BMW M Performance (2016 SEMA)
BMW will be showcasing
new M Performance Parts and other accessories, on vehicles such as the M2
Safety Car, M3, X5, an Alpine White 340i and a BMW Individual 740e xDrive
iPerformance at this year SEMA show.
Making their world premiere at SEMA will be BMW's
new motorsport aerodynamics for the M3, as well as the M Performance light
alloy wheel. Furthermore, we'll get to see the new coilover suspension for the
M3 and M4, together with the M Performance Power & Sound kit, M Performance
packages and the Smart remote engine start function. Also on display will be
one of the five race-winning 3.0 CSL models campaigned by BMW in the 1975 &
76 IMSA Camel GT Series.
Now, that large carbon fiber rear wing was one of
the many M Performance parts.
The entire wing is made out of carbon
fiber (wing, side sections, support brackets) and that it even features some
very subtle racing stripes, which we couldn't see before. Its market launch is
planned for mid-2017.
The new matte black light alloy wheel will be
displayed as a concept wheel on the BMW M3 during this year's SEMA Show, measuring
19" at the front and 20" at the rear. Its purpose is to contribute
towards better steering behavior, which according to BMW will improve the car's
overall driving dynamics. The wheel will be available in the summer of 2017 on
M2, M3 and M4 models.
Further down the list is the new coilover suspension
for the M3 and M4, which allows the driver to lower the car's ride height
between 5 and 20 mm with the help of the adjustable sprint plate - thus also
lowering the center of gravity.
As for the Power & Sound Kit, we know that it's
already available in Germany for the BMW 340i and 440i, though this marks the
first time it is being offered in the US. It comes with a modified engine
management software and a higher flowing valve exhaust system which ultimately
boosts power by 35 HP (to 355 HP) on automatic transmission models, as maximum
torque is increased as well by 52 Nm to 500 Nm. Manual
transmission models only get 33 Nm. In terms of performance,
we'll be looking at a 96 km/h sprint time that is quicker by 0.2
seconds compared to what the stock models could do.
The US-specific M Performance Packages are
meant to combine various aerodynamic and performance elements and are available
for the following models: BMW 2-Series Coupe, 3-Series Sedan, 4-Series,
7-Series, M2, M3 and M4.
With the exception of the M3 and M4, these packages
always include a black front grille, carbon fiber rear spoiler and 'M
Performance' lettering on the rear side sills. In case of the 3-Series sedan
and 2-Series Coupe, they feature a black M Performance Front Splitter
attachment, which comes in full carbon fiber for the 4-Series and Carbon/PUR
for the M3 and M4. The 4-Series, M4 Convertible but also the 7-Series all get carbon
exterior mirror caps, where the latter also enjoys the company of 21"
double-spoke 650 M Bicolor alloys.
BMW M2, M3 and M4 owners can also spec their cars
with the M Performance Exhaust system which features a titanium rear silencer
on the M3/M4 and a stainless steel one for the M2.
Lastly, the BMW Remote Engine Start (available
initially for the F10 5-Series as well as the X5 & X6) is meant to help
drivers precondition the inside of their cars on very hot or cold days as the
automatic climate control system is simultaneously activated. You can operate
this feature by pressing the "lock" button on the key three times
(which will start the car) - though if the vehicle is not moved within 20
minutes, the system will automatically switch off the engine.
