Cape Times

BMW squeezes a new M4 into line up

Historical­ly-named CS fits in above the Competitio­n Pack and below the GTS

- JASON WOOSEY

YOU’D have to look hard to find a gap in the BMW M4 line-up, but BMW reckons there is a big empty void that needs filling between the already-hardcore Competitio­n Package and the track-focused GTS. Enter the new limited-edition M4 CS, revealed at last week’s Shanghai motor show in China.

Producing 338kW at 6250rpm, the CS version of the M Division’s 3-litre twin-turbo six is closer in power terms to the 331kW Competitio­n Package than it is to the 368kW GTS, but the CS does at least match the latter’s heady 600Nm torque figure, produced between 4000 and 5380rpm.

It also slots neatly between its two siblings in performanc­e terms, taking 3.9 seconds to get to 100km/h, versus 3.8 (GTS) and 4.0 (CP). But whereas the GTS’s speed nanny allows 305km/h, the CS has been electronic­ally limited to 280km/h. As you’d expect, power goes to the rear wheels through a seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch transmissi­on.

The CS rolls on semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres: 265/35 R19s upfront and 285/30 R20s at the back. The car has a similar chassis to the Competitio­n Package M4 and is fitted as standard with Adaptive M suspension and Active M Differenti­al.

Drivers can adjust the suspension (as well as the steering) through Sport+, Sport and Comfort modes. While it still has a form of DSC stability control to save your skin, there is an M Dynamic Mode that apparently allows “controlled drifts”.

But the ultimate proof should be in the Nürburgrin­g lap time pudding, and to that end BMW says it’s hauled a CS around the Nordschlei­fe in just 7m38s, and that’s a mere ten seconds slower than the uncompromi­sed, track-focused GTS.

The CS comes with a styling and aerodynami­c package that includes a model-specific carbon fibre front splitter as well as a front apron with large three-section air intakes and a GTS-derived rear diffuser.

Its weight-saving entourage includes a roof and bonnet made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

 ??  ?? The newest M4 model’s 3-litre turbo makes 338kW and 600Nm.
The newest M4 model’s 3-litre turbo makes 338kW and 600Nm.

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