Background
BMW M4 CSL (G82) was the most extreme and track-focused version of the G82-generation M4 and marked the return of the legendary CSL designation to the BMW M range. Unveiled in May 2022 during the 50th anniversary year of BMW M GmbH, the model made its world premiere at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The M4 CSL was developed as an even more uncompromising alternative to the BMW M4 Competition Coupé, with a clear focus on reduced weight, increased power and maximum precision on the racetrack.
Competition, Sport, Lightweight
CSL stands for Competition, Sport, Lightweight, and the M4 CSL applied this philosophy extensively. Compared with the M4 Competition Coupé, weight was reduced by around 100 kg. M Carbon full bucket seats saved approximately 24 kg, while removing the rear seats and seat belts saved a further 21 kg. Carbon-fibre body components, M Carbon Ceramic brakes, special lightweight wheels and various chassis components contributed additional savings. The result was a two-seat M4 with a DIN kerb weight of 1,625 kg.
550 hp
The M4 CSL was powered by the 3.0-litre S58 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine. Output was increased by 40 hp over the M4 Competition Coupé to a total of 550 hp, while maximum torque remained at 650 Nm. The additional power was achieved through measures including increased boost pressure and revised engine management. Power was sent exclusively to the rear wheels through an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission.
3.7 seconds and 307 km/h
The BMW M4 CSL accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 10.7 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited to 307 km/h. Unlike the M xDrive version of the M4 Competition, the CSL remained deliberately rear-wheel drive, emphasising a direct and purist driving experience.
Developed for the track
The chassis of the M4 CSL was developed specifically with circuit driving in mind, and the overall vehicle concept shared significant genes with the BMW M4 GT3 racing car. The model featured bespoke suspension settings, stiffer engine mounts, additional body reinforcement and model-specific DSC and M Traction Control calibration. Aerodynamic improvements included a carbon-fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and specially shaped boot lid.
7 minutes and 20.207 seconds
The BMW M4 CSL demonstrated its capabilities on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Its official time for the complete 20.832 km circuit was 7 minutes 20.207 seconds, while the shorter 20.6 km comparison lap was completed in 7:15.677. At the time of its launch, these were the fastest Nürburgring Nordschleife lap times ever recorded by a series-production BMW.
Only 1,000 cars
Production of the BMW M4 CSL began in July 2022 at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany. The special edition was strictly limited to exactly 1,000 cars worldwide. The M4 CSL continued BMW’s tradition of lightweight, track-focused special models that includes the BMW 3.0 CSL, M3 CSL and M4 GTS.
Model in the collection
The BMW M4 CSL (G82) in my collection was produced by TSM.
Technical data in brief
Model debut: 2022
Production started: July 2022
Production location: BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, Germany
Body style: two-door, two-seat high-performance coupé
Engine: S58, 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six
Displacement: 2,993 cm³
Power: 550 hp / 405 kW @ 6,250 rpm
Torque: 650 Nm @ 2,750–5,950 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed M Steptronic
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
0–200 km/h: 10.7 seconds
Top speed: 307 km/h, electronically limited
Weight: 1,625 kg DIN
Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time: 7:20.207 on the full 20.832 km circuit
Production: 1,000 cars
Special feature: two-seat, 100 kg lighter and 550 hp CSL special edition developed primarily for track use
Photo of the real car. Source: marshallgoldman.com