New BMW M4 CSL: the king of the track!

A thousand units. That is the figure BMW is going to build in a limited edition of the new BMW M4 CSL, a model presented as part of the launches and activities the brand is carrying out to mark the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH. And like every BMW wearing the CSL badge, all the modifications it includes have a single goal: to become the “king of the track”.

One fact that already tells us the level of the new M4 CSL is the time set in tests BMW carried out at the Nürburgring, using the 20.6 km circuit as a benchmark against other models: its lap time of 7 minutes and 15.677 seconds (7 min 20.207 s on the full 20.8 km circuit) makes the BMW M4 CSL the fastest road-going model ever produced by BMW to date. We also want to add a figure that gives an idea of its potential: 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.7 seconds, and it needs just 10.7 seconds to reach 200 km/h from a standing start.

Powerful and light: the keys to the efficiency of the BMW M4 CSL

The starting point for the CSL version is the BMW M4 Competition. Broadly speaking, it is enough to say that the engine gains 40 hp to reach 550 hp, and that total weight has been reduced by 100 kg. Combining these two figures produces an important result: with 1,625 kg of kerb weight, the power-to-weight ratio stands at 2.95 kg/hp.

The high-performance 6-cylinder inline engine, with the competition technology of the BMW M4 GT3, delivers a maximum output of 550 hp at 6,250 rpm and a peak torque of 650 Nm between 2,750 and 5,950 rpm. Compared with the M4 Competition engine, the twin mono-scroll turbochargers raise boost pressure from 1.7 to 2.1 bar, and modifications have been added to the cooling and lubrication systems to meet the demands of track driving. Power reaches the rear wheels through an 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox. Both the engine and gearbox mounts are specific.

As for the weight-loss programme, the M carbon-fibre bucket seats alone save 24 kg. Another 21 kg come from removing the rear seats and their belts, a further twenty from the ceramic brake discs and special wheels, 15 kg from eliminating sound-deadening material, and 4 kg less thanks to the exhaust with a titanium rear silencer… The remainder needed to reach 100 kg is achieved with the roof, bonnet and boot lid made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic.

Naturally, the suspension has been adapted to the demands of a car like this, with added body reinforcements such as the bars linking the suspension turrets. Dampers, springs, anti-roll bars… everything is specific to the CSL, which lowers the body height by 8 mm compared with the Competition Coupé. The adaptive M suspension, variable-assistance steering and ceramic brakes are all standard.

Exclusive exterior and interior details

The truth is that the BMW M4 CSL does not go unnoticed even when standing still. The bodywork comes in an exclusive metallic grey with red accents and exposed carbon-fibre parts; white or black are available as options. If the laser headlights are chosen, the welcome light effects when opening the doors or switching on the lights are yellow instead of white, a nod to GT racing cars. For the first time on a road car, BMW introduces a new rear light technology on the M4 CSL, using laser light to create a distinctive signature.

Inside, the seats can be adjusted for distance, but height adjustment requires tools or a visit to the workshop. The head restraints are removable and allow a six-point harness system to be fitted. The M Alcantara steering wheel, the anthracite roof, the carbon-fibre trim and the CSL badges make it clear that this is a car that exudes sportiness from every angle; in the rear, space is provided to store two helmets.

To control the various systems, the car includes the specific M system, with a configuration button giving direct access to the vehicle settings -Road, Sport and Track modes- and two M buttons on the steering wheel that store preset settings. The M Drive Professional system, with the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer modes, is standard equipment. The digital instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch screen, and the 10.2-inch central screen provides access to navigation and functions such as BMW’s intelligent personal assistant. Among the optional extras, BMW offers a head-up display or wireless phone charging.

BMW M4 CSL image gallery