BMW reveals M3 Edition model

BMW's stonking E92 M3 has now been around for just under two years (see our original launch story here), and the Bavarian carmaker has decided it's now time to release a limited-edition model to help preserve buyer interest in the V8-powered coupe.

Known simply as the M3 Edition, the limited-run model gains a host of cosmetic tweaks to differentiate it from the donor car, but the drivetrain is untouched.

This means it retains the high-revving 4.0-litre V8 with 309kW/400Nm, which is channelled to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or BMW's M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic. The M3 Edition's 0-100km/split of 4.6sec (4.8sec for the six-speed manual) is unchanged.

However, unique to the Edition Models (which go on sale internationally in July and remain on the market for just six months) is a ride height that's lowered by 10mm and a choice of four new colours -- Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic or Monte Carlo Blue Metallic.

Australian sports car enthusiasts will have to be quick however, as only "three or four" of the rare M3 Editions are coming to Australia late in the year, around November or December according to BMW Australia. There will also be a price difference which will be determined closer to its local launch.

In addition to the new colours, the vents that flank the bonnet bulge are finished in black, while the trademark twin-kidney grille, fender gills and quartet of tailpipes are coated in a dark chrome finish.

The caps on the special BMW M exterior mirrors are likewise finished in black (although the arms that connect them to the A-pillar are painted the same colour as the body).

The 19-inch M-series light alloy rims are also blacked-out, but buyers have the option of specifying the hoops in either silver or white.

There's been a few fiddles carried out inside the cabin, too, as the surfaces on the centre armrest, the centre console and the armrests on the door panels are finished in White on the Alpine White and Black models. These Edition Models also come with 'Carbon Structure Leather' trim with white contrasting seams.

The seats in Black Novillo Leather feature bespoke contrasting seams as well as vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the legrest.

On the Alpine White and Black models, these features come in white, while on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models they are matched to the exterior colour.

First come first served...

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