The BMW M4 CSL, a hardcore new variation of the M4 coupé that arrives 50 years after the legendary 3.0 CSL was released, is BMW’s first return to the famed CSL brand in nearly 20 years. It is the most powerful M4 ever built, limited to only 1,000 units.
The lightweight, high-performance special has been slated for debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, which was launched on May 20 at Lake Como, Italy, according to BMW.
- The M4 CSL gains 40 hp over the M4 Competition.
- The normal M4 is about 100kg lighter.
- Obtains many bespoke aero parts
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BMW M4 CSL performance, power, and aerodynamics
The M4 CSL has a 549hp 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which is 40hp more powerful than the current BMW M4 Competition. At 2,750rpm, it produces 649Nm of torque, and BMW claims a 0-100 time of 3.7 seconds. The engine is paired to an 8-speed M Stereophonic gearbox, which distributes power to the rear wheels alone, just like the normal M4.
The BMW M4 CSL has lost weight in addition to gaining more power. The coupe weighs roughly 100kg less than the normal M4, weighing 1,625kg. Modifications to the chassis, such as the inclusion of lightweight ceramic brakes and unique lightweight alloy wheels, springs, and struts, have saved 21kg out of the 100kg. Carbon-fibre reinforced plastic now makes up the boot lid. The M carbon-fibre bucket seats save 24kg on the inside, while the removal of the rear seat belts and seats saves an extra 21kg.
The M4 CSL now has a power-to-weight ratio of 338hp per tonne, which is only slightly less than the Porsche 911 GT3. With a lap time of 7min 15.677sec, the M4 CSL is considered to be the fastest BMW road car to circle the legendary Nürburgring race circuit.
The car comes standard with adaptive suspension, and the ride height has been dropped by 8mm for better aerodynamics. The front wheels of the M4 CSL are 19 inches, while the rear wheels are 20 inches.
It also has cast-aluminum front-end strut braces, individually-tuned axle kinematics, dampers, auxiliary springs, anti-roll bars, and specifically tuned wheel chambers, and a 10-stage traction control system that responds to various track surfaces and tyre temperatures.
BMW M4 CSL: exterior and interior
The front of the car has the most visible aesthetic alterations, including a unique version of the M4’s kidney grille, as well as more aggressive air curtains and a front splitter. A specially designed rear wing increases downforce.
On the inside, the BMW M’s racing heritage is evident. Only a workshop can adjust the bucket seats, and the backrest angle is set. Each seat has a six-point harness, and there’s a special cubby in the back for two racing helmets.
In terms of in-car technology, the M4 CSL, despite being a hardcore variant, is very identical to the ordinary M4. It comes equipped with navigation, BMW’s intelligent personal assistant, smartphone connectivity, wireless phone charging, and an M-specific head-up display. A variety of modern safety aids are also available.
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BMW CSL’s History
The CSL designation has featured on various BMW automobiles in recent years, but the E46-generation M3 was the last model to receive a solo CSL variant in 2003. The M3 CSL, which was also powered by a straight-six, had a robotized manual gearbox and produced 359hp and 368Nm of torque at 4,900rpm.
The CSL badge was originally worn 50 years ago by the E9-generation 3.0 CSL, which was manufactured as a homologation special to allow BMW to compete in the European Touring Car Championship.
However, the recipe hasn’t changed significantly. A slimmer steel body and aluminum alloy doors, boot lid, and bonnet were among the lightweight improvements made to the 1972 automobile. Perspex side windows were also used on European models.
India’s BMW M range
The M4 CSL is unlikely to reach our shores, while the M4 Competition is available in India for Rs 1.49 crore (ex-showroom, India). Furthermore, BMW’s core M range in India includes the M5 Competition, M8 Coupe, and X5M Competition. The’softer’ M versions are the Z4 M40i, X7 M50d, and M340i, which are all available from BMW “as read and reported by www.autocarindia.com”.