Racing-inspired BMW M6 Competition Edition debuts in Frankfurt

By Stephen Edelstein September 17, 2015

Earlier this year, BMW launched a Competition Package to boost the performance of its M6 models — and at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, it decided to add a little more exclusivity with a Competition Edition special.

The Competition Edition includes all of the mechanical upgrades from the Competition Package, but with some aesthetic tweaks and a limited production run of just 100 units for the U.S.

That means the upgrades start with tuning for the 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8, which gets boosted to 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. That allows the M6 coupe to do 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and reach a top speed of 156 mph. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will likely be mandatory, and the Competition Package also includes stiffer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, plus tweaks to the stability control and electric power steering software.

The Competition Package is also available on the M6 convertible and four-door Gran Coupe, but only two-door coupes get the Competition Edition treatment. That starts with BMW M striping matching the livery of the M6 GT3 racecar, which was also unveiled in Frankfurt.

Combined with white paint, the result is a retro look that calls to mind classic BMW racecars like the 3.0 CSL “Batmobile.” Other exterior changes include special 20-inch alloy wheels, a performance exhaust system with carbon tailpipes, black chrome and carbon-fiber trim, and a carbon rear spoiler and diffuser.

For the interior, BMW chose black leather with contrasting stitching keyed to the exterior color. There’s also a carbon fiber and Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, and plenty of “M6 Competition” badging to impress passengers. All Competition Edition models also get a head-up display and 16-speaker Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen sound systems.

The BMW M6 Competition Edition starts at $164,900 (excluding destination), but that does include a voucher for a half-day of lessons at a BMW Performance Driving School. It’s an offer that’s probably worth taking up, given the capabilities of this car.

The International Motor Show Germany –Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, in German IAA — is held every year in Germany, with passenger vehicles and motorcycles being shown in of numbered tears in Frankfurt and commercial vehicles being shown in even numbered tears in Hannover.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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