BMW M4, Lexus RC-F and Porsche Cayenne as collector's items
Collector's editions of civilian series cars add flavor to the brand's broth for automakers. ntv.de took a look at three models: BMW M4 CSL, Lexus RC-F Track Edition, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid with GT Package.
This is a slight narrowing: Civilian series cars, as discussed here, do not necessarily belong to the truly exotic or elite category, with the exception of the BMW M3. While a base RC-F (which is no longer available in Germany) may seem exotic, the Porsche Cayenne is a fixture of the local road scene. But auto enthusiasts need their dream cars. And these cannot always be standalone special models due to cost considerations.
Instead, derivatives of existing series are made a bit sleeker, stronger, and sportier. And exclusive. Case in point: BMW M3. While the base model of this series is relatively affordable and an M4 is within reach for many freelancers, the CSL could be a stretch. BMW created a very special M3 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the M GmbH. It weighs around 1,6 tons, about 100 kilograms less than the regular model - the carbon fiber roof contributes to this and BMW's engineers have also removed the rear seat. In addition, they have put in a great deal of effort and even provided the M3 with specific lightweight wheels.
Another unique feature comes about through elimination: The CSL (which stands for "Sport" and "light") is powered by a 550 PS inline-six engine that only drives the rear wheels, meaning there is no weight-adding all-wheel drive. One should handle the right pedal with care, especially in wet conditions: Please avoid unwanted tail swings.
The M4 CSL is a grip monster
The Michelin Sport Pilot tires specifically developed for the CSL are quite the grip monster (3.7 seconds to 100 km/h). No wonder the Bavarian burns a mere seven minutes and 18 seconds around the famous Nordschleife race track. This lap time is just the beginning.
On the other hand, the CSL, despite its adjusted suspension, is not unbearably harsh, making it a suitable tourer for long stretches. The sports seats look worse than they feel, and although BMW is known to favor the manual transmission, a rather smooth eight-speed automatic transmission is used here.
The RC-F, with its 4.71-meter exterior length, is a rather compact tourer as a luxury car for automotive gourmets - not just because a powerful V8 roars beneath the hood, but also because this particular Lexus is hardly on anyone's radar in this country. That provides individuality points.
The Track Edition is even more unique. Like BMW, Lexus focuses on lightweight construction for this special model. The carbon fiber roof is back in play, and there's also distinctive carbon fiber for the front hood and a large spoiler on the trunk lid. In addition, there are Brembo brakes and a particularly light titan exhaust system. When the RC-F comes around the corner in white, it looks wildly aggressive and drifts into the prolific.
Japanese automotive specialty: Lexus RC-F [
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Despite that, a Japanese automobile specialty on our roads is this Lexus, with only a handful of examples. And the touring qualities of the 270 km/h top speed rear-wheel drive sedan prove its stiff but not maximally hard chassis. So, should one really chase the 464 PS beast with its decent growling eight-cylinder engine around the Nordschleife? No, as there are other, much better suited track tools than this 1.8-tonner. Then, enjoy the exotic instead on leisurely autobahn laps in the relatively comfortable seats with sporty-looking Alcantara upholstery, without grumbling when the typical Lexus infotainment system poses a puzzle once again. But at least the large tachometer with a scale up to 340 km/h looks cool.
As a new car, this extroverted Coupé costs 117,850 Euro. The eight-speed tiptronic transmission is of course standard and ensures a comfortable ride. The Asian makes it to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, making it sovereign. Hurry up, as the manufacturer has announced that the V8 will soon be discontinued.
No such concern with the third offering presented here. It's the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupé with GT-Package. Since it's a hybrid, the SUV defies strict CO2 emissions regulations. And since it can store around 26 kWh of electricity, the electric driving components are accordingly generous. But driving purely electric with the top-Turbo? Not really, as we want to hear the eight-cylinder engine. And we do, distinctly under load. Outside, the distinctive twin exhaust pipes in a central arrangement - just like the Lexus, made of titanium.
Lower chassis and carbon fiber roof for the top Cayenne
The top Cayenne also sets itself apart dynamically from the civilian models with a ten millimeter lower suspension. However, adaptive rear suspension and active roll stabilization are only available as options. And what about the weight? A significant 100 kilograms have been taken out by the engineers compared to the version without the GT-Package. And the famous CFK roof is also in play. But 2.5 tons of curb weight are still a lot. And although the sportiest Cayenne feels great around corners and provides a firm feeling on the ceramic brakes, it's still more of a tourer than a racing pro. Why bring a 4.93 meter long and 1.65 meter high vehicle to the track? It doesn't have to be.
However, one can still enjoy the fact that this Cayenne is special. But is it a real collector's item? Not really. But maybe it's the perfect everyday vehicle for auto enthusiasts whose garages already house BMW M4 CSL and Lexus RC-F Track Edition models waiting for their next outing? The Cayenne certainly provides fun, as one chases the 950 Newton-meters of torque from the 599-PS eight-cylinder engine and 176 PS electric motor through the eight-speed automatic.
The Porsche even beats the CSL in terms of acceleration, taking a tenth of a second (3.6 seconds) off the BMW's time to 100 km/h. However, the BMW has a higher top speed by two km/h (307 km/h). The Cayenne will therefore reach 305 km/h. Unfortunately, there's no towing hitch for the sporty SUV, as the exhaust system is in the way. Then it would have been a real workhorse. The candidate with the highest utility value in this trio is definitely its 1,344 liter cargo space volume.
Pricewise, he leads with the trio at 215,600 Euro. The M4 CSL is no longer available new, but it could still be a solid financial investment given the strict limitation, especially if one can park 140,000 Euro in cash. Of course, BMW also considers its own financial situation and offers New Car Buyers an alternative with the M4 Clubsport for 160,000 Euro, but only with all-wheel drive, which is not as appealing.
The most affordable is Lexus. And if one is not skillful with their dealer, they will surely find something on the used car market for five-figure prices. And by the way: The RC-F is so exotic here that it is also worth considering as a conventional model without the Carbon roof and spoiler as a collector's item.
In contrast to the base RC-F, which is less common in Germany, luxury car enthusiasts can explore the unique features of the Lexus RC-F Track Edition, featuring a carbon fiber roof and hood, Brembo brakes, and a lightweight titanium exhaust system.
Moreover, automotive enthusiasts can broaden their collections to include diverse options such as Porsche Models, BMW Models, and Lexus Models, each offering specialized features tailored to their respective markets and target audiences.
