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Could This Prototype Be the 2019 BMW M4 CSL?

2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed) 34 photos
Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)2019 BMW M4 CSL (not confirmed)
Caught by the carparazzi roaming on and around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, this GTS-like test mule appears to be the most extreme version ever of the M4. But what is this car and where does it stack up against the CS and GTS in the lineup?
Back in May 2018, a BMW spokesman confirmed that CSL would be placed higher than the GTS on the automaker’s most hardcore street-going models. Given these circumstances, the hierarchy starts with the M Performance and continues with the M, Competition, CS, GTS, and CSL.

While it remains unknown if BMW will use the CSL nameplate for this M4 GTS with an enormous rear wing and plenty of aerodynamic trickery, it sure seems that’s how the Bavarian company will tread from here on in.

Considering the GTS is limited to 700 examples, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that someone at BMW wants to bring forth another special edition, more special than the previous. Part of the front fender and driver's door appears as if it’s missing something, thickening the plot even further. A closer look at the vehicle reveals an even lower ride height than the GTS, making the CSL vulnerable to undercarriage damage.

A roll cage and rear-seat delete are also visible, plus polycarbonate rear windows. Last, but certainly not least, some of the pictures in the gallery show paddle shifters. That’s right, ladies and gents! Just like the GTS, the CSL comes with the seven-speed M-DCT even though you might prefer the good ol’ six-speed manual over it.

And speaking of the GTS, the CSL is certain to cost more than $133,205 over in the United States of America. An area we’re not too sure that BMW will improve is output. With the water-injection system, the twin-turbocharged S55 engine will gladly offer 500 PS (493 horsepower) and 600 Nm (443 pound-feet) of torque.

On that note, what’s your take on the new Coupe Sport Lightweight?
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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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