After quite a bit of speculation over the German automaker, BMW’s, upcoming enhancement for everybody’s favorite track day weapon and whether or not they would be downsizing their power train options along with the rest of the automotive market, we can now bring you some official details regarding the updated and environmentally conscious 2011 BMW M3 Performance Package. Don’t worry because the new car won’t be losing any grunt like we all expected when it goes on sale this spring with pricing to be announced at a later date.
Thankfully the BMW M3 Performance Package is powered by the same high revving 4.0 Liter V8 sending a total of 420 HP straight to the rear wheels, with only one minor difference. The power plant is now equipped with an innovative Auto Start Stop function as well as an optional M dual clutch transmission with Drivelogic as well as the standard six speed manual. The Auto Start Stop Function works like most traditional mild hybrids by killing the engine whenever the car is at a stop, this is said to reduce both consumption and emissions quite effectively.
As the name suggests, the Performance Package adds a lowered suspension that brings the chassis 10 mm closer to the asphalt and stiffens things up with a newly developed set of electronically adjustable dampers as well as an all new set of lightweight mesh alloys measuring 19 inches in diameter that dress up the new M3’s appearance along with the functional aero package.
TheSmokingTire got behind the wheel of the BMW M3 Competition Package and had all the fun in the world on the Pacific Coast Highway north of San Simeon.
