BMW has launched a Competition Package for the M3, the M4, and the M4 Convertible. Already offered on the bigger M5 and M6 models, the optional Competition Package caters to buyers who want to take their car to the track by bundling a long list of performance-oriented upgrades and a few visual enhancements.
The Munich-based car maker’s M division has bumped the 3.0-liter straight-six engine’s output to 444 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, while torque remains unchanged at 406 pound-feet of torque from 1,850 to 5,500 rpm. To put that figure into perspective, the six pumps out 425 ponies in its standard state of tune. The extra power allows the M3 and the M4 coupe to reach 60 mph from a stop in 3.8 seconds — 0.1 second faster than the stock models — when they’re fitted with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Convertible sprints to the same speed in 4.1 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 156 mph regardless of which body style is selected.
The Competition Package also includes an Adaptive M suspension with new springs, stiffer shock absorbers, bigger sway bars, and a trio of re-programmed driving modes called Comfort, Sport, and Sport +, respectively. M has also tweaked the cars’ differential and re-calibrated the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
Cars equipped with the Competition Package stand out thanks to a sports exhaust system with tail pipes finished in black chrome, and model-specific, 20-inch machine-polished alloy wheels with M-shaped spokes. They also receive high-gloss Shadow Line trim around the kidney grilles, around the side windows, on the door mirrors, on the side gills, and on the trunk lid.
Inside, the M3 and the M4 coupe are fitted with lightweight sport seats designed by BMW M; the M4 Convertible keeps the same seats as the regular-production model. All cars regardless of body style get red and blue stripes woven into the seat belts.
BMW will begin to offer the Competition Package on the M3, the M4, and the M4 Convertible in the spring. Pricing information hasn’t been announced yet.
