BMW M3 CS
BMW’s most acclaimed product in the art of fast M car shenanigans, the M3 has proven itself to be one of the most capable and dynamic driver’s cars in its class. This has acclaim been made clear with the sheer number of special editions available and the popularity of the models thereof. The variations being rather similar to that of the Nando’s range of Peri-peri hot sauces, offering a level of taste bud melting deliciousness to suit every pallet. Chief among which is the M4 GTS, this is the ‘Extra extra hot’, the most ridiculously track ready variant that is too much for most and is very much sold out in South Africa. Offering only two doors it’s somewhat less practical than the M3 and thus due to lifestyle doesn’t really appeal to as vast an audience. The lesser ‘Hot’ variants, proving to be the Competition Pack, which offers more power and revision to the suspension over the standard ‘Lemon and Herb’ M3, but still soft enough for everyday use. So, what if you need four doors but like your proverbial BMW Chicken pieces at tongue bending levels of heat intensity?
Enter the ‘Extra Hot’ BMW M3 CS, showcased at the M Festival and due early next year, with only one Extra, it fills the void between the Competition and the GTS as a lightweight version of the saloon, with an additional 7kws and 50nm’s over the standard model. Power is increased to 338kw and 600nm. This boost in ponies is enough to drop the 0-100 time to the sub-4sec mark with a blistering time of 3.9secs. The top Speed is raised in accordance with the M driver’s package standard on the CS to a limited 280km/h. Thus, making it the most powerful and fastest BMW M3 Ever.
In terms of Dynamics, the CS comes standard with adaptive M, with adjustable dampening and suspension to ensure it carries the most grippy yet smokey drift like traits possible. The M differential has also been fettled and has been developed specifically for the CS. A staggered stance of 19” inch wheels at the front and 20” at rear mated to a set road legal semi-slick MICHELIN pilot sport Cup 2 tyres come as standard fare, with the more road-friendly Pilot sport 2 option fitted at no cost.
The other changes being to that of the interior and exterior with extensive weight saving measures being taken, through the use of a plastic-carbon fibre composite roof, carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser, and a carbon fibre Gurney boot lip exclusive to the CS. Inside the car, the weight savings are less drastic with the CS still offering all of the creature comforts Typical of a car of this calibre, and the likes of Harmon-Kardon surround sound, dual-zone climate control and navigation included in the package, with the few hints of the cars driving prowess being clued in small touches, such as the Alcantara draped dash with CS embossing and the new two-tone Silverstone and black leather.
BMW M3 CS Pricing in South Africa
The M3CS will be South African shores in May of 2018, with only 15 of the 1200 worldwide being allocated to our Republic. Pricing will be realised closer to the launch in May, but with the M4 CS priced at R1.8m, we can expect to see the M3 CS going for a similar rate.