At 460 hp (343 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb·ft) of torque, the CS model may be the top performer in the BMW M4 family. But there was a time when there was a top-end M4 GTS, packing a 500-horsepower (373-kilowatt) engine in a limited series of just 500 cars. Judging by the latest spy shots, the Bavarian car manufacturer is going to revive the series under the new name of BMW M4 CSL.
Photos aren’t the only evidence of the possible comeback of the flagship coupe series. Head of BMW M Franciscus van Meel said in an interview last year that the company would like to bring the “CSL” badge back. He never clarified just what cars would get it, though.
The spy photos show a vehicle with a GTS badge, but these aren’t to be trusted on a test mule and may very well change before the official reveal. The car has a rear wing which is very similar to that of the racetrack-only BMW M4 GT4. It also features a large splitter, air intakes located above the front wheels, and door sills. The overall impression of smoothness and style is only disturbed by a crudely-shaped rear diffusor, so we can expect that one to get a complete redesign towards the release.
If the car is indeed released under the name BMW M4 CSL, then it is going to be the strongest and the most lightweight member of the family. Its engine output may exceed 500 hp / 373 kW, and it is positively going to get a water injection system. At any rate, that’s what the top managers of the marque promised to implement in all high-end BMW M vehicles starting in 2019.
Photo: motor1.com