Famous German tuning company AC Schnitzer has taken the platform M3 one step further and mildly tweaked the engine and chassis G80 M3, which will be the company’s most powerful 3 Series variant of all time. M3 Competition gets a comprehensive tuning kit to boost performance, increase handling dynamics, and look more aggressive. While the AC Schnitzer kit isn’t quite ready just yet, the company has released its specs.
Starting at the front of the car, the tuner has extracted a few extra ponies from the M3 Competition’s straight-six engine and raised power from 503 hp (375 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque to 582 hp (434 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque.
A new stainless steel exhaust system, with carbon fiber tailpipes, also increase the noise, while looking cooler as well. The M3 isn’t a bad sounding car but it’s not a brilliant sounding one, either. So hopefully this can add some music to its exhaust noise.
There are two AC Schnitzer suspension upgrades available. For just a drop in ride height, you can get the lowering spring kit, which only lowers the front axle by 15-20 mm, while the rear axle stays the same. So it stances the car a bit. However, an RS coilover suspension kit is far more comprehensive. It lowers the ride height, decreases body roll, and also improves ride comfort.
There is a myriad of carbon and reinforced plastic pieces that can be installed onto the exterior of the vehicle to aid with traction through corners and increase downforce. Take the front-splitter, this alone increases downforce by up to 40 kg at 200 km/h. At the rear, a far more tasteful roof spoiler adds another 20 kg of traction and a new Carbon rear wing with a gurney flap adds another 70 kg.
Forged lightweight wheels in true AC Schnitzer style decrease unsprung weight and measure in at 20 x 10 square. Tyres are a staggered setup with wider 295/30 R 20 in the rear and 285/30 R 20 upfront. This aids turn in and induce manageable amounts of understeer when exploring the limit. A steering wheel with Alcantara inserts and bigger paddles make its way into the interior.
