BMW M3 and M4 get Competition Pack boost

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BMW has revealed a new trim level for its M3 and M4 production models, ramping up the performance and introducing new styling details.

The new competition package boosts total power output from 425bhp to 444bhp through tweaks to the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine sat under the bonnet of both cars.

There's no change to torque output - that stays at 405lb ft - but it does shave 0.1 second off the 0.62mph times of the M3 saloon and M4 coupe, now touted to be 4.2 seconds in cars with a manual gearbox and 4.0 in DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox cars. Fuel economy also remains unchanged while all iterations of the car – saloon, coupe or convertible and with a manual or DCT gearbox – will still get around and above 30mpg.

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BMW's M-Suspension set-up comes as standard, although now with new springs, dampers and roll bars. The driving mode set-ups, allowing driver to choose between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, have been reconfigured and there are new differential and stability control set-ups in the search for more performance.

Looks-wise, there are a few changes to give the competition pack a different image over cars in standard trim. There are 20ins multi-spoke alloy wheels influenced by the set worn on the hardcore 493bhp M4 GTS, as well as gloss-black detailing on much of the exterior trim, such as the distinctive BMW kidney grille. Inside are new lightweight sports seats.

No prices have been announced for the upgraded M-Car, but Auto Express points out that the larger M5 and M6 already have the competition package available and command a £7,000 premium over standard models. They expect a £5,000 increase on the list price of the M3 and M4, making for a price tag "north of £60,000", with Autocar saying that the convertible M4 could cost almost £70,000.

Historically, the M3 has been the recipient of a power-boosting refresher at some point in the model's lifetime, as Top Gear points out in their M3 history lesson.