When BMW in January announced its round of mid-cycle updates for the M4, many, including us, were disappointed to learn there were no real changes apart from some tweaks to the lights and new  colors.

That’s because BMW is saving the M4’s more substantial updates for a new model tipped to feature the automaker’s “CS” badge.

Some readers will recall that the E46 BMW M3 had a CS model with bigger  brakes, lighter wheels and suspension and steering tweaks.

This new M4-based model was spotted during an official photo shoot at a race track in California. Doing the driving was BMW DTM racing driver Augusto Farfus who in a Twitter post described the car as “really fast.”

A tipster submitted some blurry shots of the car to Bimmerpost. The shots reveal some carbon-ceramic brakes, an extended front splitter, a tall rear wing, and a vented hood similar to the one on the M4 GTS. The shots also reveal what’s likely to be a new blue hero color.

Unfortunately, we don’t know if there is any extra power. While we don’t expect the car to adopt the 493-horsepower water-injected engine of the M4 GTS, we may see power lifted to 444 hp, up from the regular M4’s 425 hp. At present, the 444-hp rating can be added by ordering the M4’s Competition Package.

2018 BMW M4 facelift spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

2018 BMW M4 facelift spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

We also have spy shots of the car which was previously thought to be the updated version of the M4.

Considering it’s now in an official photo shoot, the debut can’t be far.

Note, BMW is thought to be planning more CS models. An M2 CS is thought to be around the corner and BMW has trademarked the names “M1 CS” through to “M8 CS,” so there could potentially be many more.