Rumors surrounding a possible CSL version of the new-gen BMW M4 Coupe have been circulating since February. Two months later, the spy photographers nabbed a mysterious prototype just outside the Nurburgring, and more recently, the car returned to the infamous racetrack for more testing.
At a first glance, it doesn’t look that
different than the regular M4, but the front splitter does appear to be bigger.
Also, there’s a larger trunk lid spoiler that should improve the aerodynamics,
and the whole body is wrapped in camo, which means that the M Division doesn’t
want anyone to spot other possible changes.
The name CSL stands for ‘Coupe Sport
Leichtbau’, and the latter word is German for ‘lightweight construction’. Thus,
the M4 CSL will be lighter than the standard M4, but unfortunately, we don’t
know where the weight-saving measures will come from. Still, they might use
more carbon fiber inside and out, perhaps inspired by the bigger M5 CS, which
also features less soundproofing. This has allowed engineers to drop 230 pounds
(104 kg) from its total weight.
It is probably safe to assume that the M4
CSL will be more powerful than the M4 Competition too. As a result, the
twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six will develop in excess of 503 HP and 650 Nm of torque. The 0 to 100 km/h will likely take around 4.0 seconds, or slightly less, and top speed might
increase over 290 km/h. If the M4 CSL whispers turn out to be true,
then expect to see the performance model sometime in 2022.
