BMW Confirms that the Manual M3 CS Will Be Exclusive to North America and Will Feature Rear-Wheel Drive Only.

      BMW

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      I don't want to claim that North America lacks exciting cars, because it clearly doesn’t. However, I never thought BMW would solely offer a manual M3 CS here. That’s exactly what we're seeing with the new limited-edition Handschalter, as the German manufacturer demonstrates its willingness to pay attention to its fans occasionally.

      BMW unveiled the model on Monday, proudly highlighting the highly sought-after combination of a six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and fully track-tuned specs. Additionally, the Handschalter forgoes the normal M3 CS’s xDrive system in favor of a pure two-wheel-drive configuration. While you could deactivate the front axle through the car's iDrive settings, it still carried the additional weight regardless.

      This setup not only enhances the car's engagement and drift capability, but it also makes it up to 75 pounds lighter than a standard M3, depending on the options you choose. BMW incorporated plenty of carbon fiber, titanium, and forged aluminum alloy into the M3 CS Handschalter to achieve this goal. To attain the lightest curb weight possible, the Bimmer must come equipped with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, forged wheels, and titanium exhaust. There’s also an option for a lightweight strut tower brace that costs $1,100, should you desire an even more rigid and connected feel.

      There is, however, a downside to the Handschalter: you sacrifice some power by opting for the six-speed manual. Instead of the standard CS’s 550 horsepower, you're left with the regular M3’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine producing 473 hp. BMW claims it will still reach 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 180 mph, which is certainly quick enough.

      I quite like the design—particularly the interior, where the carbon looks understated and the red accents are well-executed. The M bucket seats are visually appealing, and I suspect they'll keep you securely in place as you navigate corners. Not much else has changed from the familiar M3 CS, so you'll either appreciate it or not at this stage.

      The CS already had an aggressive nature, but now it offers even greater control. This serves as an appropriate farewell to the sixth-generation M3, which wasn't the most popular, yet its performance capabilities are undeniable. BMW seems to be making strides with the Neue Klasse design language, and perhaps—just perhaps—it will be sufficient to make people forget about the enormous kidney grilles characteristic of this generation.

      Nonetheless, I’m sure anyone driving the M3 CS Handschalter won’t care about its appearance while they shift from fourth to third gear, playfully causing the rear end to slide out.

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