The current BMW M4 caused controversy like no other when it was unveiled. The controversy wasn’t down to how it went about its business of delivering an exciting but smoother driving experience when compared to it’s predecessor. It also was not down to how mind-bogglingly fast it is. The controversy came down purely to the way it looks. Now let me just be blunt. I think they missed the mark when it comes to the styling.

Now that we have got that out of the way, Bimmer anoraks will be quiet pleased to know that an iconic acronym is set to return. Thankfully it’s not the back breaking “GTS”. No. The acronym that will return for BMW M’s 50th anniversary is: “CSL”. Very serious as some of the most revered M cars bear this designation.

The upcoming M4 CSL is slated to be revealed in the very near future. The news is looking good so far. It’s going to be exclusively rear-wheel driven. It’s also going to be lightened by around 100 kilograms. It doesn’t appear to be much considering the fact that the M4 is not a light car. To counteract the effects of weight, BMW have fiddled with the 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged straight-six, which is now rumored to deliver 550 horsepower. It doesn’t end there. It’ll have lighter wheels, lighter bucket seats, an upgraded suspension system and a wider track to accommodate the wider tyres. Much like the critically acclaimed M3 CSL, power will be sent through an automatic gearbox. Unlike it’s predecessor, which used an automated manual gearbox, the M4 will be using the familiar and robust torque converter automatic transmission. The upshot is it won’t be a nightmare to potter about in day-to-day conditions.

According to BMWBlog, the production run of the CSL is said to be 1000 units for the world. Most of the units will be headed towards North American markets. Disappointed? Don’t despair, the M4 CS is on the horizon as well. The M4 CS is rumored for 2023 and there will also be an M3 CS. Are those cars too hardcore for you? How about the upcoming M3 Touring to get the blood pumping? Or what about the hotly anticipated M2? Both the M3 Touring and M2 are to be revealed towards the end of 2022. It’s going to be a very busy year for BMW. Could this be a return to form? I’m holding thumbs it is.