Valentino Rossi, the legendary motorcycle racer, has transitioned seamlessly into the world of four-wheeled motorsport, now competing as a BMW M works driver in the World Endurance Championship. To honor this remarkable athlete's enduring legacy, BMW has unveiled two exclusive, limited-edition renditions of the road-going BMW M4 CS, aptly named the Edition VR46. These special models, celebrating Rossi's iconic racing number, will each be produced in a highly restricted run of just 46 units, ensuring their rarity and collectibility.
The two distinct variants, designated as the Sport and Style editions, share identical mechanical underpinnings, yet each boasts a unique aesthetic that sets them apart from both each other and the standard M4 CS. The M4 CS Edition VR46 Sport is adorned with a captivating Marina Bay Blue metallic finish, highlighted by prominent "46" emblems on the sides, rendered in a striking Tanzanite Blue metallic. In contrast, the Style version exudes a more understated elegance, draped in a Matte Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic hue, complemented by "46" logos in Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic.
The exclusive touches extend beyond the exterior paintwork. Rossi's signature bright yellow color, a hallmark of his racing career, is incorporated into the design, encircling the outer edges of the kidney grilles and adorning the brake calipers and wheels. The Sport version further accentuates its sporty character with fluorescent yellow trimmings along the roof's edges, while both models feature yellow accents on the tailgate. A prominent "VR46" graphic, accompanied by Rossi's signature, is prominently displayed on the roof of each vehicle.
Inside the cabin, the M Carbon bucket seats are upholstered in Merino leather, featuring a sophisticated Black/Night Blue color scheme. Sao Paulo Yellow Alcantara accents on the shoulder areas and a yellow VR46 logo on the headrests add a touch of vibrancy and exclusivity. The yellow trimmings continue onto the M Alcantara steering wheel, while a numbered badge on the center console, indicating "1/46," serves as a constant reminder of the car's limited-edition status.
Beneath the hood, the Edition VR46 models retain the standard M4 CS's formidable 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, delivering 543 horsepower to all four wheels. BMW claims the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in a mere 3.4 seconds. However, the German automaker has further enhanced the driving experience by implementing bespoke wheel camber settings and fine-tuning the dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars. The adaptive M suspension has also undergone specific adjustments, ensuring optimal handling and performance.
Owners of these limited-run models will be treated to an exclusive two-day experience in Italy. The first day will involve a visit to Rossi's renowned VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia, providing a unique glimpse into his training grounds. The second day will offer an exhilarating BMW M Driving Experience at the Misano World Circuit, allowing owners to fully appreciate the performance capabilities of their special edition M4 CS. With a starting price of $155,000 in the United States, these exclusive models offer a unique blend of performance, exclusivity, and a direct connection to a motorsport legend.