What's all this then?

This is the BMW M3 CS.

Standard M3 not quick enough for you, then?

Apparently not, no, because BMW has given this one an extra 10hp (boosting it to 460hp) and more torque too (now up to 600Nm). This gives the M3, says BMW, 'supercar acceleration' of 3.9 seconds for 0-62mph and a top speed of 174mph.

Fast, then.

Yup. Light too. BMW has sprayed the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic catalogue at the M3 CS, resulting in a kerb weight of 1,560kg. Thank the carbon bonnet and front air intake and splitter for much of that, although BMW doesn't expect you to do without luxuries for your lightweight special - you can still have air conditioning and a Harmon-Kardon stereo.

Any changes to the engine?

Not really, aside from the mild power boost. It's the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six as before, with variable valve timing. It does get a new, noisier, sports exhaust system though, and while the suspension (Adaptive M dampers, Active M rear diff) is also unchanged from the standard car, there are new super-light wheels (forged alloy, 20-inch items at the back, 19-inch ones at the front) and they're wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

Composite brakes come as standard and you can have light, powerful carbon-ceramic stoppers as an option.

Inside, you get lots of leather and Alcantara in silver and black, plus a smattering of M3 CS logos.

Pricey?

A bit, yes. You can order in January for March delivery and the price tag starts at £86,380.

Neil Briscoe - 8 Nov 2017