The new BMW M3 CS special-edition model delivers a finely judged blend of high performance and complete everyday practicality. At the same time, the engineers at BMW M GmbH have succeeded in further intensifying the dynamic, emotion-packed character of the BMW M3 with a carefully crafted ensemble of modifications.
The extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), for example, has kept the new BMW M3 CS extremely light; indeed, its kerb weight is just 1,585 kilograms (acc. to EU, excl. driver). Large sections of the body are also made from CFRP, including the bonnet, which is around 25 per cent lighter than that of the regular BMW M3 as a result. BMW’s many years of experience in the manufacture of carbon-fibre components and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics has paid dividends with the new BMW M3 CS. The CFRP roof alone is more than six kilograms lighter than a conventional steel version. Another benefit of this extremely light and yet highly robust composite material is the corresponding lowering of the car’s centre of gravity, which endows the BMW M3 CS with even more agile handling.
The rear end sports a redesigned Gurney in exposed carbon fibre. This aerodynamic spoiler lip running across the trailing edge of the boot lid significantly reduces rear-axle lift. In the interests of everyday practicality, the M3 CS forgoes a roll cage.
The excellent dynamics of the new BMW M3 CS are rooted not only in a fresh round of suspension revisions over the M3 with Competition Package (in terms of spring/damper settings), but also in a moderate increase in power for the six-cylinder in-line engine. Fitted in the M3 CS, it develops 460hp – that’s 10hp more than in the M3 with Competition Package. Peak torque increases by 50Nm to 600Nm. The task of emitting the M power unit’s unmistakable sound falls to an M sports exhaust system that has been specially tuned for the CS and whose quartet of stainless-steel tailpipes blend perfectly into the CFRP rear diffuser.
Generous use of Alcantara and two-tone full leather in Silverstone/Black has allowed the development engineers and designers at BMW M GmbH to conjure up an interior with an enviably sporting feel. It is therefore only fitting that the engine in the new BMW M3 CS is fired up with the push of a new red start/stop button.
Paring down the passenger compartment to the essentials and, in so doing, achieving significant weight savings was the declared aim. And yet, despite the rigorously sporty mindset embodied by the cabin of the BMW M3 CS and also expressed in the presence of lightweight M sports seats, its passengers need not go without niceties such as automatic climate control and a high-quality, specially adapted version of the Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Orders for the special-edition BMW M3 CS will be limited to a run of approximately 1,200 units due to production factors – will be built at BMW Plant Regensburg from March 2018.
