Here's How The BMW M3 CS Is Winning The Power Vs Weight Debate

BMW's new M3 CS goes both ways to achieve compelling performance: it gains more power to 542 hp and it is lighter than its M3 Competition sibling

The world of automotive has long been a host to the realm of performance. Even offering from BMW or Mercedes-Benz have become more than just luxury cars that take people from one place to another. They have become vehicles that could move from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time.

In a quest to make their cars quicker and faster, auto companies may add more power. They typically achieve this by installing a large engine with a huge displacement, such as V-8 or V-12 mills. For added boost, they also install a turbocharger or a supercharger. However, the added weight can be cumbersome for the vehicle, chipping away the intended performance.

On the other hand, a vehicle can become quicker and faster by going the other way. Instead of adding power, carmakers can make their vehicles lighter. With the engine not needing to pull extra weight, the car can move at higher speeds. These opposing ends of performance have nurtured the so-called power versus weight debate. A vehicle can go either way to achieve higher levels of performance.

Interestingly, the new 2023 BMW M3 CS is winning the debate between power and weight in its own ways. Apparently, BMW's M Division decided to pursue just one end of the spectrum, but going both ways to achieve a compelling performance for the special edition model.

As the M version of the BMW 3 Series, the M3 sedan is more powerful. To offer greater performance, BMW M installed into the M3 a twin turbo six-cylinder in-line engine. This mill provides 473 hp of max output and 406 lb-ft of peak torque. Then, BMW M released its more potent M3 Competition and M3 Touring siblings, which engine offer more power at 503 hp of max output and 479 lb-ft of peak torque.

Intending the M3 CS to deliver a higher level of performance, BMW M sought to make its six-cylinder in-line engine more powerful. The division implemented a number of carefully tailored modifications, with the aim of high rpm and maximum power delivery. The modifications primarily involved increasing the maximum charge pressure of the twin mono-scroll turbochargers from 1.7 bar to 2.1 bar. BMW M also made model-specific tweaks to the engine management.

Thanks to these modifications, the twin turbo six-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW M3 CS can deliver 542 hp of max output 479 lb-ft of peak torque. Max output becomes available at 6,250 rpm and climaxes at 7,200 rpm. Peak torque is now available from just 2,750 rpm to 5,950 rpm.

Moreover, BMW M fixed a specially designed engine mounting with higher spring rates. This resulted in an extremely rigid connection between the engine and the vehicle structure. This means sharper engine response and direct transmission of power to the drivetrain.

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While BMW M spiced up the M3 CS with power, it also endeavored to make it lighter. BMW's performance primarily achieved by extensively employing parts and components made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). These include elements on the exterior of the hot sedan, such as its roof, hoot, front splitter, front air intakes, and exterior mirror caps, as well as its rear diffuser and rear spoiler.

Inside, BMW M crafted not only the center console, but also the shift paddles on the M Alcantara steering wheel and interior trim strips from CFRP. The M3 CS also comes with M Carbon bucket seats as standard. Fully electric and heated, these seats employ CFRP in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest. Even the cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints employ CRFP.

In addition, the M3 CS comes standard specification with M Compound brakes (M Carbon ceramic brakes optional) and staggered sized forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design. Also helping the car shed weight is its titanium rear silencer for the exhaust system. Overall, these weight design measures made the M3 CS around 44 lbs lighter than the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive.

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By increasing the power of the new 2023 M3 CS and shaving its weight off, BMW is also to increase the performance values of the potent sedan. The combination of a 542-hp inline-six engine, an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and weight-saving measures allow the M3 sedan to win the debate without neglecting each spectrum.

According to BMW, the new M3 CS can zoom from nil to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of around 188 mph. Featuring the M Driver's Package as standard, the hot sedan can even accelerate from zero to 124 mph in just 11.1 second. The M3 CS employs M xDrive all-wheel drive, which can distribute the engine's power between the front and rear wheels.

Also helping the new M3 CS remain stable and rigid despite its lightweight character are high-precision strut braces for the engine compartment, as well as cast aluminum elements connecting the spring strut towers to the front end.

Source: BMW

Julybien Atadero writes from the island of Cebu covering various automotive topics including new sports cars, classic muscles, pickup trucks and SUVs. While I like peace and quiet, I love playing with my kid. When I have nothing else to do, I watch documentaries and animations.