Carbon fiber, engine mods make BMW M4 CSL lighter, faster than current M4

MANILA: As its 50th birthday celebrations gather pace, BMW M is unveiling its new BMW M4 CSL. The M4 CSL is defined by a power hike of 40hp over the current BMW M4 Competition Coupé to 550hp, and a lower weight of 100 kilograms brought by weight-saving measures.

With years of experience in working with carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for body, chassis and interior components, BMW M engineers have managed to restrict the special edition’s kerb weight to 1,625 kilograms (in standard specification in the German market).

As a result, the new BMW M4 CSL is 100kg lighter than the BMW M4 Competition Coupé (German-market spec), sprinting from zero to 100kph in 3.7 seconds, and 200kph in just 10.7 seconds – 1.8 seconds quicker than the BMW M4 Competition Coupé. Top speed is an electronically limited 305kph. 

In 1973 the BMW 3.0 CSL won the European Touring Car Championship at the first attempt. Today, the CSL designation stands for “Competition, Sport, Lightweight” and marks out BMW M high-performance models with particularly high output, rigorously reduced weight, and a character honed purposefully for the track.

The new BMW M4 CSL shares a two-seater configuration and chassis setup with its competition-spec sibling, the BMW M4 GT3.

In tests on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit, the M4 CSL posted a lap time of 7:15.677  with an official notarized time for the complete lap of 7:20.207 — the best figures ever for a series-produced BMW car. Lap times aside, the new BMW M4 CSL allows drivers to enjoy an intense racing-car feeling on the road as well as on the track.

Modifications for the new BMW M4 CSL contribute to a maximum output of 550hp when the rev counter hits 6,250rpm — an increase of 40hp over the BMW M4 Competition Coupé. Peak torque of 650Nm is on tap from just 2,750rpm and sustained all the way up to 5,950rpm. An eight-speed M steptronic transmission is standard. 

Inside the M4 CSL, M Carbon full bucket seats reduce weight by 24kg, while 21kg is saved by removing the rear seats and belts.

Chassis changes such as the use of lightweight M Carbon ceramic brakes and special light-alloy wheels, springs and struts saved 21kg. The body of the BMW M4 CSL also includes the use of carbon-fiber for the bonnet and boot lid.

Switching to ultra-lightweight sound insulation saves around 15kg. The use of CFRP in the body deducts 11kg, a titanium rear silencer cuts more than four kilograms, and a further four kilograms was saved from the BMW kidney grille, rear lights, floor mats and climate control.  

The Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic exterior paint finish is exclusive to the BMW M4 CSL, with Alpine White and Sapphire Black also available. Classic “BMW Motorsport” emblems for the bonnet, boot lid and wheel centers are also available, recalling the 1973 originals. 

Both in the welcome effect triggered when unlocking the doors and when the low and high beam are switched on, the BMW Laserlight headlights illuminate in yellow rather than white, bringing to mind the look of successful GT racing cars.

The rear lights of the new BMW M4 CSL use LED units, while the covers have intricate light threads woven into them, illuminated using laser technology. 

In the engine compartment, an intricate cast aluminum strut brace strengthens the body rigidity of the new BMW M4 CSL. 

The new BMW M4 CSL’s rear silencer is made from titanium, cutting weight of a conventional steel equivalent by 4.3kg. The twin tailpipes have matt black trim with a stripe-patterned perforation on its inner surface. The model-specific exhaust system comes with electronically controlled flaps, generating an intense racing sound. 

The forged cross-spoke M light-alloy wheels have been designed exclusively for the new BMW M4 CSL, and are fitted with track-focused 19-inch tires at the front and 20-inch tires at the rear. Alternative, more road-focused tires are available as a no-cost option.

Standard on the BMW M4 CSL are M Carbon ceramic brakes that are around 14.3kg lighter than the brakes on the BMW M4 Competition Coupé. 

Production will begin at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in July 2022 and is strictly limited to 1,000 units globally, with only 100 models allocated to the UK. 

Photos from BMW

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