An iconic nameplate is set to return to the Bavarian manufacturers portfolio with the lightweight BMW M4 CSL expected in the next few months. Performance purists will be happy to hear xDrive has been left with the standard model as the new Coupe Sport Lightweight will employ an automatic gearbox coupled exclusively to the rear wheels.
New information on the M4 CSL has been divulged by BMWBLOG, some of it is pretty and some of it not so much.
The M division will be celebrating their semi-centennial anniversary in 2022, so what better way to mark this milestone than a special CSL to commemorate the track-focused machine that the model has become renowned for. First thing is first; the stripped down coupe is going to be the first in two decades after the fabled E46 M3 first graced the world in 2004. Like its predecessor, it will be rear-wheel driven and leave the xDrive system aside, not even as an option.
It will also bring with it one of the biggest gripes of its predecessor; the transmission. The E46 made use of a sole 6-speed SMG II automated manual transmission which was by far the Achilles heel of the fantastic drivers car. The new CSL will only be offered with an automatic transmission, heartbreak for anyone hoping that BMW would follow in suit of the manual Porsche 911 Carrera T.
After tinkering with the same M4 Competition 3.0-liter in-line-six motor that can propel the model to 100kmh in less than 4 seconds, we can expect a power output of around 400 kW in the CSL. However with its diet and gym routine we can expect it to be able to reach speed a tad quicker. 100 kilograms is what has been stipulated for the said diet which includes the removal of the rear seats from peering eyes and spy photos.
We can look forward to the fervour oriented model in the coming months but it is claimed that only 1 000 units of the BMW M4 CSL will be offered.
