This year is a special one for Valentino Rossi as on February 16, the MotoGP legend, who is currently a works driver for BMW M, celebrated his 46th birthday.
The number 46 is a big deal for the nine-time world champion. So to mark the occasion, BMW introduced the exclusive M4 CS Edition VR46, designed by The Doctor himself. It is available in two versions, Sport and Style, with each version limited to only 46 units.
What sets the M4 CS Edition VR46 apart from the standard version? First and foremost, it features BMW Individual paint inspired by Rossi’s preferred tones and expressive visual style.
The Sport version comes in Marina Bay Blue metallic with a large ’46’ in Tanzanite Blue metallic, while the Style differs slightly, with a body in Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic and the ’46’ in Frozen Marina Bay Blue.
Of course, Rossi is not Rossi without his signature bright yellow hue. On this car, the colour can be found on the grille outline, one of the V spokes in the forged M light-alloy wheels, the brake calipers, and over the door frames of the “Sport” variant. The carbon fibre roof is adorned with the VR46 logo and Rossi’s signature, also in the same yellow.
The use of yellow doesn’t stop there. The interior, predominantly Night Blue, is highlighted with Sao Paulo Yellow trim on the M Carbon bucket seats. The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara with, you guessed it, yellow stitching and a yellow centre marker.
Finally, each M4 CS Edition VR46 comes with a production serial badge on the carbon-fibre centre console.
There are no mechanical upgrades, as the M4 CS is already speedy enough. Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine tuned to produce a healthy 550 PS and 650 Nm.
With an eight-speed Steptronic transmission driving all four wheels via the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, the M4 CS can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 302 km/h with the standard M Driver’s Package.
Prices have not been disclosed, but whatever the cost, it promises to be well worth it. This is because all 92 individuals who are lucky enough to be able to purchase one will be invited to take part a very special two-day experience in Italy.
On the first day, customers will enjoy a BBQ with Rossi at the VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia, while on the second day, they will be taken to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the BMW M Driving Experience, where they can drive the latest BMW M models.
