Why it's one of our most significant: The 2008 3-series is BMW's first retractable hard top. Depending on the extent of your past experiences with the brand, this may be a smart step forward or the first sign of the apocalypse. Read our full story below.
The long-awaited convertible version of BMW's current 3-series will sport its first hardtop. Powerplants and badges will mirror those of its fixed-roof coupe sibling: the 328i will use a 230-hp, 3.0-liter I-6, and the 335i gets a 300-hp, twin-turbo version of the same engine. The convertible unfortunately weighs 400 pounds more than the coupe, but at least it has special infrared-reflecting leather that stays cool in the sun. We'll get to drive it in early 2007.