One of sweet surprises of the Shanghai Auto Show was the debut of the first-ever BMW M4 CS model. A special edition super coupe that slots between the existing M4 Coupe with Competition Package and the track-focused BMW M4 GTS, it boasts a selection of look-fast/go-fast hardware from its two M4 siblings well as features that give the car its own distinctive performance presence.
The heart of the M4 CS is a potent 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline-6 tuned to make 454 horsepower. That’s 10 more than a Competition Package and 29 over a base M4 Coupe, but 39 fewer than the limited-edition GTS. Also making a stouter 442 lb-ft of torque and backed by a standard 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT), it takes the M4 CS to 60 mph in a projected 3.8 seconds and on to an electronically limited top end of 174 mph courtesy of its standard M Driver’s Package.
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To ensure that motive force can be fully exploited, new M4 CS gets the same basic aluminum-intensive chassis bits used in the Competition Package as well as Adaptive M suspension with CS-spec geometry and staggered-size 19-inch front/20-inch rear lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in sticky 265/35 and 285/30 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Other enhancements include an upgraded DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system–which includes M Dynamic Mode–the Active M Differential and driver-adjustable (Comfort, Sport and Sport+) settings for the steering and throttle. All of this was honed at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit where BMW says the M4 CS cut an impressive 7 minute 38 second lap time, just 10 seconds shy of the M4 GTS.
Crafting the new face of fast
BMW fitted an impressive selection of unique exterior accents to this special edition ensure the M4 CS has an aggressive look where form follows function. Up front, the M4 CS features a deeper carbon fiber splitter, redesigned apron with larger air intakes, twin-LED headlamps and a lightweight CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) hood with air extractor; the same material also used for its roof panel. The rear remake brings custom OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology introduced by BMW M GmbH exclusively for the M4 GTS and now the M4 CS. There’s also a CS-exclusive carbon fiber spoiler on the decklid and the same aggressive lower diffuser found on the GTS.
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Inside the M4 CS features lightweight M Sports Seats wrapped in leather and Alcantara as well as door panel trim made from compacted natural fibers and fitted with competition-style cloth door pulls. To enhances its cruising appeal, the M4 CS also comes with dual-zone auto climate control, navigation and a BMW sound system that’s been modified to accommodate the signature acoustic profile demands of this slick coupe. No word yet as to whether the BMW M4 CS will be a 2018 or 2019 model, only that pricing and actual on-sale date will be announced at some point in the future.
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