BMW has finally explicitly confirmed the new M4 CSL is indeed on the way, announcing the upcoming model’s reveal date on social media before deleting the post (including a pair of shadowy teaser shots).
In the post on its official BMW M Facebook page, the Munich-based firm said the new M4 CSL coupé would enjoy its world premiere in Italy at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2022, which kicks off on 20 May 2022.
The first teaser image shows the front of the vehicle and gives us a decent look at its model-specific lighting signature, which gains yellow accents (yes, similar to those applied to the M5 CS). Peer closely and you might also be able to spot elements of the more aggressively styled front facia, such as the front splitter.
The second shot depicts the M4 CSL’s rear end, which features an interesting array of thin lighting elements as well as what appears to be a ducktail-style spoiler (surely in a nod to the E46 M3 CSL). Of course, this is in contrast to the towering wing applied to the previous-generation (F82) M4 GTS and M4 DTM Champion Edition.
Of course, we’ve seen spy shots of the newcomer before, as well as reported on rumours the M4 CSL’s uprated twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six will boast in excess of 400 kW (up on the M4 Competition’s peak of 375 kW). The same reports claim the CSL will be available only in rear-wheel-drive guise, fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.
It will surely also benefit from a raft of weight-saving measures (perhaps even ditching the rear seats) and sport oodles of carbon-fibre and Alcantara. Production is unlikely to exceed 1 000 units, ensuring a suitable degree of exclusivity.
The new M4 CSL is expected to be at the very centre of the BMW M division’s 50th anniversary celebration. Indeed, the German firm’s own “50 years of mean machinery – BMW M cars and their ancestors” judging class will be documented at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. We’ll have more details for you then…