TWO new high performance cars are joining the BMW stable as the Bavarian auto maker introduces Competition specification models to its M3 and M4 ranges.

The cars are powered by 3.0-litre straight six turbo engines and are priced from £74,755 for the M3 and £76,055 for the M4 coupe.

With 510hp available, the cars have blistering performance with 0 to 60 acceleration of 3.9 seconds and top speeds restricted to 155mph. Fuel economy is rated at 27.7mpg with emissions of 234g/km.

Maximum speed can be increased to 180mph with an optional M Pro Package.

Both have eight-speed automatic transmissions and are set up for use on the road and on the track with exhaust systems that have electrically controlled flaps to deliver the cars' soundtrack.

Three primary drive modes are available set up either for comfort, sports performance or track use.

The cars are being released now and from the summer they will also be offered with all-wheel-drive set ups - the first time in the 35 year history of the M3 that such a configuration has been available.

Both are fitted with active suspension and a host of technological features including a ‘drift monitor' which records the amount of oversteer and understeer when track driving.

Other features include a fully digitised display panel and WiFi connectivity enabling the use of BMW's online services while options include an M Carbon styling pack and the M Pro Package - offered for the first time on the cars - which combines M Carbon ceramics with the M Driver package for those who are focused on using their vehicle on the race circuit.