BMW Devotes 20 Hours Perfecting the Paint of the M4 CS VR46 | Carscoops

      M4 CS Edition VR46 commemorates the 46th birthday of motorcycle champion and BMW M driver Valentino Rossi.

      BMW is celebrating Valentino Rossi’s birthday with the M4 CS Edition VR46.

      The VR46 Sport and Style models feature unique paint jobs and are limited to just 46 units each.

      Owners also have the opportunity to meet Rossi at his residence and drive the M lineup on the racetrack.

      Typically, turning 46 wouldn't warrant a special celebration. It's merely another milestone in the journey of balancing youthfulness and the anxieties of aging. However, for a nine-time motorcycle champion and BMW M driver who has raced under the number 46 throughout his career, this birthday is worth recognizing. To commemorate the occasion, BMW created a personalized M4 for Valentino Rossi, which can also be owned by others.

      The M4 CS Edition VR46 consists of special edition M4 CS coupes available in two variants: VR46 Sport and VR46 Style. Production was capped at, as you might expect, 46 units of each, with the vehicles having been manufactured at the Dingolfing plant from February to May. BMW recently released a video showcasing how the unique paint and graphic design of each car was crafted by the team responsible for the 3.0 CSL.

      Related: BMW M4 CS VR46 Is A Valentino Rossi Special Costing $155k

      The Sport versions come in Marina Bay Blue metallic, featuring large “46” graphics in Tanzanite Blue metallic, accented with yellow highlights on the BMW M kidney grille, brake calipers, and forged wheels for added visual appeal.

      Opt for the Style version, and the color scheme is inverted. The body is adorned with frozen Tanzanite Blue, while the “46” is depicted in Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic, again highlighted with yellow accents. Both models showcase Rossi’s signature and the VR46 logo on the carbon roof.

      The distinctive paint and graphics were applied by a dedicated team in a separate section of BMW's Dingolfing facility, distinct from the main M4 assembly line. After receiving a partially completed stock CS, the team sanded down the surface to enhance paint adhesion, applied large stencils for the “46” numbers and yellow details. Each VR46 underwent 20 hours in the paint shop before returning to the assembly line for a final coat of clear lacquer and roof installation.

      Under the hood, it retains the stock M4 CS engine, a 542 hp (550 PS) 3.0-liter inline six. The interior features additional yellow and blue accents, VR46 logos, and a “1/46” plaque on the carbon console. The real attraction for Rossi’s most dedicated fans is the opportunity to meet him at his VR46 Motor Ranch home in Italy and participate in a BMW M Driving Experience with current BMW M models at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.