The new limited run BMW M3 CS will get 10 more horsepower than the M3 with the Competition Package. The 3.0-litre inline 6 cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology will generate 460 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The M3 CS will sprint from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds. It is electronically limited to a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

With its two mono-scroll turbochargers, charge air cooler, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing, the 3.0 litre six-cylinder in-line engine the goal was to generate higher levels of performance with an equal commitment to developing significant torque from low engine speeds and achieving high levels of efficiency.

Due to production factors, BMW is currently planning on only building 1,200 of these cars. Orders can be placed starting in January 2018 and the cars will be built starting in March, 2018.

Pushing the new red start/stop button fires up the engine, and the distinctive sound produced by the specially tuned sports exhaust system of the new BMW M3 CS, with its quad tailpipes, is a feast for the ears.

The new M3 CS continues the decades-long tradition of M special editions which began in 1988 with the E30 BMW M3 Evolution. At the same time, the four-door high-performance sedan serves up a perfect blend of dynamism and everyday practicality.

The new BMW M3 CS is equipped as standard with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic and the M Driver’s Package. This cutting-edge transmission has a separate oil cooler and enables both automated and manual gear changes using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. It changes gears in fractions of a second with no interruption in the flow of power, but employs a long seventh gear to keep revs low and minimise fuel consumption for highway driving.

The suspension of the new BMW M3 CS largely mirrors that of the M3 with Competition Package. The links and wheel carriers are made from forged aluminium keeping the unsprung masses low and benefiting driving dynamics. The M3 CS is fitted as standard with Adaptive M suspension, whose geometry has been tuned to deliver optimised performance on both the road and track.

Ensuring the best possible grip in all driving conditions are the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system – which includes M Dynamic Mode – and the Active M Differential. The control systems for the Adaptive M suspension, DSC and Active M Differential have been modified to suit the dynamic requirements of the BMW M3 CS, as has the setup of the electromechanical steering. The driver has the option of adjusting the steering and suspension settings to their personal preferences or the demands of the route at hand. The special edition’s light-alloy wheels which are 19″ front and 20″ rear, are at home on the race track, with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, 265/35 R 19 front and 285/30 R 20 rear. These semi-slick cup tyres, which are also road-legal, provide incredible grip and lateral stability at high track speeds. The M3 CS can also be ordered with Michelin Sport road tires.

Inside the BMW M3 CS, the generous use of two-tone full leather in Silverstone/Black and Alcantara creates a compelling and well-resolved ambience brimming with sporting allure and undeniable class. Among the standard features on board are automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon surround sound system and the Navigation system Professional.

The BMW M GmbH designers have given the new M3 CS looks that reflect the car’s sporting intent. The signature feature of its prominent front end, complete with cutting-edge twin LED headlights, is the front apron with large, three-section air intakes. The Gurney spoiler lip on the trunk lid has been designed specifically for the new M3 CS, and works with the front splitter and the rear diffuser to help minimise dynamic lift. These components are made from the lightweight and extremely rigid high-tech material carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are the hood and roof of the new BMW M3 CS.