2018 BMW M3 CS Debuts With More HP

BMW has unveiled the 2018 BMW M3 CS, a limited run variant with more power, a sportier suspension setup, a louder exhaust note, and plenty of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic to make it lighter. The M3 CS follows the M4 CS, which was revealed earlier this year. Production is limited to 1,200 units worldwide with only 550 units coming to the U.S.

The car’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6 gets 28 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque compared to the engine in the standard M3. As such, the M3 CS is rated at 453 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the only gearbox available on the M3 CS, and its top speed is 174 mph.

Compared to the standard M3, the M3 CS is 110 pounds lighter thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber. The BMW M3 CS features a carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, and a lip spoiler. An adaptive M suspension comes standard and features three different modes—Comfort, Sport, and Sport+—all of which have unique damper settings. Like all BMW M vehicles, the M3 CS has an active M differential as standard.

To make the car even lighter, BMW M has added a lightweight double-joint spring strut axle front suspension and a five-link setup in the rear, made of forged aluminum. Standard on the BMW M3 CS are alloy wheels measuring 19 inches up front and 20 inches in the back. These wheels are lighter, with the front ones weighing in at 19 pounds and the rear ones checking in at just over 22 pounds. They’re shod with staggered tires: 265/35/R19 up front and 285/30/R20 in the rear. An M Sport exhaust system that’s been specifically tuned for the M3 CS is standard. Four-piston front and two-piston rear high performance M compound brake pads are standard while carbon ceramic units are optional and feature six pistons up front and four in the rear.

Standard interior features include two-tone Silverstone/Black leather and Alcantara upholstery, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, LED headlights, lightweight M-specific sport seats, an M Sport steering wheel in Alcantara, and navigation. Order books for the 2018 BMW M3 CS open in May 2018 for the U.S. market.

Source: BMW

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