BMW has just dropped the details for the 2024 M3 Competition Sport (CS), and they’ve teased us with the words “lighter, faster, stronger.” For enthusiasts, these words are certainly attention-grabbers. Regardless of whether I’m battling for my sanity in rush-hour traffic or for tenths of a second off my lap times, a car that is lighter, faster, and stronger sounds much better than one that is heavier, slower, and weaker. Excellent job, BMW marketing department!
At home on the street or track. [Photo courtesy of BMW.]
I’d be checking out my reflection, too. [Photo courtesy of BMW.]
Now with more boost! [Photo courtesy of BMW.]
Yes, it’s all-wheel drive. BMW states, “The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system… uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure smooth and fully variable distribution of power between the front and rear axles.” The CS’s driver-configuration menu allows the driver to switch from the default all-wheel-drive setting to a Sport mode, which “directs even more of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels.” I just can imagine the tires roasting in a full all-wheel-drive drift during the intro to Top Gear as I’m typing this.
Tire-roasting time! [Photo courtesy of BMW.]
M Carbon ceramic brakes are standard as are the forged M light-alloy “double-staggered” wheels, measuring nineteen inches at the front and twenty at the rear. At no extra cost, buyers can opt for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, measuring 275/35-19 at the front and 285/30-20 at the rear.
And what about the M3 CS being “lighter”? Well, it’s about 75 pounds lighter than a standard M3 with M xDrive. BMW accomplishes this by using carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) throughout the interior and exterior. BMW explains, “Besides its carbon-fiber roof, the M3 CS also uses this lightweight, high-tech material for the hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. The center console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips are also made from CFRP. The standard M Carbon bucket seats also reduce weight. Additionally, the titanium rear silencer shaves more than eight pounds off the weight of the exhaust system.”
A titanium rear silencer. [Photo courtesy of BMW.]
M3 CS areo. [Photo courtesy of BMW.]
These should hold you in place in the corners. [Photo courtesy of BMW.]
The curved screen with lots of display space for the M-specific goodies. [Photo courtesy of BMW.]
Based on the press photos, I’d say that the 2024 M3 CS is one mean-looking Signal Green machine. If BMW M continues the trend of lighter, faster, and stronger, they’ll have one happy customer base.—Mike Bevels
[Photos courtesy of BMW.]
