BMW M4 CSL Special Edition Announced
BMW has announced the 2023 M4 CSL, a special edition two-seater coupe made to celebrate BMW GmbH’s 50 year anniversary. The new M4 CSL is said to fuse “old-school racing passion with innovative technology,” creating a heightened performance experience. Thanks to a series of upgrades, the CSL has clocked a Nordschleife lap time of 7:20.2, the fastest time set by any production BMW.
The most immediate of the aforementioned upgrades is the drumming of 40 extra horsepower, bringing the total to 543 horsepower. That is delivered through a modified version of BMW’s Twin Power Turbo inline-six engine, which also delivers the 479 lb-ft of torque. When it’s all said and done, the CSL can complete 0-60 mph runs in 3.6 seconds; top speed is electronically limited to 191 mph. That swiftness is also spurred by the CSL’s 240-pound weight reduction, made possible through the careful selection of lightweight parts. Carbon fiber is used liberally, comprising the roof panel, hood, and trunk lid. Other weight savings are found in the chassis construction, said to retain rigidity and “expand the car's dynamic limits while ensuring precisely controllable handling characteristics.” In total, gross vehicle weight clocks in at 4,343 pounds.
The interior only seats the driver and one occupant in M Carbon full bucket seats. While they do lack modern amenities such as heating and lumbar support, their sporty design shaved 53 additional pounds (a heated and power version is available, though). The backrest angle is fixed, and head restraints can be disassembled to accommodate helmet-wearing occupants on track day. The entire rear bench has been removed, saving 46 pounds. This area has been replaced with helmet storage compartments for both driver and passenger. The 2023 BMW M4 CSL will retail for a starting price of $140,895, which includes the $995 destination charge. Being a special edition model, it will be limited globally to just 1,000 units. Production will begin July 2022 at BMW’s Plant Dingolfing.