BMW sharpens its Motorsport line-up with a sharpened, limited edition M3.
The lineage of limited edition ///M cars has its roots in the 1988 M3 E30 Evolution and this CS version of the M3 cultivates a tradition of lightweight, high performance sport saloons designed for discerning enthusiasts.
The twin-turbocharged 2979 cm3 inline six cylinder engine sees its power raised by 10hp compared to the M3 with Competition Package, reaching 460 hp at 6250 rpm, a 29 hp hike over the standard M3. Peak torque is up by 50 Nm to 600 Nm, maintained between 4000 and 5380 rpm. The rev range peaks at 7600 rpm, a more than respectable value for a twin turbocharted engine. Oil supply has been revised to handle demanding longitudinal and lateral accelerations up to 1.4G. The M3 CS is exclusively available with the 7 speed M-DCT gearbox. A specific sports exhaust with active flaps is finished with the traditional quartet of stainless steel tips, housed in a carbon diffuser borrowed from the M4 GTS. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is claimed at 3.9s, and top speed regulated at 280 km/h.
BMW has made extensive use of carbon fiber to achieve a kerb weight of 1585 kg DIN. The CFRP bonnet is 25% lighter than the standard M3 component, and the carbon roof lower the weight by another 6 kg, and contributes to agility by lowering the center of gravity. The boot lid receives a lip in the same light material to reduce rear axle lift at high speed. Standard equipments include the Adaptive M suspension with 3 modes, and the electronically controlled Active M differential. The M3 CS is mounted with forged Orbit Grey Matt wheels, shod with 265/35 ZR 19 and 285/30 ZR 20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Carbone ceramic discs with six pistons calipers at the front are proposed as an option. A recalibrated M Dynamic Mode allows more wheel slip, enabling light drifts.
Inside, BMW combines generous applications of alcantara with two tone Silverstone/Black leadther. Cultivating the trend already seen on the new M5 or the Z4 Concept, the start button is decorated in red accent color. Production of the M3 CS will be limited to about 1200 cars worldwide, with production starting in march 2018 at the Regensburg plant. Standard color is Alpine White, while optional colours are San Marino Blue Metallic, Lime Rock Grey Metallic, Frozen Dark Blue II Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic. In Switzerland, base price is set at 134’300 CHF and orders will be accepted from January 2018.
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