Earlier this summer we reported on the upcoming BMW M3 CS, a vehicle similar in performance and style to the recently launched M4 CS. Then last month, Frank Van Meel, the head of BMW M, hinted at the application of the CS name onto other models as well, one of them being the M3 CS. Fast forward a few weeks and now the first prototypes were spotted at the Nurburgring.
The technology recipe of the new power sedan does not hold any surprises, but the essential components have already passed their fires in the limited M4 CS with bravura. The BMW M3 CS will also receive the 460 bhp version of the well-known TwinTurbo six-cylinder S55 and thus not only represent the strongest available M3 version of the generation F80, but also the title of the most powerful series M3 of all time.
Numerous components are imported from the M4 GTS, including the distinctive carbon bonnet with additional ventilation openings and various lightweight elements of the interior. It’s also clearly riding on BMW’s new Style 763M wheels, which are as-standard equipment on the M4 CS. Out back, there’s a new decklid spoiler and the badges are covered.
Just like the M4 CS, the F80 M3 CS will likely get the unique fixed front lip spoiler in carbon fiber, which is a lot smaller than the one on the GTS. At the back, we expect to see a small carbon fiber decklid spoiler, OLED taillights and a carbon fiber rear diffuser.
The key to all of this is that the BMW M3 CS might finally be the M3 we’ve been hoping for. While the BMW M3 Competition Package was a huge step in the right direction, it still isn’t as sharp or as pure as we’d like. Adding some carbon fiber bits, reducing weight and complexity while adding power should make the BMW M3 CS the car we hoped the original car would be.
