There are few names in the world of motorsport as well-known as Valentino Rossi. The ‘Doctor’ as he became known, excelled as a motorcycle racer. After hanging up his leathers he opted for four wheels and has been part of BMW’s works outfit since the start of 2023. As a BMW M works driver, he has been plying his trade at the wheel of a BMW M4 GT3 for BMW M Team WRT. To celebrate Rossi turning 46, also his famous race number, BMW’s M division has created the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46.

Fittingly, a limited numner of units will be produced, with ten heading for SA later this year. Even better is that buying a BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 also comes with an opportunity to meet Rossi at his home in Tavullia, Italy. Additionally, owners will get to enjoy a BMW M Driving Experience at the Misano race circuit with the ‘Doctor’ as well.

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There is no other brand that has motorsport so deeply rooted in its DNA as BMW M. I am proud to be a BMW M works driver, and to share this passion. The fact that there is now a special VR46 edition, in which I was involved from the very beginning of the design process, makes me proud. When I see the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 out on the road or on the race track later, it will be very cool
– Valentino Rossi 

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Two Flavours

Rossi himself was involved in the design process. Two version will be on offer: Sport and Style. The  number 46, which is Rossi’s trademark, features prominently in several places on and inside the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46. For example, on the doors and the roof, which is made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Other distinctive features include a host of exclusive exterior and interior details. The overall colour concept of the two design versions is inspired by Valentino Rossi’s preferred tones. The BMW M kidney grille outline and one of the V spokes in the forged M light-alloy wheels – which indicates the position of the tyre valve – are painted in bright yellow, as are the brake calipers. The tailgate also features VR46 lettering.

The yellow accents continue in the interior. The M Carbon bucket seats come with Merino leather upholstery in the Black/Night Blue colour combination. Yellow accents on the shoulder area create contrast. The head restraints, like the door sill trims, feature a yellow VR46 logo. Furthermore, the M Alcantara steering wheel comes with yellow contrast stitching and a yellow centre marker. Each car is identified by badge stating “1/46”, identifying each Sport or Style car as one of the limited run.

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CS Power

The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 uses the same 3,0-litre, six‑cylinder in-line engine as the ‘regular’ CS variant. Peak power is rated as 405 kW. An eight-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the all-wheel-drive system. BMW says the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3,4 seconds, and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11,1 seconds. . The top speed of this version, with the M Driver’s Package as standard, is electronically limited to 302 km/h. BMW also states that the suspension tuning is unique to the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46. This includes bespoke wheel camber settings, damper tuning, auxiliary springs and new anti-roll bars.