BMW‘s M division has previewed its latest high-performance project – an even hotter version of the M3 Touring.
Teased in a brief social media clip and manufactured ‘spy’ shot, the camouflaged wagon will almost certainly be dubbed the M3 CS (Touring, following in the footsteps of Competition Sport-badged performance flagship versions of the M3 sedan and M4 coupe.
Production is expected to be limited to fewer than 2000 examples worldwide, as was the case with the M3 CS sedan.
Photographs taken at the Nurburgring suggest that BMW may unleash the M3 CS Touring on the iconic racetrack with the goal of breaking the lap record for production wagons, currently held by the regular M3 Touring with a time of seven minutes and 35 seconds.
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Source: BMW M Instagram
It’s not yet known what specific changes the M3 CS Touring will receive above the existing hot wagon, though it’s likely to closely follow the existing formula.
In CS tune, the M3’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six engine produces 30kW more than the M3 Competition, taking it to 405kW, while torque remains at 650Nm.
The CS sedan can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, two-tenths quicker than the M3 Competition xDrive.
An all-wheel drive system and eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission are to remain.
Other upgrades from the CS sedan will likely be applied to the Touring, with some variation between the body styles.
Such enhancements could include a performance exhaust, track-ready tyres, bespoke stability control and M drive modes, a more aggressive wheel alignment, and CS-specific auxiliary springs, anti-roll bars, electronically controlled dampers and variable ratio steering.
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Source: BMW M Instagram
Lightness is another element of the CS ethos, with weight-saving measures for the M3 sedan including the fitment of a carbon-fibre roof, bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler.
The carbon fibre treatment also made its way into the cabin, specifically on the centre console, shift paddles and other trim strips.
While BMW is yet to reveal the M3 CS Touring or confirm it for Australia, our market has previously received limited-run models, and the hotter wagon is expected to be no exception.
If it does come here, the M3 CS Touring is likely to receive a sharp price increase above its usual $186,900 before on-road costs sticker, given the M3 CS sedan was $65,000 more than the Competition xDrive upon which it was based.
MORE: Everything BMW M3
