STOP PRESS: BMW Australia has today confirmed 12 Frozen Black edition M3 Coupes are headed Down Under. The shipment is expected to land "sometime in Q4", according to a BMW Australia spokesperson, with pricing to be announced "closer to that time". With the current range-topping M3 Coupe priced at $162,300 we're tipping it won't be cheap, the excusivity alone likely to attract at least a 10 per cent premium. Watch this space...
Perhaps to take some of the sting out of the launch of the stonking new Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe, BMW's North American Division has just announced a 20-unit production run of 'Frozen Black Edition' M3 Coupes for the US.
Befitting its moniker, the limited-edition model is coated in BMW Individual Frozen Black exterior paint, which has a deep metallic lustre.
In BMW's words: "Compared to conventional exterior colours with gloss finish, the sculpture-like character of Frozen Black paint highlights the athletic contours of the M3."
The paint's lustrous finish was allegedly achieved by applying a BMW-developed silk matte clear coat over the Black Metallic base coat. The company claims its Frozen paints meet or exceed all BMW standards for durability and longevity, and feature a full factory warranty.
That said, special care guidelines are provided to customers and authorized BMW centres to prevent the finish from becoming glossy.
The Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe isn't merely about cosmetic upgrades, as the car comes with the Competition Package, which reduces vehicle ride height by 10mm and includes M3 GTS 19-inch wheels (in black for this Edition) with wider offset for enhanced stability.
The package also includes Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode.
Other goodies unique to the Frozen Black Edition include red brake calipers, gloss-black exterior trim elements and 'Novillo' leather upholstery with unique red-contrast stitching.
As per the donor M3, propulsion comes from BMW M Division's free-spinning 4.0-litre V8, which belts out 309kW for a 0-100km/h split of 4.6sec when mated to the M-DCT dual-clutch transmission.
BMW North America is putting the first 19 cars up for grabs at a price of $US79,650 (extraordinarily good value compared to what an M3 costs here), and would-be buyers need to call a toll-free number no earlier than 11:30am Eastern Time on Thursday, June 16 to stake their claim.
The 20th car will be held by BMW of North America and may be sold at a later date.
Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe – Equipment List
BMW Individual Frozen Black Exterior Paint
Black Extended Novillo leather with Red Contrast Stitching on seats, headrests, door inserts, armrests, middle console, and door pulls.
Black M3 GTS wheels, 19-inch diameter with high-performance summer tyres
Red brake calipers
Gloss black kidney grilles
Gloss black side-gill elements
Gloss black exhaust pipe tips
Additional specified equipment from M3 catalogue
M-DCT Transmission with Drivelogic
Competition Package
Lowered suspension
Sport mapping for EDC/DSC
Premium Package 2
Power folding auto-dimming mirrors
Universal garage-door opener
Power front seats
Carbon Leather interior trim
Interior mirror with compass
BMW Assist with Bluetooth
Convenience Package
Anti-theft alarm system
Comfort Access keyless entry system
Park Distance Control (rear)
Navigation System
Voice-command
iPod and USB adapter
Real-time Traffic Information
Heated Front Seats
Satellite Radio with 1-year subscription
BMW Individual Enhanced Premium Sound System
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