When BMW claims that this is the fastest series-production BMW to ever lap the Nurburgring Circuit, it’s time to strap in and pay attention. What you’re looking at is the new BMW M4 CSL, with genes from the competition-ready BMW M4 GT3 race car, that has managed to lap the Nurburgring circuit in seven minutes and 20.207 seconds.
Only 1,000 units of the M4 CSL will be built, beginning in July this year at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.
“CSL” stands for “Competition, Sport, Lightweight”, referencing the critical role of weight-minimised design so let’s see where the new coupe stands in those aspects.
Under the hood is 3.0-litre straight-six twin-turbocharged engine based on the same power unit as the BMW M4 GT3 race car, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. The combo develops 550 hp and 650 Nm; capable of propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. 0 to 200 km/h takes just 10.7 seconds.
Compared to the M4 Competition, the M4 CSL comes with model-specific adaptive M suspension that drops the car’s ride height by a further 8 mm. The M Traction Control function allows the driver to determine how much the car is allowed to slide. On dry surfaces, stages 1 to 5 of M Traction Control can help the driver execute controlled drifts. Stages 6 to 10 are based on the application developed for touring car racers and make allowance for both surface conditions and tyre temperature to maximise traction and directional stability.
In terms of weight, the M4 CSL weighs 1,625 kilograms. For perspective, the BMW M4 Competition weighs around 1,800 kg. All that weight saving has come from the use of M full carbon bucket seats, removal of rear seats and seat belts, and the use of lightweight M Carbon Ceramic brakes. Extra weight were shed using light-alloy wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) and lighter springs and dampers.
All that has shaved over 75 kg off the car. Also in the name of weight-saving, BMW has opted for ultra-lightweight sound insulation, saving around 15 kilograms. More weight loss is contributed by the boot lid, bonnet and roof which are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic, along with a titanium muffler. Even smaller items such as the rear lights, floor mats and kidney grille have been made to be lightweight.
The body of the BMW M4 CSL is painted in the exclusive Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic as standard. Alternatively, customers can specify the M4 CSL in Alpine White solid or Sapphire Black metallic.
The optional BMW Laserlight available for the M4 CSL now comes with headlights that illuminate in yellow, mimicking the look of BMW’s successful GT race cars. The M4 CSL also debuts new taillamps with intricate light threads woven into them and are illuminated using laser technology.
Moving inside, interestingly, the seat height of the M bucket seats can only be adjusted at the service centre/workshop using a 3-stage screw linkage. The seats can also accommodate a 6-point harness. You also get an Alcantara steering, carbon fibre trims, and storage for two helmets. The M Drive Professional system through the centre display comes with features like M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer. The M Mode switch activates either the Road, Sport, or Track settings.
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