With the launch of the first ever BMW M3 CS Touring, BMW M is adding another special edition model to its line up in the high-performance sports car segment.
This model builds on the success of the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive and combines that car’s very distinctive character profile with even greater potential for emotionally exhilarating performance. A 405kW six-cylinder in-line engine, bespoke chassis tuning, exclusive design features and weight savings resulting from the use of numerous carbon fibre reinforced plastic components provide the ingredients for an unadulterated race car feeling.
The practicality of the Touring means that this model fits many roles, from the racetrack to a myriad of everyday solutions including leisure activities and road trips thanks to a boot space of 500 litres that can be expanded to a maximum of 1 510 litres.
The model specific performance characteristics of the engine and the power transfer via the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel-drive system serve up dynamic thrills along with supreme traction. This combination allows the BMW M3 CS Touring to race from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds or from 0 to 200km/h in 11.4 seconds.
A bespoke six-cylinder engine
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW M3 CS Touring was designed from the outset to deliver high performance on the track and it features numerous motorsport derived technological details to help it achieve that. This includes an extremely rigid crankcase with a sleeve free, closed-deck construction, a forged lightweight crankshaft and a cylinder head with a 3D-printed core. The cylinder bores have been treated to a wire-arc sprayed iron coating to reduce frictional losses. The cooling system and oil supply have also been designed to handle sustained heavy loads during spirited driving.
The engine combines the high-revving characteristics for which M models are renowned as well as linear power delivery into the upper reaches of the rev range thanks to upgraded M TwinTurbo technology. The maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers has been increased to 2.1 bar while tweaks were made to the engine management system, increasing power by 15kW to 405kW and 650Nm between 2 750rpm and 5 950 rpm.
Accompanying this performance is an emotionally stirring engine note courtesy of the M-specific exhaust system featuring electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer and two pairs of tailpipes painted in matt black. The engine sound varies according to the engine profile selected from the M setup menu. Sport or Sport+ modes offer a sound that injects real aural drama into proceedings.
Model specific chassis tuning
The chassis of the BMW M3 CS Touring has also been tuned precisely to the engine’s performance characteristics, the overall concept and the specific weight distribution. This includes optimised settings for the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode. The electronically controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension have been fine-tuned along with the M Servotronic and integrated braking system.
M Compound brakes with callipers painted in a choice of either Red or Black ensure outstanding stopping power, while M Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option.
Forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive double-spoke design with a matt gold bronze or matt black finish measure 19-inches upfront and 20-inches at the rear.
Extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic is particularly important when it comes to weight minimisation and on the BMW M3 CS Touring the car’s bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps and rear diffuser are all made from CFRP.
The lightweight theme continues inside
Inside the cabin, M carbon bucket seats and CRFP shift paddles, interior trim strips and centre console do their bit to keep the weight down. In addition, body rigidity has been increased by specifying the optional M front end strut brace for the engine compartment.
The standard specification exposed carbon fibre of the special editions bonnet, front splitter, fresh air intakes and M exterior mirror caps creates an eye-catching contrast against the visually striking rear colours. The BMW M3 CS Touring can be ordered with a paint finish in British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue, Frozen Solid White or Sapphire Black metallic. The black roof spoiler incorporates a red surround.
The front end is defined by the weight-minimised, ultra stripped back and frameless BMW M kidney grille. The black models lettering on the upper of the two horizontal grille slats is bordered by a red contour line. In a clear reference to motor sport, the LED headlights of the BMW M3 CS Touring glow with the same distinctive yellow light as GT racing cars.
Electrically adjustable and heated M Carbon bucket seats are fitted as standard for the driver and front passenger and incorporate head restraints, an illuminated CS model badge and surfaces in Merino leather. The exclusive Black/Red design is continued on the rear seats while the door panel trim is covered with black leather
