Frank Van Meel returned to the helm of BMW M in late 2021 after a three-year break to sail the M ship as it headed toward an electric future. The XM plug-in hybrid SUV will kick off the voyage, but in the interim, the Bavarians will stick to what they know best: conventional sports cars. After a protracted teasing campaign, the M4 CSL finally made its premiere this week, and today, the M division’s top honcho takes us through the third-ever Coupe Sport Lightweight.
As Frank Van Meel reveals, the track-focused machine provides more than just a boost in power and spectacular weight reduction. Parts of the extensive aerodynamic package are visible from every aspect, especially at the front, where the muscular spoiler lip sports substantial winglets with eye-catching “M4 CSL” red branding.
The new kidney grille is the same size as before, but with a meaner appearance and superior cooling to match the inline-increased six’s punch. The M4 CLS has yellow daytime running lights, an homage to BMW racing cars of the past. It’s not the first contemporary Bavarian vehicle to feature them, as the M5 CS also had them.
The rear aero modification incorporates a ducktail spoiler inspired by the M3 E46 CSL. While the M4 GTS had OLED taillights, its immediate successor did not. It’s the first production BMW with glass coverings that have delicate light threads woven into them and are lighted by laser technology.
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It sits 8 millimeters (0.3 inch) closer to the road than an M4 Competition, thanks to unique 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged wheels. These wheels have a cross-spoke design and are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
The two-seater coupe is the quickest production BMW ever around the Nürburgring, with a lap time of 7 minutes and 20 seconds. When pushed to the limit, it boasts the fastest peak speed of any M vehicle, hitting an astonishing 191 mph (307 km/h).
Those looking for the ultimate M4 (until the modern-day 3.0 CSL comes) should hurry quickly, since manufacture is restricted to only 1,000 vehicles worldwide.
Photographer: BMW M / Instagram
