan GT-R, and Porsche 911 GT3 to see which of the musclebound sports cars could best its immediate competition." Videos after the break.

There's been plenty of GT-R vs. Porsche chatter since the Nissan's launch, but how would Bimmer's latest juggernaut fare against a tag-team of the GT-R and Zuffenhausen's latest road carver?

BMW unveiled its ALMS racing M3 at the Chicago Auto Show today. Upgrades include a tuned 4.0L V8 that pumps out 485hp and weight reduction. Click here for first picture in gallery.

BMW also employed its extensive F1 knowledge into the M-racer, including computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel analysis to make the carbon fiber-winged M3 slip freely through the air.

In this Fifth Gear segment, Jason Plato and Tiff Needell pit the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG against each other at Silverstone. Continue reading to find out which car came out on top.

The latest round of the battle between BMW and Mercedes has resulted in the release of the new M3 and C63 AMG cars. Both are very fast and represent great value for true German performance. The Merc may have more power under the hood but BMW’s track expertise and lighter weight puts them on even ground

BMW's all-new 2009 M3 convertible is powered by a "V-8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp; maximum torque is 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm and maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm." Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

BMW's new M3 Convertible was supposed to be unveiled in March, but several leaked photos led to a flood of official photos and information straight from BMW

BMW reveals the latest entry in their sleek M3-line, the 2009 M3 Convertible. Sporting a 4.0L V8 engine that generates 420hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Click here for first picture in gallery. One drawback:

. Unfortunately, the glorious M-tuned V8 is bogged down by an extra 450 lbs. of folding metal and electric motors, but that's the price you pay for the option of taking in the sunshine and that delicious exhaust note without sacrificing the security of a tin top

Unlike other racing simulators, BMW has basically "rigged up its $100,000+ M3 with a projector in the backseat, and wired the steering, transmission and pedals to control and react to a racing sim." Video after the break.

The system also feeds data back to the car's hydraulics, allowing it to shake and bounce in sync with gameplay. Probably not as much fun as driving the real thing, but definitely cheaper