Forget CSL, BMW May Bring Back Another Special M3

The recent unveiling of the 2022BMW M3 SedanandM4 Coupewith optional xDrive all-wheel-drive is a major change for these formerly rear-wheel-drive-only vehicles.Adding AWDwill help BMW sell its sportiest 3 and 4 Series models to more buyers who live in cold weather climates and can now drive their cars year-round. While the AWD M3 and M4 should be swift, BMW is working on something special for the drivers who aren't looking for a compliant daily driver and instead want something more track-focused.

We've spotted BMW testing a morehardcore M4 version, and the four-door M3 will likely receive a track-focused special as well. BMW's M Division has already hinted at plans to reveal aspecial car on its 50th birthdayin 2022, possibly bringing back a name from its heritage. This new model was previously rumored to revive the Coupe Sport Lightweight (CSL) name last used on the E46 M3, but a recent patent filing has us thinking otherwise.

On May 7, 2021, BMW filed for two trademarks with the German DPMA. The first was for "Evo Sport", which may ring a bell for M3 aficionados. The E30 M3 historically had a special model called the Sport Evo (short for Sport Evolution), which was one of therarest M3 special editions, with only 600 units produced as a Group A homologation car. This M3 variant (pictured below) was radically different from the standard car, only sharing its hood. It featured extreme changes like a wider track, upgraded struts, thinner glass, extra cooling ducts in place of fog lights, an adjustable rear wing, and a power increase. We believe these early trademarks could indicate a similar name is to be revived, or perhaps BMW could just be preventing someone else from snagging something too similar to its own historic nameplate.