BMW M3 goes harder-core

BMW has revealed an even sharper-edged version of its iconic M3 Coupe, but only three examples of it will become available in Australia late this year.

The M3 Coupe Edition will be produced in four individual configurations featuring modified interior and exterior design elements, lower suspension and unique alloy wheels.

Overseas, the special M3 comes with the choice of four exclusive exterior paint colours: Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic or Monte Carlo Blue Metallic, combined with a BMW Individual High-Gloss Satin Chrome finish.

However, the three M3 Coupe Editions destined for Australia, making it one of the most exclusive BMW models ever sold here, will all be blue in colour – at a price that is yet to be announced.

Nor will the Australian version be offered with the 10mm-lower ride height fitted as standard overseas, due to Australian Design Rule requirements.

Interior M3 Coupe Edition highlights include special colour highlights for the centre console and door armrests, plus interior trim highlights in ‘Carbon Structure Leather’ with white contrasting seams. Trimmed in ‘Black Novillo Leather’, the seats will feature bespoke contrasting seams and vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the seat base, according to exterior colour.

‘Checkered Flag Design’ entry trims bearing the ‘M3’ model designation round out the unique interior package.

Outside, the M3 Coupe Edition receives specially-designed 19-inch forged M light-alloy rims with a double-spoke design in either black, classic rim colour or in a special white contrasting colour with polished spokes.

Standard M3 Coupe features including a carbon-fibre roof, Electronic Damper Control and the M Drive menu will continue to be part of the Edition package, and there are no changes to the M3’s fire-breathing 309kW 4.0-litre V8, which continues to propel the M-DCT transmission-equipped M3 to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds (4.8 for the conventional manual).

The limited-production M3 Coupe Edition will be produced by BMW for just six months.