cars news 10: BMW Celebrates 30 Years of the M3 With Two Special Editions

BMW revealed four special-edition models that include two M3s, an i8, and an M6. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the legendary M3, the Bavarian automaker has revealed two special editions, the “30 Years M3” and U.K.-exclusive M3 30 Jahre, which will be limited to 30 units.

The M3 “30 Years M3” will be limited to 500 cars worldwide and will come exclusively in Macao Blue metallic, a tribute to the original first-generation E30 M3. Other unique features include the standard Competition package, which raises the output of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6 to a heady 450 hp and adds go-fast goodies like an adaptive suspension, M Sport seats, a “30 Years M3” logo on the front doorsills and in the front seat head rests, full Merino leather interior in Black/Fjord Blue or Black/Silverstone, and forged 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels. Both six-speed manual and seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmissions will be available.

2016 BMW M3 30 Years M3 front three quarters

2016 BMW M3 30 Years M3 rear three quarters

Like the M3 “30 Years M3,” the U.K.-exclusive M3 30 Jahre also receives the Competition package, giving its twin-turbo I-6 the same 450-hp output along with the requisite go-fast bits, including 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels and an adaptive suspension. The M3 30 Jahre will only be available in a gorgeous matte Frozen Silver metallic exterior color and will come standard with an M sport exhaust system. A host of carbon fiber bits including the front splitter, mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler will also come standard. Inside, the car receives M Sports seats, seat belts with BMW M’s color strips woven in them, an “M3 30 Jahre” logo on the front door sills and front seat headrests, and Black/Fjord Blue full Merino leather upholstery as standard. Only the seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission will be offered in the M3 30 Jahre. Additional standard equipment on the M3 30 Jahre includes carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display, a surround view camera, and keyless entry/start.

In Japan, BMW will release two special edition models, the i8 Protonic Red Edition and the M6 Celebration Edition to commemorate its 100-year anniversary. In total, only 20 i8 Protonic Red Edition models will be made. Standard features include the vibrant Protonic Red exterior color, 20-inch Orbit Gray alloy wheels, BMW’s trick laser headlights, and black/red interior upholstery. The M6 Celebration Edition will be limited to 13 units and will come standard with the Competition package, which ups the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8’s output to from 560 hp to a mighty 600 hp and torque from 500 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft. Additional standard features include carbon ceramic brakes, 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels, full Merino leather upholstery, with yellow stitching, an M Sport steering wheel, an M Sport exhaust system, and carbon fiber bits such as the side mirror covers, rear spoiler and rear diffuser. The M6 Celebration Edition will only be available in one exterior color, Austin Yellow.

Source: BMW