The output for the M4 CS was confirmed in a Bimmerpost forum entry that shows screenshots from an internal database. Therein, the special edition’s output of 405 kW (543 hp) is confirmed, as is that drive will go to all four wheels. Curiously, a question mark appears alongside all mentions of transmission type.
Sadly, we doubt that this is a hint of a manual transmission because BMW still limits manual output to 473 hp; before the current M3 and M4 arrived, Munich said that the manual transmission would not be able to handle more power than this, and considering that power claims tend to be on the conservative side, any more would probably melt the clutch far too often.
Those with aftermarket experience know this is a somewhat weak excuse, but since the M4 CS will carry the weight of an AWD system, it may as well have paddle shifters, too. Regardless, if the M3 CS is anything to go by (it’s an award winner, after all), the M4 CS will be truly intoxicating.
