2009 BMW M3 Convertible and Sedan Prototypes

BMW recently revealed the first shots of its much-awaited production M3 Coupe, but the Bavarians aren’t discussing plans for sedan and convertible variants of the V-8-engined powerbroker. Fortunately, we’ve got ace spy shooter Hans Lehmann on our side, and the long-lens legend has caught both models out testing.

The production coupe is expected to roll out of the factory gates beginning this fall, with a convertible model following next spring. There’s a bit of controversy as to whether the production M3 drop-top will employ a folding hard top or a fabric unit. Sources say BMW’s engineers favor a lighter soft-top assembly (the car seen here could just be a development mule based off a 3-series Convertible), but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the car arrive with the hard top, or perhaps both.

This sedan prototype is expected to be the last to the M3 party, arriving next fall. It will be the first time BMW has offered a four-door version of the car since a short-lived E36-based model bowed in the mid-Nineties.

Regardless of roof configuration or door count, all M3s are expected to receive BMW’s high-revving 4.0-liter V-8, which should be good for 414 horsepower and a bagful of speeding tickets.

 

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