Bmw unleashes a manual m3: a purist's dream
BMW is throwing a wrench into the turbocharged world of performance cars with the M3 CS Handschalter – a limited-edition model that dares to do things differently.
A return to roots: the exclusive six-speed
Forget the digital onslaught; BMW is stubbornly clinging to a legacy. The M3 CS Handschalter is the only production vehicle to offer a traditional six-speed manual transmission paired with rear-wheel drive. This isn’t a nostalgic gesture; it’s a deliberate statement, harking back to the Z4 M40i’s limited-run manual, a move that signals a renewed appreciation for driver engagement – a commodity increasingly rare in modern Automotive design. The unveiling is slated for May 23rd at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
But don’t mistake this for a simple nostalgia trip. The M3 CS Handschalter retains the heart of the M3 CS, boasting a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine producing 473 horsepower – a slight reduction from the standard model’s 543. This translates to a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 290 mph. A significant weight reduction, achieved through strategic design choices, brings the manual version nearly 34 kilograms lighter than its all-wheel-drive counterpart.
BMW has meticulously recalibrated the steering and throttle response to prioritize the driving experience, tweaking the suspension geometry and employing the same dampers as the M4 CSL. This isn’t just a transmission swap; it’s a carefully considered evolution of a legendary formula. The car will be available in two exclusive colors – Isle of Man Green and Sapphire Black Metallic – with the latter offered as a no-cost option.
However, this commitment to analog driving comes at a price. The M3 CS Handschalter will be exclusively available in the United States and Canada, with a starting price of $107,100 – roughly $92,000 USD. Adding shipping and handling fees pushes the total cost to a hefty $108,500. This represents a considerable premium over the standard M3 (starting at $79,300) and the recently discontinued M3 CS (priced at $118,700). It’s a gamble, betting that a select audience still craves the visceral thrill of a manual gearbox in a high-performance machine. Frankly, it’s a bold move – and one that BMW hopes will resonate with those who remember what driving was really about.