Celebrating 50 years of BMW M GmbH, the performance division of BMW is offering a special-edition car based on its high-performance models in the premium midsize segment.
Folks, meet the new BMW M4 CSL. “CSL” here stands for “Competition, Sport, Lightweight.” It shares the genes of the competition-spec BMW M4 GT3 and for those who need a credential to back this car up, this car has posted the fastest lap times ever for a series-produced BMW car.
The 2023 BMW M4 CSL is armed with “equipment designed to provide a race-car feeling and everyday usability” but that’s only if you are cool with just two seats because, for the sake of the “L” part of CSL, the rear seats and seat belts have been removed.
In fact, many of the car’s features are very much related to weight-saving. These include M Carbon full bucket seats, M Carbon ceramic brakes, special light-alloy wheels, springs and struts, CF interior trim strips, titanium twin tailpipes with electronically-controlled flaps, and modified BMW kidney grille, rear lights, floor mat, and auto climate control.
In addition, the car utilizes many Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) components, including the roof, hood, and trunk lid. BMW M even went all the way out to shed some soundproofing, along with the introduction of ultra-lightweight sound insulation. So, you’d be prepared for less than luxury soundproofing, or as some would say, “more in touch with the car.” All told, the car has a DIN curb weight of 1,625 kilograms (3,583 lbs).
Under the hood with two red outlined chiseled indents is a race-derived 3.0L 6-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine, featuring a cylinder head core made using 3D printing techniques and forged lightweight crankshaft, that produces 550 hp at 6,250 RPM and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) at 2,750-5,950 RPM.
Paired to an 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox with Drivelogic, the power is put to good use at the rear and affording it to rocket from naught to 100 (62 mph) in mere 3.7 seconds and sprints from 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 10.7 seconds. The result is a race-track going car that is good as a daily driver with weight to power ratio of 2.95 kg per hp (6.5 lbs per hp).
A few other notables include M Traction Control function with model-specific track tuning, M Alcantara steering wheel, Anthracite-colored headliner, exposed carbon-fiber surfaces and red accents for that extra sporty appearance, LED rear lights (BMW Laserlight headlights is an optional), model-specific CRRP splitters and air curtain inserts in the front apron, and more red accents can be found on the two fins on the CFRP roof, the contour of the side sills, and the black model badges.
The 2023 BMW M4 CSL Sports Coupe is offered in an exclusive Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic, but there is an option to go with Alpine White solid or Sapphire Black metallic too.
The car will make its world premiere at the prestigious Concorso d’ Eleganza Villa D’Este, happening from May 20-22, 2022. The BMW M4 CSL will have a limited run of just 1,000 units with the production of the special-edition model at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in July 2022. Meanwhile, you may learn more and sign up to be notified when it is available HERE.
All images courtesy BMW Group.
