Photo: BMW
Hot on the heels of the 2023 M4 CSL, here comes the brand new and equally powerful 2024 BMW M3 CS, which will be available in very limited numbers and priced from a staggering $148,000 in Canada.
Just like every other BMW car sporting the “CS” (Competition Sport) designation, this model promises extreme performance both on the road and on the track.
It all starts under the hood, of course. Nestled below new high-precision strut braces, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine benefits from increased boost pressure (from 24.7 psi to 30.5 psi) and delivers 543 horsepower between 6,250-7,200 rpm, an improvement of 40 horsepower from the M3 Competition xDrive.
Photo: BMW
Peak torque is unchanged at 479 lb-ft., available between 2,750-5,950 rpm. The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with Active M diffenrential combine to hurl the M3 CS from 0-100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds and push it to a top speed of 302 km/h.
The M Setup menu will let drivers switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which directs even more of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. It’s also possible to turn stability control off altogether and engage 2WD mode for maximum drifting pleasure.
Photo: BMW
A dual-branch exhaust system featuring electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer and two pairs of tailpipes finished in matte black ensures the soundtrack is just as captivating as the drive, BMW says.
Beyond the Engine
Obviously, BMW M engineers made a bunch of other upgrades including specific tuning for the chassis and electronically controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension, taking into account the engine’s increased performance and the car’s different weight distribution. The calibrations of the electromechanical M Servotronic steering system and M Dynamic Mode, also specific to the M3 CS, have been purposefully geared to the demands of track driving.
Photo: BMW
M Compound brakes with red calipers are standard, while black calipers can be optioned. Drivers may also opt for M Carbon ceramic brakes with calipers in either red or gold. Also standard are forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive star-spoke design finished in Gold Bronze or matte black. Measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, those wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
The M3 CS uses carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the roof, hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. The centre console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips are also made from CFRP. The lightweight, race-inspired M Carbon bucket seats are something to behold, as well. Overall, the various weight-saving measures make the M3 CS about 34 kg lighter than the M3 Competition with M xDrive.
Photo: BMW
Other highlights include a frameless grille with pared-back styling reminiscent of the M4 GT3, black side skirts and M gills, daytime running light elements that illuminate in yellow to further evoke the look of GT race cars, and finally a selection of four body colours. Don’t like that flashy green? The model-exclusive Frozen Solid White metallic paint option is certainly easier on the eye. Oh, and let’s not forget M Drive Pro, which bundles together the M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer functions for recording and evaluating driving skills and performance at the track.
Production of the new 2024 BMW M3 CS in Munich will start this March, so that leaves you a bit of time to decide whether you want to spend the extra $52,000 over the M3 Competition.
Keyword: 2024 BMW M3 CS Delivers 543 Horsepower at a Staggering Price