AVUS Performance Eyes the BMW M3 Coupe [Updated]

Update: In a rather weird twist of events, we received an email from Active Autowerke, a BMW tuning company based in Miami, Florida, claiming that the BMW M3 featured here was not developed by Avus Performance, but by Active Autowerke and Vorsteiner. In fact, the US firm's Director of Sales and Marketing told us that this is his own personal vehicle.

For the record, we received these photos along with a press release from Avus Performance's media department, while the car is also featured (without any license plates though) at the German tuner's official website. We sent an email to Avus Performance and are awaiting for their response. We'll update this story as soon as we hear back from them.

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In its latest tuning adventure, Avus Performance has turned the wick on the BMW M3 Coupe with a new package that includes subtle styling and performance upgrades. The exterior kit comprises of a previous-gen M3 CSL-style boot lid with a carbon fiber spoiler while the same material is used on the new front lip spoilers.

On the performance side, Avus added a sport exhaust system and modified the M3's suspension while the kit is rounded off with a set of 20-inch ADV.1 lightweight alloy wheels available in numerous finishes that are shod in 245/30 R20 tires up front and 295/25 R20 at the rear.

2011 BMW M3 'Facelift' gets Start-Stop Tech and New Competition Package

The term 'facelift' is actually too much of a stretch for the 2011 M3 range that comprises of the Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, as there are far less changes than on the recently launched 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models.

To sum up the upgrades, all three body styles of the M3 gain a new Auto Start Stop function that promises to reduce average fuel consumption and CO2 levels, while the Coupe and Convertible get modified LED tail lights and the Coupe and Sedan an optional Competition Package that sharpens handling.

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BMW Launches Competition Package for 2011 M3 Coupe and Sedan Models

BMW's North American division announced the availability of a new 'Competition Package' for the 2011 model year M3 Coupe and Sedan. The package promises to further improve the cars' handling dynamics by adding a 10mm lower suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels with greater offset for a wider track.

Combined with the reconfigured Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems, the Bavarian automaker claims that the M3 with the Competition Package is "the best handling production M car ever built".

Question to BMW: does that mean the M3 Competition Package handles even better than the previous generation M3 CSL or the upcoming 450HP M3 GTS, both of which are considered production models?

While BMW did not publish any pictures of the M3 Coupe and Sedan with the Competition Package (the car pictured here is the Euro market M3 Coupe Edition special), the company said that the package is available on both models for $2,500.

The MSRP of the MY2011 M3 Sedan, Coupe, and Convertible remain unchanged at $56,275, $59,275, and $67,925, respectively, with all prices including a $875 destination and handling fee.

Pictures: Euro Market BMW M3 Coupe Edition