Sneak attack by BMWNA. On the heels of press days at NAIAS BMWNA has released details on the 444 hp Competition Package. The package retails for $5,500 and improves 0-60 by .1 second and a host of other improvements. While the power figure and 0-60 time are headlines, it’s the other improvements that make this upgrade interesting to us. The package includes an improved adaptive M suspension that has been “extensively” retuned. What we’ve heard is that the competition package release has allowed M engineers to go back and further refine what they originally created 4-5 years ago. So extensive are the changes that, off the record, we’ve been told to consider this the F80.5 (or F82.5 if you like four doors).

The upgrade features new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, along with reconfigured driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+). The Active M Differential on the rear axle and DSC Dynamic Stability Control have been re-calibrated along with the other components. Then there’s the eye-candy. Forged multi-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels complete the look wrapped in 9J ×20 (front) and 10 J ×20 (rear) ultra performance tires.

To further distinguish the Competition Package, BMW is throwing in high-gloss black window recess finishers, exterior mirror frames and bases, kidney grilles, side gills and the model badge on the tail.

On paper BMWNA has nailed this upgrade. For anyone considering an M3 or M4 this has now become a must have. Look for more on the competition package in the coming weeks.

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Official Release: The BMW M3 Sedan, M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible are already regarded as the perfect combination of high-performance sports car engineering with unrestricted everyday utility. From spring 2016, all three body styles will be available with a special Competition Package from BMW M GmbH that combines added sporty personality with enhanced dynamics. As well as extensive handling upgrades, the Competition Package also comes with additional equipment features and a hike in power that takes output to 444 hp.

The extra power means improved performance. The BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe with optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds (without Competition Package: 3.9 sec.), while the BMW M4 Convertible reaches the same speed in 4.1 seconds (without Competition Package: 4.2 sec). The sprint time for models with the standard 6-speed manual transmission is likewise 0.1 seconds faster in all cases than without the package.

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The Competition Package includes Adaptive M Suspension, which has been extensively tuned to the enhanced performance and handling, and which features new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, along with reconfigured driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+). The standard Active M Differential on the rear axle and DSC Dynamic Stability Control have likewise been configured to match the upgraded dynamics. Forged, machine-polished, weight-and rigidity-optimized, multi-spoke 20-inch M alloy wheels (front 9J ×20; rear10 J ×20) with mixed tires sizes (front: 265/30 R20, rear: 285/30 R20) complete the list of chassis upgrades.

For the BMW M3 and BMW M4 Coupe, the Competition Package includes special lightweight M sports seats that combine additional support on the track with exceptional comfort on the street. Seatbelts with woven-in BMW M stripes cap off an extremely sporty interior ambience.

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Eye-catching exterior highlights of the Competition Package include the M sports exhaust system with black chrome tailpipes. Even more than its good looks, the most distinctive feature of the M sports exhaust system is its potent sound, which brings added emotional resonance to the driving experience. The starting rumble and the distinctive burble on over run never fail to get under the skin of dedicated drivers time and again.

The Competition Package for the BMW M3 and M4 is topped off by extended BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line exterior trim. In additional to the already standard high-gloss Black finish on the the side window trim, window recess finishers and exterior mirror frames and bases, the Competition Package also includes high-gloss Black finish on the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the model badge on the tail.

The Competition Package will be offered for a retail price of $5,500 on the M3 Sedan and Coupe and the $5,000 on the M4 Convertible.