Remarkable engine, race-carlike handling, killer good looks, sumptuous interior,All this is a body that can carry 4 adults, and their Golf clubs!! Those darn Europeans get all the cool stuff -- accents that make you sound intelligent, democratic art and a mind-blowing BMW M3, while we chumpy Americans have the Hollywood Squares, Pop Tarts and now, the boys of Bavaria decided to send us the real thing starting in 2001, and, boy howdy, it was worth the wait. The new M3 convertible, based on the delectable current-generation 3 Series, is propelled by the magnificent 3.2-liter engine, with 333 thundering horses coming from a single bank of six cylinders. Capped with a six-speed transmission, all that horsepower and the 262 foot-pounds of torque (at 4,900 rpm) is good enough to propel the 3,781-pound M3 convertible to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, according to BMW. But an exhilarating driving experience involves more than mere speed, and the dynamics of the M3 have car reviewers frothing at the mouth to describe the joy derived from piloting this vehicle. From its communicative steering and near-perfectly balanced chassis to the compliant-yet-firm ride, this Bimmer, like most others, will have you searching for that elusive twisty road upon which to spool the revs and extract that stunning exhaust note. Don't think that you'd be lacking structural rigidity should you opt for open-topped fun. In fact, BMW claims that this version of the ragtop boasts a superstructure more rigid than the previous-generation 3 Series coupe. It's quite an accomplishment and the perfect accompaniment to the M3's superb MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear independent suspension system. Features for the convertible include heated power-adjustable sport bucket seats;. There are front and side airbags for safety and, of course, antilock brakes are standard. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system also makes the grade and the drop-top version of the M3 gets a Rollover Protection System that automatically deploys roll hoops behind the rear seats in case the ragtop ever goes end over end. Other options include a cold weather package, heated front seats and headlight washer system that'll make the cars more palatable during the winter months. Xenon headlamps are also included, as is a CD player, and Harmon Kardon sound system. We think that the 3 Series is one of the best cars on the market today, and the M package increases its appeal exponentially. These beauts should have enough oomph and athletic prowess to have the competition whimpering in the corner.