We all knew it was coming and at the Shanghai Auto Show, BMW has unveiled the M4 CS, a potent variant that slots between the M4 Competition Package and the range-topping M4 GTS.

While BMW hasn’t gone into specific production numbers, it’s believed that as with the GTS, production of the M4 CS will be capped, as the Germans will manufacture the special edition only until the middle of next year,

Being that the production run of the GTS has already concluded, the CS is now the most potent M4 in the company’s range.

The modifications start with the engine. BMW’s M division has tweaked the familiar 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine to now deliver 454 hp and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. Those figures represent a 29hp and 37 lb-ft leap over the standard M4 and are 10 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the M4 Competition package.

BMW has also taken inspiration from the GTS by employing a number of weight saving measures for the M4 CS. They include the roof, trunklid spoiler, diffuser and front splitter all being made from lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Additionally, new lightweight door trims have been fitted alongside door pull loops. This results in a 32 kg (71 lbs) weight saving over the M4 and 10 kg (22 lbs) over the M4 Competition Package.

When working in conjunction with the standard dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission, the weight savings and extra grunt propel the M4 CS from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in a mere 3.9 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than the M4 Competition Package. The top speed meanwhile sits at a limited 174 mph (278 km/h). BMW says that it lapped the ‘Ring in 7 min and 38 seconds, which makes it slower than the GTS (7:27.88), and just as fast as the Porsche 991 Carrera S.

Other mechanical modifications to the CS include optional 6-piston front and 4-piston gold calipers with carbon ceramic brakes, stiffer springs and dampers, larger roll bars and 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels as standard. The car also gets the same 80 mm (3.1-inch) tailpipes as the M4 Competition Package.

Customers will be able to opt between exterior colors including Lime Rock Grey metallic, Alpine White, San Marino Blue metallic, Sapphire Black metallic and Frozen Dark Blue II.

In Germany, the BMW M4 CS will be priced at €116,900 or €40,200 more than the regular M4 Coupe that starts at €76,700. US and Canadian pricing have yet to be announced, but expect the CS to cost over $100,000 when it lands in North America in early 2018.

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