This year BMW returns the name CSL to one of its flagship sports car models. After being peppered with rumors and various spyshots, finally the BMW M4 CSL was officially introduced as the highest variant of this coupe. This is the first time the CSL name has returned to the BMW line, since it was last used on the E46 generation M3.
The name of the variant which stands for “Competition, Sport, Lightweight” relies on a spice to improve the appearance and performance of a racing car for the BMW M4. The presence of the M4 CSL confirms its more vicious position as a sports car, above the M2 CS and M5 CS. Even BMW claims this car to be their fastest production when launched at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
By BMW, the M4 CSL specification mainly relies on weight reduction so that it can provide performance as close as possible to a racing car. On the exterior, there is a diet of 3.6 kg each from parts such as a giant kidney grille, taillights, carpet, and automatic air conditioning. In total the M4 CSL has decreased in weight to 109 kg from the standard variant, identical to what happened to the M3 CSL first.
Of course there have been a number of changes to the exterior appearance to compensate and confirm its status. The front fascia gets a grille with a rarer grille, with the addition of the 'M4 CSL' badge. The spoiler has a splitter added to add downforce at the front. While the yellow graphic on the LED DRL is present as an identity, accompanied by two holes on the hood. Dimensional 'striped' wheels are present, with a diameter of 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, accompanied by Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
Other changes to the side of the body kit include the side skirts that are also getting bigger, with color trim following the front splitter with a red stripe. The biggest change is at the rear, which now features a large ducktail to help increase downforce, instead of the big GT-style wings. The shape of the diffuser is the same, the bigger the performance needs are made of carbon fiber. Don't forget the new taillight graphics that mark the debut of the BMW Laser.
The 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine swells in performance, increasing 40 hp from the previous, to 543 hp and 649 Nm of torque. Turbo boost increased from 24.7 psi to 30.5 psi. BMW only makes the M4 CSL in an 8-speed M automatic transmission but with rear-wheel drive. So even though purists can't get a manual transmission, BMW is still kind enough to provide it only in rear-wheel drive. Acceleration from 0-100km/h can be achieved in 3.6 seconds.
Following the reduced weight and rugged engine, the M4 CSL gets chassis optimization. The car's height is down 0.3 inches from the M4 Competition, while the suspension uses zero-play ball joints in the control arm. Traction control was also reset for the CSL, with one option designed for controlled drifting, while the other for maximum grip on hot laps. Braking relies on six-piston calipers at the front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear.
For the interior, of course, the rear passenger seat is removed in order to be lighter. the front seat itself turns into a bucket seat made of carbon. In addition to going forward/backward, the seat position can only be changed in height but must be in the workshop when wearing a helmet on track day. The more intense carbon trim adorns the interior such as the steering wheel and center console.
Only three exterior color options are available for the BMW M4 CSL namely Brooklyn Gray Metallic, Alpine White, or Black Sapphire Metallic. The car, which was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BMW M, will go into production in July 2022, while prices will follow.
