In this video, the brand-new BMW M4 CSL sports car finally debuts. The BMW blog team recently had the pleasure of test-driving and evaluating the limited-edition BMW M4 CSL in Palm Springs, California. This is the third CSL in BMW history, following the classic 3.0 CSL and the storied E46 M3 CSL. “CSL” stands for Competition Sport Lightweight, making it the top-of-the-line M vehicle from Munich.
Of course, the BMW M4 CSL is based on the normal M4, but it is lighter, more focused, and more potent. It weighs 3,640 lbs. It is a bare-bones, track-focused, hard-core performance machine that is not for the weak-willed or faint-hearted. Its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged I6 generates the same 8-speed automatic transmission as the M4 Competition and produces 543 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Only the back wheels receive power. The 0-60 mph time, according to BMW, is 3.6 seconds.
BMW strips the rear seats and removes what appeared to be all of the sound-deadening material. They installed some lightweight racing bucket seats and removes certain interior comforts to make the M4 lighter for CSL duty. Additionally, BMW improved the steering and stiffened the suspension. The most significant change, however, was the fitment of Michelin Cup 2 R tires. The M4 CSL’s genuine secret ingredient was the titanium exhaust, which significantly enhanced the sound of the S58 engine.
The BMW M4 CSL is an impressive vehicle on paper. It is lighter, faster, and more track competent than the normal M4 Competition. It also has greater power. But is it really worth the astronomical $140,000 price tag for the 1,000 unit run?