With its distinctive looks, growing front-wheel drive range, and questionable social media tactics, BMW has made life hard for enthusiasts lately.
It hasn’t forgotten about them entirely, though, as a new BMW M4 prototype proves.
The lightweight coupe is expected to wear the CS or CSL badge when it launches, and is likely to be a limited-run special.
Unique touches on the M4 CS include a more aggressive front splitter, a more prominent rear spoiler, and a larger diffuser at the rear than standard.
What look like carbon ceramic brakes lurk behind the spindly wheels, and our spy photography agency reports the exhaust could be a titanium unit for more noise and less weight.
It’s likely the lightweight M4 will drop its rear seats and gain some unique interior trim pieces in the transition to life as a CS/L.
Bimmerpost reports the new model will be built from July 2022, with a very small build run.
If BMW uses the CSL badge, it will be the first time since the legendary E46 M3 CSL launched in 2004.
Since then, BMW has used the GTS badge on its rarest lightweight specials, and the CS badge on other less expensive (but still stripped-back) models.
The last BMW M4 CS was 35kg lighter than the Competition, and had 7kW and 50Nm more from its inline-six engine. It was also more than $50,000 pricier.
Should it follow the same formula, the 2022 M4 CS would pack around 380kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
It’s not clear if the CS will have the switchable all-wheel drive system of the M4 Competition, or a lighter and simpler rear-wheel drive setup.
MORE: BMW M4 news and reviews
