[Bumpinjeep]

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Hot off the press, tomorrow the Car and Driver website will have the full article along with videos for the 2023 Lighting Lap.

Since I got my issue first, I can spill some details:

The M4 CSL ran a 2:47.5 time. It was the quickest BMW they tested, besting the M4 GTS and the M5 CS.

The highs: The car weighed 3613 lbs and they believe it makes a lot more than the advertised power (what BMW doesn't right?).

The lows: were the the numb steering and not being able to adjust the carbon seat enough.

Things to note: This is one hero lap, so it's not like a 30 minute session. And the track has also been repaved and widened in some areas in 2014, so comparing past cars is virtually irrelevant. It make sense only comparing the car to the cars tested in the same event at the same time. At 2:47.5, the car is freaking moving.

Also some things to note:
M240i xDrive did a 3:00.6 lap.
i4 M50 did a 3:04.7 lap.

The article and full videos with results can be found here: https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...ning-lap-2023/

[NightWriter]

For reference, some previous C/D VIR results:

2018 Porsche 911 GT3, 2:47.0
2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, 2:47.0
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2:47.1
2016 McLaren 570S, 2:47.4
2015 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, 2:47.5
2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S, 2:47.8
2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, 2:48.6
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51, 2:49.0
2019 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4Matic, 2:49.3
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, 2:49.4
...
2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive, 2:53.5

I'd say the 2:47.5 time for the CSL is impressive.

[ScullyD]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

For reference:

2018 Porsche 911 GT3, 2:47.0
2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, 2:47.0
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2:47.1
2016 McLaren 570S, 2:47.4
2024 BMW M4 CSL, 2:47.5
2015 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, 2:47.5
2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S, 2:47.8
...
2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive, 2:53.5

I'd say the 2:47.5 time for the CSL is impressive.

It’s comparable against the last generation GT3, not the new one.

Also, I hear the numb steering argument but this was another comparo/track test in sub 50 degree F weather. I think the opinions on the steering feel would be slightly improved if the weather was warmer.

[SYT_Shadow]

It's an impressive time. Bear in mind this barely has any aero.

A good showing for BMW.

[BRAKE!]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

For reference, some previous C/D VIR results:

2018 Porsche 911 GT3, 2:47.0
2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, 2:47.0
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2:47.1
2016 McLaren 570S, 2:47.4
2015 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, 2:47.5
2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S, 2:47.8
2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, 2:48.6
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51, 2:49.0
2019 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4Matic, 2:49.3
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, 2:49.4
...
2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive, 2:53.5

I'd say the 2:47.5 time for the CSL is impressive.

Hats off to the CSL, but when I was scanning the chart above, the C7 GS's time is, wow. And to think that that was in 2017...

[kiw1]

Great to see the CSL getting some positive press. Do you know if the G80X had the same tires as the CSL?

[///393]

Big grip with Cup2R and big power have this effect, but big weight can’t hide for long.

[HeelToeShift]

Originally Posted by ScullyD

It’s comparable against the last generation GT3, not the new one.

Also, I hear the numb steering argument but this was another comparo/track test in sub 50 degree F weather. I think the opinions on the steering feel would be slightly improved if the weather was warmer.

I don’t agree it’s at all comparable to the previous gen GT3. Let us not forget the CSL is wearing cup2R tires whereas the previous GT3 was only on a Cup2. The R is worth probably 3 seconds on this track. Even out the tires and the CSL is still 3.5 seconds off. Again, just keeping apples to apples here. CSL does feel like it’s a 600 plus hp car and would not be surprised if it was truly making that type of power.

The GT4 RS did 2:40.5. That is a monsterously fast lap for a car that doesn’t even have 500 hp (and NA with no turbo torque to help)

[GTP_M3]

6 seconds off of the M3 xDrive is pretty big.

I know that car had the buckets and I assume the CCBs as well.

I wonder if the xDrive would make the CSL even faster. From what I’ve seen on another track, the xDrive made a noticeable difference versus the RWD on a track tested by the same driver.

[Skyscraper]

Originally Posted by HeelToeShift

The GT4 RS did 2:40.5. That is a monsterously fast lap for a car that doesn’t even have 500 hp (and NA with no turbo torque to help)

That GT4RS would be a must have car if it weren’t for the 110db interior sound levels that have been recorded.
The engine is too loud inside. That’s the same as a car horn inside the car.

[Mark Kez]

Splitting hairs, the damn thing is fast, period!!

[M3WC]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

I'd say the 2:47.5 time for the CSL is impressive.

Is it really?

2.5 seconds slower than a Camaro ZL1 1LE they tested in 2019.

Originally Posted by ScullyD

It’s comparable against the last generation GT3, not the new one.

992 GT3 did a 2:40.6

Different league.

[SeanWRT]

The Cup2R should be responsible for at least 1s per minute over the PS4S. Add 3s and look again for truth.

[r0wr]

Hard to compare given different track conditions and modification of track but it’s a pretty unimpressive time given the cost. Cars that came out 5 years ago are putting our similiar numbers with lower cost. That’s not value at all. The weight of it is ridiculously heavy as well.

[Hawkdog]

Originally Posted by kiw1

Great to see the CSL getting some positive press. Do you know if the G80X had the same tires as the CSL?

Nope, it was on PS4S. Also, BMW didn’t send extra tires last year so they drove the BMWs far less than other manufacturers cars to conserve tires.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Mark Kez

Splitting hairs, the damn thing is fast, period!!

I agree. People will do anything to minimize how fast and capable the car is for its class and what it brings to the table. When it’s slower than expected, people will bite at every criticism, but when it performs people will do everything not to give it credit.

[kjx]

Originally Posted by 6speed_M2

I wonder if the xDrive would make the CSL even faster.

Probably why the CS is being released after the CSL. They are making the variants progressively better? Of course, it may be a "better-in-some-situations-but-not-in-others" story overall.

RWD -> AWD -> CSL -> CS -> 3.0 CSL?

Assuming the 3.0 CSL is indeed the best at high speeds.

[VIERsr]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

For reference, some previous C/D VIR results:

2018 Porsche 911 GT3, 2:47.0
2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, 2:47.0
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2:47.1
2016 McLaren 570S, 2:47.4
2015 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, 2:47.5
2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S, 2:47.8
2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, 2:48.6
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51, 2:49.0
2019 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4Matic, 2:49.3
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, 2:49.4
...
2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive, 2:53.5

I'd say the 2:47.5 time for the CSL is impressive.

Are you serious??
If that's true, the M4CSL's time is pretty disappointing.
And none of the cars on that list had sticky tires like the Cup2R, so no, I don't see any miracles.

[SliChillax]

The Z06 did it in 2:38.6 that’s absolutely nuts wtf

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by BRAKE!

Hats off to the CSL, but when I was scanning the chart above, the C7 GS's time is, wow. And to think that that was in 2017...

Right? Scanning the list that popped right out at me. Wild!

[hotrod182]

The i4 being 4 seconds off the pace of a much smaller and 1100lb lighter M240ixdrive is a pretty decent showing. Wish they would have included a Model 3 performance, or are there previous times on the Tesla?

[HeelToeShift]

Originally Posted by VIERsr

Are you serious??
If that's true, the M4CSL's time is pretty disappointing.
And none of the cars on that list had sticky tires like the Cup2R, so no, I don't see any miracles.

Yes this is absolutely true. And to think if it had been equipped with the Cup2R (same tire as the CSL) it would be about 3 seconds faster than that. Idk how Porsche does it with this car. Not that much power, heavy as can be at nearly 5k lbs, no real aero, and built to be a luxury car first and foremost.