HALLOWED BE THY BADGE

The BMW M3 has just been granted CS credentials, which should have enthusiasts of the Munich brand buzzing

The concept of removing weight and adding power is nothing novel in the automotive world, but when BMW does it, it usually means something special. Throw in the much-vaunted CS badge and you’d better grip the edge of your seat.

BMW has tapped into the knowledge gleaned from the company’s successful 2022 DTM season and employs a few motorsport-inspired bits from that race car, including the crankcase, crankshaft, cylinder head and optimised oil supply and cooling system for track use. The result is a safe 30 kw power hike over an M3 Competition, for a 405 kw peak by turning up the boost from 1,7 to 2,1 bar.

The M3 CS produces 650 N.m from 2 750 r/min all the way to 5 950 r/min.

The M3 CS sends torque to all four wheels via BMW’S xdrive all-wheel-drive system, with an M set-up menu that will send more torque to the rear wheels via 4WD Sport mode. There’s also the option to send power entirely to the rear wheels. With all four wheels engaged, however, the M3 CS can manage a 3,4 second 0–100 km/h sprint, 0–200 km/h in 11 seconds and fourth-gear acceleration from 80–120 in just 2,6 seconds. The top speed is limited to 302 km/h.

Fitted as standard are M carbon ceramic brakes. Buyers can opt for the callipers to be finished in matte gold or red. There are lightweight forged alloy wheels fitted, measuring 19 inches up front and 20 inches at the rear. Thanks to the prodigious use of carbon-fibrereinforced plastic inside and out on items such as the bucket seats, bonnet, centre console, exterior mirror caps, shift paddles and rear spoiler, weight is 20 kg less than an xdrive-equipped M3 Competition sedan.

Production started in Germany last month and while priority was given to markets such as the USA, UK, Germany and Japan, South Africa has been allocated 20 units that will arrive before year end.