Earlier this year, BMW announced that it would launch a high-performance, lighter-weight version of its M3 sports sedan and coupe. Now, the German automaker has shown us some images and has given us a few additional details ahead of the car’s formal introduction early next month at the Geneva Motor Show.
The package will be available on both coupe and sedan versions of the M3, but not convertibles. M3s equipped with the performance group will go on sale in Europe towards the end of March with North American sales beginning a little later.
Most of the upgrades are made to the M3′s handling abilities. A lowered suspension makes the car sit about 10 mm lower than a stock M3, while 19-inch wheels inspired by the previous M3 CSL with a greater offset help improve grip. The Electronic Damper Control system features a new Sport setting that allows for more aggressive driving with less body lean and a bit more control. The Dynamic Stability Control Plus system allows for less intervention than in a standard M3, a boon for track driving.
European M3 Competition Package cars will get BMW ’s Auto Stop-Start technology just introduced on regular M3s, although that feature won’t make the journey to North America. BMW says that the M3 with Auto Start-Stop is the first BMW with more than four cylinders to feature the technology.
The carbon fiber upgrades shown will come standard on the Competition Package, although they are currently available through BMW’s accessory catalog.
The Competition Package adds $2,500 to the M3′s base price; models so-equipped will list from $56,275.
