The Last Dance: How BMW Japan's Limited MT Final Edition M3 is Sending Off the Manual Era With Style
In an automotive era where the roar of engines and the tactile engagement of gear shifts are increasingly replaced by the whir of electric motors and the simplicity of automatic transmissions, BMW Japan has made a bold move. With the introduction of the MT Final Edition M3, a limited run of 150 pieces, they are not only paying homage to the legacy of the manual transmission but also signaling the end of an era.
Frank Weber, a BMW board member, directly linked the survival of manual M cars to consumer demand in an interview with Italian motoring publication Quattroruote. This statement underscores the fragile existence of manual transmissions in today's market, where the preference for automatics is escalating.
The exclusive MT Final Edition is not just any M3. It is a collector's dream, imbued with the spirit of competition and a nod to the M3's storied history in motorsport, particularly its first DTM victory. This special edition marks 35 years since that triumph and does so in a manner that's as visually striking as it is historically significant.
To ensure fairness given the limited supply, BMW Japan has proposed a lottery in May 2024 to determine the lucky owners of this rare beast. What makes the timing even more tantalizing is the confluence with the M3's mid-cycle refresh, which will introduce enhancements mirroring those of the M4 Coupe and Cabriolet, including a power boost to 523 horsepower for the Competition xDrive models.
Despite the upgrades, the heart of the MT Final Edition lies in its manual transmission, provided by ZF for the pre-facelift M4. This setup, available both in the coupe and cabriolet with 473 horsepower and rear-wheel drive, preserves the essence of driving pleasure that enthusiasts seek. In contrast, opting for the automatic in the rear-drive Competition escalates the power to 503 horsepower, showcasing the trade-off between pure driving joy and raw power.
The MT Final Edition will be available in three exclusive paint colors: M Brooklyn Gray, Alpine White, and Black Sapphire. Each color represents a nod to the M3's racing heritage, with production evenly split among the hues. Adding to the allure are the 827 M matte gold-painted wheels, a direct homage to DTM legend Roberto Ravaglia's racecar. This aesthetic choice is not merely for show; it encapsulates the car's racing soul and its connection to a bygone era of motorsport glory.
The pricing reflects the exclusivity and craftsmanship of the MT Final Edition. While the standard G80 M3 starts at $76,000 in the United States for the 2024 model year, the Japan-exclusive MT Final Edition is priced at approximately $95,620. This significant price tag is a testament to its limited availability and unique features, including red accents for the seats that add a touch of the extraordinary to its interior.
With pre-orders already open and the lottery looming, the MT Final Edition M3 stands as a bittersweet symphony to the imminent departure of manual transmissions from the BMW M lineup. It's a reminder that, in the midst of technological progress and changing consumer preferences, there will always be those who cherish the art of driving in its purest form.