BMW gives the M3 a facelift, with new technology

The new Competition Package will be offered on the M3 Coupe and M3 sedan, and includes a lowered suspension with the ride height reduced by 10mm, light alloy wheels, a specially developed 'sport' mode that is part of the Electronic Damping Control, and a revised stability control program. Optional equipment that can be specified includes carbon fibre front apron flaps and a carbon fibre rear spoiler.

Another new feature that will become standard on all BMW M3 models is the new Engine Start/Stop function that cuts the engine out when the car is stationary, thereby reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The feature works with both the standard 6-speed manual transmission as well as the 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with Drivelogic.

As a result, the M3, which has a 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces 420bhp, has a fuel consumption figure of 11.2 litres per 100km for the dual clutch gearbox, and 12.4 litres per 100km for the manual, an improvement of 8 percent over the previous model.