The BMW M3 will soon get a new variant that’s a lighter, more powerful, and a little wilder — if that’s possible — in the styling department.
Spied on and around the Nurburgring in Germany, the new M3 CS looks to be close to launch as only the front end sports a significant amount of disguise.
If the previous generation M3 CS is anything to go by, weight will be reduced through the use of lightweight carbon-fibre parts, thinner glass, and decontenting.
There should also be a more powerful version of the M3/M4’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine.
The current M3’s 3.0-litre engine makes 353kW and 550Nm in base trim for a 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds, while the Competition model boasts 375kW and 650Nm for a 0-100km/h dash of just 3.9 seconds.
For the base model the engine is hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission and the rear wheels, while the Competition has an eight-speed automatic in either rear- or all-wheel drive configurations.
Perhaps the M3 CS will use the same drivetrain as the M4 CSL, which has a 405kW/650Nm version of the engine paired with an eight-speed auto driving the rear wheels only.
The CSL tips the scales at 100kg less than other coupe variants thanks to a pared back interior, reduced sound deadening, and lower equipment levels, with air-conditioning, audio and cruise control all junked.
In addition to this, the CSL has carbon-fibre panels, wheels, centre console, and bucket seats with minimal adjustment. The rear seats have also been jettisoned in favour of a helmet storage area.
To complement the improved performance characteristics, the CS will feature a modified aerodynamics setup.
The disguised front bumper on this prototype seems to be lifted straight from the M4 CSL. The nostril-like twin-kidney grille has exposed air intake elements, and there’s a large splitter jutting forwards.
Whenever the M3 CS debuts, expect availability to be limited to 1000 or so units worldwide.
MORE: Everything BMW M3
