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Racing-inspired BMW M6 Competition Edition debuts in Frankfurt

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.

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