M-Power.com gives us the backstory of the BMW M3 Tiger Edition.
In China, 2010 is the metal tiger year. This signifies that the year 4707 of the Chinese calendar involves an encounter between hot ferocity and cold metal.
And indeed, one look at the BMW M3 Tiger Edition is enough to show that this encounter has been fully realised; the vehicle has been produced in a limited edition of only 30 cars, exclusively for the Chinese market.
Outwardly, the Tiger Edition, which was presented this week in Beijing, represents a mixture of the BMW M3 GTS and a BMW M3 Coupé with the Competition Package, but without the carbon-fibre roof, since all BMW M3 coupés in China are sold exclusively with a glass sliding roof.
As befits the name of the model, each of the headrests is embroidered with an orange tiger’s head, while the entrance sills bear the legend ”Tiger Edition”. The black Novillo leather upholstery is also enhanced with orange stitching.
The coupe is a veritable eyecatcher, thanks to the Orange Metallic paintwork and black 19-inch wheel rims in 359M design.
The edging of the radiator grill, air inlets and gills, together with the dark anodised chromium exhaust pipe provide colour contrast.
Under the bonnet of the special edition is the standard 4.0-litre, 420bhp V8 engine with BMW M dual clutch transmission.
To maximise driving dynamics, the BMW M3 Competition Package is also included.
The Tiger Edition also marks the occasion of the BMW M3’s 25 anniversary in Beijing. The BMW M ancestral gallery on show in China stretches from the legendary BMW M1 to the 24h Nordschleife winner, the BMW M3 GT2, presented by BMW works driver, Jörg Müller. Even chairman of the BMW M GmbH managing board, Dr. Kay Segler, wore a BMW M leather jacket in a classic racing design, to demonstrate his affinity with tradition.
But for the most powerful letter combination in the world, it just as important to keep a sharp look ahead as it is to cultivate its magnificent history: the Middle Kingdom is currently growing into one the German automobile industry’s most important markets; BMW posted growth rates of over 100 percent in this region for the first half of 2010. And to cater for the rising demand for both BMW M models BMW Individual vehicles, a network of certified BMW M dealers will be set up in the country, similar to that in Germany. Clearly, the M in China is not just at the front of the showrooms, but in the hearts of all its supporters, which is just where it belongs.
