BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 celebrates Valentino Rossi’s 46th birthday

Most 46th birthdays do not rank as major landmarks. With 50 approaching, you would normally expect a fairly understated celebration - unless, naturally, 46 holds particular significance.

For Valentino Rossi, it does. Having watched his father compete on motorcycles carrying the number 46, The Doctor chose it when his own career began and has retained it ever since. Rossi has claimed nine world championships and 115 Grands Prix on two wheels; now racing on four, the Italian continues to run number 46 on his BMW M4 GT3. His home town of Tavullia, Italy, has even lowered its usual 50 km/h speed limit to 46 km/h in tribute.

BMW has therefore chosen to mark Rossi’s 46th birthday with a special edition. Meet the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46, which will be limited to - predictably - 46 cars.

BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 Sport and Style variants

Buyers can select either the ‘Sport’ or ‘Style’ version. Sport wears Marina Bay Blue metallic paint, offset by an enormous 46 motif along its flanks in a darker Tanzanite Blue metallic. Style reverses the combination, pairing a more sombre matt Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic finish with a Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic graphic. We are still unclear on the distinction between frozen and defrosted paint, but never mind.

Both editions receive vivid yellow detailing in familiar Rossi fashion. This colour traces the oversized kidney grille, the upper door line and one V-spoke on the forged M-specification wheels. The brake calipers and a graphic across the carbon roof also wear the strikingly bright hue.

Rossi-inspired cabin detailing

Rossi contributed to the VR46’s design, with the blue-and-yellow scheme continuing in the cabin. It includes bespoke leather-trimmed M carbon bucket seats, while the Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel has a yellow centre marker. Carbon trim on the centre console identifies each car’s position within the limited production run.

Surely Rossi would not allow BMW merely to fit leather and unique paint to a regular M4 CS before calling it a limited edition? The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six still develops 542 bhp and delivers its output to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, but the Edition VR46 receives dedicated chassis calibration. That includes bespoke wheel camber settings, auxiliary springs and anti-roll bars.

The adaptive dampers, variable-ratio steering and braking system have also been revised. The M Driver’s Package comes as standard, raising the electronically limited maximum speed to 303 km/h.

A Tavullia and Misano experience for buyers

BMW has not yet revealed the price of the Edition VR46. However, every owner will receive a special two-day visit to Rossi’s aforementioned home town. Day one includes a barbecue at Valentino’s house and an opportunity to “talk shop”. On day two, guests will visit Misano World Circuit for the full BMW M driving experience in a range of models.

“There is no other brand that has motorsport so deeply rooted in its DNA as BMW M,” said Rossi.

“I am proud to be a BMW M works driver, and to share this passion. The fact that there is now a special VR46 edition, in which I was involved from the very beginning of the design process, makes me proud. When I see the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 out on the road or on the racetrack later, it will be very cool.

“And remember to take your shoes off when you head into my house for a wee.”

All right, we invented that final part, but dinner at Rossi’s still sounds rather excellent, does it not?