As cool as the big, V8-powered Vision BMW Alpina we just wrote about is, there’s something to be said for when BMW goes back to its roots of light, quick, rear-wheel-driven sports cars.
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
Enter the 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter edition, a model built exclusively for North America with just 40 units coming to Canada.
For those of you not well versed in German: Handschalter literally translates to “hand switch” but here, “switch” is to be used in context with “switching gears”. That’s right; to celebrate the end of the road for the current sixth-generation (G81) M3, BMW is re-introducing a manual transmission – with rear-wheel-drive, a clutch pedal and everything!
It will be available only in four colours – Isle of Man Green, Black Sapphire, Imola Red II and Techno Violet Metallic – and with standard Style 927M wheels finished in either Gold Bronze – yes, those are technically two different metal types; we’re confused as well — or Matte Black. High performance street tires as well as more track-specific tire choices will be available, as well as optional weight-saving carbon ceramic brakes. M Compound steel brakes come as standard.
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
In order to accommodate the manual ‘box, the Handschalter gets specific steering tuning and settings for the various electronic driver aides. It also gets new springs and rear axle link as well as the shocks from the even more hi-po CSL version.
Being a CS model, the Handschalter already has a leg up on the rest of the M3 line-up thanks to standard carbon bucket seats, targeted use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic for the roof (where it’s unpainted and exposed ), hood (where it’s partially unpainted and exposed), front splitter, rear spoiler, rear diffuser and more. There’s even a titanium exhaust system, shaving a further 3.5 kilos (8 pounds) off the curb weight. Other CS-specific adds include racecar-like yellow daytime running lights, gloss black side skirts and mirror caps and frameless kidney grille.
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
Static looks are one thing, but this is a car that wants to be driven. In that light, BMW has included M Drive Pro on the CS Handschalter edition. That will track your drift angles, the lap times on your favourite race tracks and they’ve also included M Traction Control that provides ten – ten! – different settings.
Power from turbocharged S58 inline-six-cylinder engine is rated at 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, helping provide a 4.2-second 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint from stop.
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter
Inside, we also find Harman Kardon premium audio, head-up display, heated steering wheel and most of the safety aides you can think of.
But, really, does any of that matter? It has a stick, for goodness sakes!