BMW ->ke178 offered the M3 CSL only for the 2004 model year, and it produced only 1,400 units. The M3 CSL was 240 pounds lighter than the standard M3, offered an updated suspension, a more aggressive body kit and an upgraded transmission. In fact, the model enjoyed so much success that Jeremy Clarkson himself named it "BMW at its absolute best."
The only problem is that the history is not about to repeat itself, as BMW has no plans to offer a CSL version -- or anything like it -- of the new M3 and M4 . That's because, according to Matt Collins product manager for BMW's small to medium cars, the current M3 and M4 model are as light as they can possible get: "they come in under 1500kgs (3300 pounds), which for a car like this is incredible."
This may be depressing to some Bimmer fans, but it also goes to show that BMW really put everything it had into these models. We cannot help but tip our hats to the German automaker.
Click past the jump to read more about the BMW M3 and M4.
BMW unveiled the new-generation M3 sedan and M4 coupe back in December 2013, before the two cars were initially launched on the virtual world of Gran Turismo 6 racing game.
Both models use a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, I-6 that delivers 425 horsepower between 5,500 and 7,300 rpm, and 406 pound-feet of torque between 1,850 and 5,500 rpm. The engine is mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed M Double Clutch transmission.
The M3 and M4 sprint to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with the seven-speed transmission or 4.1 seconds with the manual version.