The BMW M4 CS was spotted about two months ago without any camouflage; now it’s finally ready to show off its goods in full. As expected, the new version slots between the M4 with the Competition Package and the hardcore track-focused M4 GTS. Since the latter is no longer available, it effectively makes the CS the new range topper in the 4 Series family. BMW points out the 'CS' suffix is here to stay and it will be used from now on to signal a beefier version positioned above the models equipped with the aforementioned Competition Package.
The CS suffix is here to stay and it will be used for more hardcore M models
One of the most significant upgrades is found in the engine bay where the 3.0-litre engine has been massaged to deliver an extra 10 horsepower and impressive-sounding 37 pound-feet of torque compared to the M4 fitted with the Competition Package. That means the biturbo straight-six motor now generates 460 hp and 442 lb-ft and allows the M4 CS run to 62 mph in only 3.9 seconds (down by a tenth of a second) en route to an electronically capped 174 mph.
The engine works exclusively with a seven-speed, double clutch automatic transmission, so purists will be disappointed to hear the M4 CS won’t be sold with a manual gearbox. That might not be much of an issue considering BMW says the DCT "changes gears in a fraction of a second” and has a long seventh gear to lower fuel consumption when you’re driving the coupe on the highway.
Aside from the power boost, the new M4 CS has gone through a series of weight-saving measures shaving off 32 kilograms compared to the regular DCT-equipped car. This was possible by making extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), including for the roof weighing 6 kg less than its metal counterpart . The roof is also 25 percent lighter than that of the M4, thus further contributing to the coupe’s diet.
Even the cabin has been subjected to a few changes to eliminate fat by using compacted natural fibres for the door panels and the side trim in the rear compartment. In addition, BMW has installed lightweight loops, and for the same reason, there’s only a single-zone climate control system and a bespoke variant of the audio system.
There’s more to the CS than its upgraded engine and weight loss as BMW’s engineers have also tweaked the suspension by revising the spring and damper settings as well as installing new lightweight 19-inch front / 20-inch rear wheels. The slightly modified body optimises airflow underneath the car thanks to a new front splitter and rear diffuser.
All of these upgrades have enabled the BMW M4 CS do a lap of the Nürburgring in 7 minutes and 38 seconds, which makes it 10 seconds slower than the mighty GTS, but 14 seconds faster than the regular M4 equipped with the DCT. The new M4 CS costs £89,130 in UK and it will be on sale until the middle of 2018.
Source: BMW
Gallery: 2018 BMW M4 CS
The new BMW M4 CS
M GmbH is presenting another exclusive limited-run special-edition model in the shape of the new BMW M4 CS (fuel consumption combined: 8.4 l/100 km [33.6 mpg imp]*; CO2 emissions combined: 197 g/km*). The M4 CS fills the gap in the line-up between the M4 Coupe with Competition Package and the uncompromisingly track-focused BMW M4 GTS. With its accentuated sporting presence, the new M4 CS continues the decades-long tradition of successful M special editions which began in 1988 with the E30 BMW M3 Evolution. The new BMW M4 CS will be built at the original BMW plant in Munich.
The M4 CS also sees BMW M GmbH introducing a new nomenclature for its models. Positioned above the standard M models will be the performance-boosted Competition versions. Then come the CS special-edition models, a notch higher still. Positioned on top are the performance-maximising “brand shapers” which display a clear motor sport or club sport character but are also fully road legal.
The 3.0-litre high-performance engine raises the output of the M4 with Competition Package by 10 horsepower, to 460 hp. State-of-the-art M TwinPower Turbo technology allows the M4 CS to dip below the four-second mark for the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint, stopping the clock at 3.9 seconds. The top speed of the M4 CS, which comes as standard with the M Driver’s Package, is electronically limited to 280 km/h (174 mph). With its two mono-scroll turbochargers, charge air cooler, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing, the six-cylinder in-line engine and takes a clear and consistent aim at the higher echelons of performance, but is equally committed to developing significant torque from low engine speeds and achieving high levels of efficiency (fuel consumption combined: 8.4 l/100 km [33.6 mpg imp]*; CO2 emissions combined: 197 g/km*).
The new BMW M4 CS is equipped as standard with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic. This cutting-edge transmission has a separate oil cooler and enables both automated gear changes and manual interventions using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. It changes gears in fractions of a second with no interruption in the flow of power, but employs a long seventh gear to keep revs low and minimise fuel consumption over longer motorway journeys.
The suspension of the new BMW M4 CS largely mirrors that of the M4 with Competition Package. The links and wheel carriers at both the front and rear axles are made from forged aluminium and are therefore extremely light. That keeps the unsprung masses low and benefits driving dynamics. The M4 CS is fitted as standard with Adaptive M suspension whose geometry has been tuned to deliver optimised performance on both the road and track. The new BMW M4 CS has also been honed on the most demanding test track of them all for high-performance sports cars: the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. Its ’Ring lap time of 7 min. 38 sec. puts the CS in super-sports car territory.
Ensuring the best possible grip in all driving conditions are the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system – which includes M Dynamic Mode – and the Active M Differential. The control systems for the Adaptive M suspension, DSC and Active M Differential have been modified to suit the dynamic requirements of the BMW M4 CS, as has the set-up of the electromechanical steering. The driver has the option of adjusting the steering and suspension settings to their personal preferences or the demands of the route at hand. To this end, they can select one of three driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+) at the touch of a button. While Comfort mode is particularly well suited to poor road conditions, city driving and short journeys, Sport will be the mode of choice for keen drivers looking to push on over twisty country roads. And for those heading to the track with their BMW M4 CS, Sport+ mode will pave the way for the fastest lap times. Sport+ fettles all the relevant systems to deliver the best possible dynamics. Should the driver get a little too excited, DSC will intervene in an instant. However, in M Dynamic Mode (MDM) it will also allow controlled drifts.
Also very much at home on the race track are the light-alloy wheels (front: 9 J x 19, rear: 10 J x 20) designed exclusively for the M4 CS and fitted as standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (front: 265/35 R 19, rear: 285/30 R 20). These semi-slick cup tyres, which are also road-legal, provide unbeatable grip and supreme lateral stability at high track speeds, as well as optimum traction out of hairpins. The M4 CS can also be ordered with Michelin Sport road tyres at no extra cost.
The interior of the new BMW M4 CS sets out squarely to create a sporting ambience. Lightweight M sports seats trimmed in leather/Alcantara get the ball rolling and the dynamic flavour extends all the way to the door panel trim made from compacted natural fibres and featuring pull loops. The bonnet – with its characteristic air outlet rearwards of the powerdome – and roof are made from the lightweight, extremely rigid and high-tech material carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
The generous use of leather and Alcantara allows the M4 CS to create a compelling and well-resolved ambience brimming with sporting intent and undeniable class. No M4 CS driver will need to compromise on the nicer things in life. Indeed, among the standard features on board are automatic climate control, a version of the BMW HiFi system Professional adapted to the signature acoustic demands of the M4 CS and the Navigation system Professional.
True to form, the BMW M GmbH designers have given the new M4 CS looks that reflect the car’s sporting intent. The signature feature of its prominent front end, complete with cutting-edge twin LED headlights, is the front apron with large, three-section air intakes. These serve up feed an ample supply of cooling air to both the high-performance engine and the fade-resistant M compound brakes with four-piston callipers at the front and two-piston callipers at the rear. The new model-specific front splitter was made from exposed carbon fibre exclusively for the M4 CS special edition. In the interests of aerodynamic efficiency, it teams up with the rear diffuser carried over for the BMW M4 GTS and the likewise newly designed, exposed carbon-fibre Gurney spoiler lip on the boot lid to minimise dynamic lift. Innovative rear lights with OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology introduced by BMW M GmbH exclusively for the M4 CS and M4 GTS break new ground, while the front splitter, Gurney and rear diffuser, together with the long CFRP bonnet, flowing, coupe-like roofline, elegantly sporty M exterior mirrors and muscular wheel arches, allow the new BMW M4 CS to cut an extremely dynamic figure, even when it’s standing still. The BMW M4 CS will be priced at EUR 116,900.
* Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are provisional, were calculated as per the EU test cycle and may vary depending on the tyre format.