BMW has announced its new M3 CS, which is a lighter, more powerful version one of the world’s favourite four-door performance cars. The new special-edition model from BMW M will be available as of March 2018, with a limited run of just 1200 units becoming available globally, and a reported 15 of these locally.
The new BMW M3 CS is fitted with the same six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that has proved its potency in the existing BMW M3 models. For the CS variant of the M3, power output has been increased to 338 kW and 600 Nm of torque.
This powerplant channels the engine’s power through the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) as standard and also boasts a sports exhaust system featuring CS-specific sound tuning and the M logo.
BMW’s M3 CS sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h.
The bonnet, roof, front splitter, Gurney and rear diffuser on the new BMW M3 CS are made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The weight saving over the standard BMW M3 is 50 kilograms. The new BMW M3 CS comes as standard with M compound brakes featuring four-piston callipers at the front and two-piston callipers at the rear. The new special-edition model rides on DTM-design light-alloy wheels in Orbit Grey Matt.
Sporty theme continues inside
The cabin of the new BMW M3 CS is awash with leather (in an exclusive two-tone Silverstone/Black finish) and Alcantara. Both the driver and front passenger settle into the same specially-designed lightweight M sports seats fitted in the M3 with Competition Package. The rear seats are likewise upholstered in Merino leather in an exclusive two-tone Silverstone/Black combination with grey contrast stitching.
The sports seats in the new BMW M3 CS guarantee optimum lateral support, even when powering around a track, yet they are also very comfortable on long journeys. The familiar BMW M stripes have been incorporated into the front seat belts.
The most important accessory for drivers of the new BMW M3 CS is an M sports steering wheel. Wrapped in exclusive, anthracite-coloured Alcantara with a silver 12 o’clock marker, this cost option provides outstanding grip in all driving situations. Alcantara with grey contrast stitching adorns the handbrake lever gaiter.
In view of the rarefied sporting character of the new BMW M3 CS, it is only fitting that its six-cylinder in-line engine is fired up by pushing a new red start/stop button.
The interior’s exclusive trim strips are covered with Alcantara and feature prominent CS identifiers. Alcantara – a wonderfully classy yet hard-wearing upholstery material – also graces the lightweight centre console. The door sills, meanwhile, feature special strips inscribed with M3 CS lettering.
Despite the intensely sporty focus of the new BMW M3 CS, drivers do not have to go without comforts such as automatic climate control. There is also a Harman Kardon surround sound system for the ultimate in listening pleasure, while the BMW Navigation system Professional is likewise part of the extensive standard specification for the new BMW M3 CS.
In other motoring related news, MINI used the IAA Cars 2017 show earlier this year in Frankfurt to showcase its take on future personal mobility in the city – in the form of the MINI Electric Concept.
