The latest limited edition M3 is here. The M3 CS adds more power, cuts weight, adds grip but maintains luxury. This one fits in the lineup just above the M3 Competition Package, and gets most of the changes from the two-door M4 CS.
The 3.0L twin-turbo inline six gets a power bump to 460 hp. That's 10 over the Competition Package and 28 more than the standard car. The extra power brings the 0-100 km/h time to just under four seconds. Letting everyone around you know about the extra power, the CS gets an M Sport exhaust with quad tips and a unique sound.
The CS comes only with BMW's seven-speed M Double Clutch gearbox with Drivelogic. The transmission allows lightning-quick shifts, with no stopping the power flow. It has a separate oil cooler to help keep temperatures in check during quick driving.
The M3 CS comes with BMW's Active M suspension. It has comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes that adjust the dampers and the power steering assist. The CS also has an Active M differential that works with the stability control system to send torque to the wheel that will best help handling. In M Dynamic Mode, it allows for some drift action.
The rest of the suspension takes most of the good bits from the Competiton Package, like lighter aluminum wheel carriers and suspension links. That reduction in unsprung mass helps handling. The CS also has special light wheels that will wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires in 265/35R19 front and 285/30R20 rear. Optional ceramic brakes with six-piston callipers can fill those wheels, but the standard brake system comes with M compound pads.
Inside, the CS has a unique two-tone leather and Alcantara interior. It has a Harman Kardon sound system and Navigation Professional. There's a new red start button too.
The most noticeable change on the outside is the new trunk spoiler. It's special to the M3 CS and works to reduce lift. It's carbon fibre, as are the front splitter and rear diffuser. And look under the paint and you'll find a carbon roof and hood too. Those changes trim 37 kg off the curb weight of the car compared with the base M3.
The M3 CS will be limited to just 1,200 models worldwide. It will be coming to Canada next year, although a BMW spokesperson couldn't say how many or when.
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