2023 BMW M3 CS Unveiled in Munich
Image Above By The Car Spy - BMW M3 Cabriolet, CC BY 2.0, Source
The year 2022 showcased a list of amazing BMW M cars launched. However, the BMW M team continues to excite enthusiasts this year. Introducing the most hardcore BMW M3 in their current lineup, the all-new M3 CS. It features more power, a more lightweight body and a more track-focus driving experience. It is a car that can carry four people with track-ready tools.
Here is some information about M3 CS at this moment, based on the BMW M website and their unveiled video.
1. Engine & Gearbox
M3 CS has the same 3.0-litre inline-six twin-turbocharged (S58) engine that puts out 550 hp and 650 Nm (479 lb. ft.) of torque. As a comparison, it has the same power output as the M4 CSL and has 40 hp more than the M3 Competition. They achieved that power output by raising the maximum turbo pressure to 2.1 bar instead of 1.7 bar.
The M3 CS is only available with xDrive, specifically M xDrive. Therefore, the power will send to all four wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic Sport transmission with Drivelogic.
2. Performance
M3 CS performance statistics that are available so far:
• 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.
For the brakes, M3 CS come standard with a lightweight M Compound brake system. But, there is an optional M Carbon ceramic brake that is more lightweight than the standard brake. On top of that, the callipers are finished in gold with the M logo on them. If opted for the carbon ceramic brake, the callipers will be finished in red.
3. Interior
M3 CS offers an interior that inspires the driver to drive aggressively on the track with passengers to enjoy together. Below are the unique interior details of M3 CS:
• Front M Carbon full bucket seats with black and red colour finish.
• Regular rear seats with the same black and red colour finish.
• Lightweight centre console using carbon fibre accompanied by 'CS' lettering in red.
• M seat belts with iconic M colour stripe pattern.
• Door sill plates with 'M3 CS' lettering on it.
• Headliner in anthracite colour.
• Interior trims in carbon fibre.
• Steering wheel made from Alcantara with red centre marker and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) shift pedals.
Apart from that, the car has a system called M Drive Professional. The system consists of M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer to record the driver's driving skills on the track. Another cool function is known as M Traction Control. It provides ten stages for the driver to follow its recommended tricks achieving the best results on closed circuits.
Finally, the system also comes with an M mode button on the centre console. It adjusts the driver assistance system behaviour and the information displayed on the speedometer and optional heads-up display. The driver can do so by choosing between Road, Sport and Track modes.
4. Exterior
The same track-focused-looking interior also applies on the exterior to distinguish it from regular M3:
• Bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, mirror covers, rear diffuser, rear spoiler and roof are made from carbon fibre.
• Frameless kidney grille with a red outline.
• Laserlight headlights with some yellow light inspired by GT racing.
• 'M3 CS' badges on the kidney grille, front fenders and boot lid, each has black colour with a red outline.
• Titanium rear silencer for its quad exhaust, reducing 4 kg (8.8 lb) of weight.
• Unique M Light-Alloy Wheels design finished in gold and bronze. 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the back. Wrapped with track tyres.
5. Mechanicals
M3 CS come as standard with Adaptive M suspension. It consists of Comfort, Sport for sportier driving and Sport+ for track use. Next is the Active M Differential which can be configured depending on driving situations. There are 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD (only in DSC-off mode) modes.
Furthermore, the car has a unique axle design, camber settings, dampers, auxiliary shocks and anti-roll bars to maximize driving performance on the track. If that is not enough, an optional lightweight M precision strut bar is available too.
6. Price
According to the BMW UK Configurator website, the base price of the M3 CS in the UK starts from £121,109.
7. Efficiency
According to Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) protocols, BMW M3 CS recorded at 10.4-10.1 L/100 km (27.2-28 UK mpg/22.6-23.3 US mpg). The result is combined between city and highway driving. As for WLTP in CO2 emissions, the car emits 234-229 g/km.
Those are the details on the BMW M3 CS. Note that the production run for M3 CS is within one year only, starting March 2023. Yet, the CEO of BMW M didn't specify the production numbers for M3 CS will be made. Surely the M3 CS will be a limited edition car. So, if you want a more nimble practical track machine than the M5 CS, the M3 CS is the answer.
