With 543 hp under the bonnet and 240 lb less weight, the M4 CSL might just be the best BMW sports car to date!
BMW’s motorsport division has a rich heritage in racing and winning DTM and Endurance championships with its purpose-built machines. Over the years, the brand launched many homologated versions of its racing cars, such as the 3.0 CSL, E36 M3 CSL, and the M4 GTS – all very well received by purists. For 2022, the specialist engineers created a CSL (Competition, Sport, Lightweight) model based on the G82 M4, upgrading it in all aspects.
Of course, bearing the CSL tagline, the race-ready M4 eats, sleeps, and breathes carbon fiber all day. Anyhow, BMW undertook a lot of work to breathe some character into the beast, bestowing it with a carbon fiber front splitter, extra vents and air curtains, red accents on the kidney grilles, and yellow DRLs just like its larger sibling, the M5 competition. Other spicy details include exposed carbon fiber on the hood and roof, bespoke 19’ and 20’ forged alloys, a ducktail spoiler, and a four-pipe titanium exhaust system.
BMW paid a lot of attention to shedding weight from the M4 CSL to improve performance and handling. Starting with the bodywork, the generous use of CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) and modifications on the grille, floor mats, climate control, and rear lights saved about 32 lbs. Furthermore, the inclusion of performance chassis components such as springs, struts, M Carbon Ceramic Brakes, and forged alloys saved 46 lbs.
Furthermore, the M4 CSL has lighter seat belts and less sound insulation, but the highest weight savings were achieved by removing the rear seats and installing new M Carbon Bucket seats, amounting to 132 lbs.
The M4 CSL carries the same base powertrain as the Competition model, i.e., a 3.0 turbocharged i6 engine, albeit with extra modifications. The primary goals of the engineers were to make it free-revving and maximize performance. Hence, the crankcase utilizes a free-sleeve closed-deck construction that allows for high combustion pressures. Meanwhile, a twin-wire-arc-sprayed coating on the cylinder chamber reduces internal friction and enhances power delivery.
Lastly, BMW upped the twin-scroll turbo pressures from 24.7 to 30.7 psi, resulting in an impressive 543 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque! The power goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed ZF transmission with launch control.
The M4 CSL makes the 0-60 sprint in 3.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds slower than the Competition model. However, that’s largely due to the AWD drivetrain on its sibling, which provides much better traction off the line. Impressively, the M4 CSL can reach 191 mph, which is supercar territory.
Furthermore, the M4 CSL sits 8 mm lower than the standard car and has a stiffer body, resulting in better handling. Lastly, BMW paired the M4 CSL with track-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires.
Unfortunately, only 1,000 of these beauties are available on sale, with each of them demanding a bank-breaking $140,895 (including destination); Make sure your reserves are deep enough before pulling out a cheque!
Gallery: BMW M4 CSL
