BMW is sending off the sixth-generation M3 with a special six-speed manual version

We already know that the next-generation BMW M3 is on the horizon, and there’s a very good chance that it will either be fully electric or have some form of electrification in it, similar to how the BMW M5 and XM utilize it to get monstrous power figures. However, BMW M is making a very special send-off model specifically for the North American market with the BMW M3 CS Handschalter.

This takes the already crazy M3 CS with its weight reduction methods and hardcore track-tuned chassis that the CS models are known for, and strips away the usual eight-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive system in favor of a very enthusiast-focused rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission.

Mated to the legendary S58, a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo straight-six engine with 473 horsepower and 550Nm of torque with a high redline of around 6,250rpm, rowing through the six gears manually can rocket to 0-100kph in around 4.1 seconds.

What makes this different is that this is the lightest M3 in the lineup, being a whole 34kg lighter than the standard M3. This is thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, staggered forged alloy wheels (19-inches up front, 20-inches rear), the optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes, standard M Carbon bucket seats, a titanium exhaust, alongside a bespoke suspension and rear axle link that drops the ride height of the M3 CS Handschalter by 6mm.

Of course, the only way you’d be able to identify this from other M3 CS models out there, apart from looking at the shifter, are the exclusive colors, which are Isle of Man Green and Black Sapphire. Two BMW Individual paint colors taken from the M3’s heritage swatches—Imola Red and Techno Violet— are available for an additional cost.

Quite a fitting send-off for one of the last few true high-powered, ICE-only sports sedans on the market, and this is sadly an exclusive for the North American market unless some very wealthy collector decides to import one via the gray market to the Philippines.

^{Photos from BMW}