Presenting the latest member of the M family, the BMW M3 CS special edition. Offering more power, less weight and compelling performance. When it came to the design philosophy, BMW did not hold back, it was either go big or go home and it seems like they didn’t go home.
This is believed to be the most extreme M3 to be ever built, the age old mantra of more power and less weight instills the new BMW M3 CS with compelling performance qualities and an exclusive aura. It draws its power from a specially upgraded version of the high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developed for the BMW M3 and M4 models. Producing a booming 405 kW of power and a peak torque of 650 N.m, BMW claims the new M3 CS rockets from a dead-stop to 100 km/h in just 3,4 seconds. Its top speed is said to be electronically limited to 302 km/h (when equipped with the M Driver’s package). This 3,0-litre unit also forms the basis for the engine that powered the BMW M4 GT3 to the DTM touring title in 2022.
The M3 CS features an eight-speed automatic transmission with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. The M Setup menu lets drivers jump from the xDrive ‘4WD’ settings to ‘4WD Sport’ which directs even more of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. For more fun or frequent visits to your local tyre supplier, you could disengage the front axle entirely by switching off the dynamic stability control and activate ‘2WD’ which sends power directly to the rear wheels.
Extensive, model-specific lightweight design measures play a major part in moulding the performance qualities and exclusive character of the new BMW M3 CS. To shave as many kilograms off the Competition as possible, BMW uses generous amounts of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic on the M3 CS. The roof, hood, front splitter, front air intake, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, centre console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips are all made from lightweight material.
Standard specification for the special-edition model includes M Compound brakes with callipers painted red or black, M Carbon ceramic brakes are optional. Forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design with Gold Bronze or a Matte Black finish, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. Standard track tyres, specially developed for the CS, Standard M Carbon bucket seats also do their bit to keep weight down, and so does the titanium rear silencer. The various lightweight measures bring about a total saving of 20 kg.
The M3 CS will be available in four different colourways, Frozen Solid White metallic paint, alongside Signal Green solid, Brooklyn Grey metallic, and Sapphire Black metallic. Other exterior design changes are the exposed carbon-fibre surfaces and black-and-red badges and the BMW laser light headlights. Inside there are M Carbon heated and powered bucket seats with exclusive surfaces and seamless patterns. There’s also the latest-generation iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8, which includes the BMW Curved Display (12,3-inch cluster and 14,9-inch touchscreen) for the cockpit.
Much has been changed under the skin to give the M3 CS a unique feel. The camber settings, dampers, steering, braking system and anti-roll bars have been retuned specifically for this application, while stiffer engine mounts have been added to withstand the demands of constant track work. This may be the perfect car for both the track and for the streets, embodying all the qualities of a high performance car while maintaining everyday practicality.
BMW has confirmed the M3 CS will be a limited production model but they did not mention how many they will make in total. Production is set to begin in March 2023 and it is most likely to cost around $119 695 which is roughly R2 056 172.
