BMW has unveiled the most hardcore version of its M3 performance sedan, Club Sport. A limited edition model, only 1,200 units of the enhanced M3 CS will be produced out of BMW’s Regensburg plant in Germany.
Sharing its 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol engine with its M3 siblings, the M3 CS uses it in a 460hp and 600Nm state of tune. The engine produces about 29hp and 50Nm more than the motor used by the standard M3 and is 10hp and 50Nm more powerful than the M3 Competition Package.
The CS also shares quite a few mechanical bits with the M4 CS that had been revealed earlier.
Slotting in above the Competition Package, the CS version adds more light-weight materials in the body including a carbon-fibre enhanced plastic roof (that shaves about 6kg) and bonnet, a carbon-fibre front splitter, a boot-mounted Gurney spoiler and a larger diffuser.
On the inside, the M3 CS gets the M3 Competition Pack’s sport seats and sport steering wheel and also possesses the M5 new red starter button.
Despite the heavy performance focus, BMW has endowed the M3 CS with a navigation system, an automatic climate control system, a Harman Kardon sound system and optional Alcantara and leather accents in the cabin. The rear seats have also been retained in the performance sedan.
BMW’s M division claims that the M3 CS is around 10kg lighter than the standard M3 at 1,585kg and has a lower centre of gravity meant to aid the car’s handling characteristics.
The German brand claims a power-to-weight ratio of 290hp per tonne, some 20hp more than the stock M3 and 8hp more than the M3 Competition Package.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a -speed dual-clutch gearbox and electronically controlled M differential.
Claiming a 0-100kph time of 3.9 seconds, the M3 CS is the fastest accelerating M3 yet, edging out the M3 Competition Package by 0.1sec. Top speed has been maintained at 280kph.
BMW sells the M3 in India at Rs 1.26 crore (ex-showroom, India) and could bring this limited edition version to the country. However, fewer than 100 right-hand-drive models will be available globally.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
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