BMW M3 CS Will Go To This Year’s Fastest Qualifier In MotoGP

BMW and MotoGP have a long history together and the two groups have announced this year’s fastest qualifier will receive a special M3 CS.

Unveiled at the Spanish Grand Prix over the weekend, this year’s BMW M Award is an exclusive version of the limited edition M3 CS. It features a Frozen Dark Blue exterior and a two-tone Merino leather interior with an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.

Like the standard M3 CS, the car is powered by a 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine that produces 460 PS (338 kW / 453 hp) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission which enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.9 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

Besides being the most powerful M3 ever created, the model has an Adaptive M suspension, an Active M differential and a specially tuned sports exhaust system. The model also rides on a set of 19- and 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels which are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

The car will be presented to the racer who posts the best qualifying results at the end of the season. As the automaker explained, riders receive points for their positions in qualifying at each Grand Prix and the rider who has picked up the most points will win the BMW M Award.

This is the 20th season that BMW M has been the “Official Car of MotoGP” and the M3 CS will become the 16th vehicle to be given away as a BMW M Award. Last year’s prize was an M4 CS and the 2016 winner received an M2 Coupe.

According to Dorna Sports’ Pau Serracanta, “The new BMW M3 CS is an impressive high-performance car, and I am confident that the prospect of this fantastic prize will provide our riders with even more motivation to give it their all in qualifying.”