Now that the introduction of the new BMW M4 is already more than six months behind us, enthusiasts can focus on the arrival of extra heavy versions. BMW itself does that too, as these images show of what an M4 CSL should be.
It became clear in 2017 that BMW is at least thinking about bringing back the name ‘CSL’. With an M4 CSL, BMW would take a different path than the previous M4, where a distinction was made between a very heavy GTS and a slightly less heavy CS. The CSL is a real top version and in that sense would replace the GTS.
GT3 rival
The name ‘CSL’ stands for ‘Coupe Sport Leichtbau’ and was last applied to a car whose low weight was indeed the main focus. The BMW M3 CSL was no less than 110 kg lighter than a ‘normal’ M3 of the E46 generation and it seems that the Germans want to achieve a similar performance again.
While the regular M4 is a direct competitor of the Porsche 911 Carrera, BMW wants to offer more of an alternative to a Porsche 911 GT3 with the new super-M4. That car is traditionally more ‘hardcore’ and especially lighter than the regular 911, which in turn is already considerably lighter than a regular M4.
If BMW wants to offer a worthy alternative to the GT3, there is work to be done. By using all kinds of lightweight materials, the most important of which is natural carbon, the weight of this car should be a lot lower than the 1,725 ​​kg that a ‘standard’ M4 puts in the scale.
Tailgate
An important indication that this is a CSL is the tailgate. The characteristic ‘ducktail’ spoiler refers to the E46 M3 CSL and is a sign that BMW, just like that car, is installing a unique boot lid that is undoubtedly made entirely of carbon fiber. At the front, an additional splitter stands out, which makes the side view of the front bumper in particular a bit more aggressive than that of the already well-known M4.
Be patient quickly
Those who would love to get their hands on an M4 CSL must also be patient and fast at the same time. The usually knowledgeable bimmerpost.com enthusiasts expect this model in mid-2022, but also predict a limited edition. That was no different with the earlier M3 CSL: 1,383 copies were published.
The very first BMW with ‘CSL’ in the name was not the M3, but the 3.0 CSL from the seventies. That model is a kind of driving legend and has already received a fitting tribute.