Valentino Rossi: a famous name in history
A reason to celebrate: BMW M is celebrating the 46th birthday of nine-time motorcycle world champion and BMW M works driver Valentino Rossi with an exclusive special edition of the BMW M4 CS, which is being launched as the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46. Available in two design variants, “Sport” and “Style”, the edition is limited to 46 vehicles each. Technically, the special model is based on the BMW M4 CS, but features unique paintwork, design elements and a performance package designed for motorsport. The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 honors the career of this exceptional racetrack talent. Valentino Rossi, nicknamed “Il Dottore”, was born on February 16, in 1979 in Urbino, Italy. He is one of the most successful motorcycle racers in history with the consistent starting number 46. His father, Graziano Rossi, was a racing driver himself, which brought Valentino into contact with motorsport at an early age. He began driving karts and minibikes before concentrating fully on motorcycle racing. Rossi started in the 125cc World Championship with Aprilia in 1996. He won his first world championship title in this class in 1997. In 1999, he moved up to the 250cc category, where he again secured this title. In 2000, Rossi switched to the 500cc class, the highest category in motorcycle racing at the time. He became world champion in 2001. With the introduction of the MotoGP class in 2002, he continued his success and won the world championship in 2002 and 2003. In total, he secured nine world championships with various car brands, seven of them in the MotoGP class. After more than 25 years in racing, Rossi ended his MotoGP career in 2021 and switched to car racing. He has been a BMW M works driver since 2023 and takes part in races such as the GT World Challenge Europe and the FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2024, he competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with BMW. With 115 Grand Prix victories, Valentino Rossi is one of the three most successful motorcycle racers of all time. His achievements and his influence on motorsport have made him a defining figure in the history of motor racing. His starting number 46 became his trademark.
Sport and style defining the exterior and interior
The BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 was developed in close collaboration with Valentino Rossi, who was also directly involved in the design process. The exclusive model is produced at the BMW Group Plant in Dingolfing. The vehicle is available in the following two design variants: the “Sport” car is finished in Marina Bay Blue metallic with “46” graphics in Tanzanite Blue, while the paintwork of “Style” shines in Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic with Frozen Marina Bay Blue “46” graphics. Both versions feature carbon surfaces on the roof, hood and tailgate. Yellow design elements, including the M kidney grille, single wheel V spokes and brake calipers, pay homage to Rossi's characteristic colors. In addition, the roof and tailgate bear the VR46 logo and Rossi's signature, giving the car a particularly individual touch. Overall, the design combines an exclusive look with a racing DNA and underlines Rossi's influence on the layout. “There is no other brand that has motorsport so deeply rooted in its DNA as BMW M. 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 race track later, it will be very cool,” explained Valentino Rossi. The interior combines exclusive materials with sporty design elements. The colour scheme in midnight blue harmonizes with yellow accents. The M Carbon bucket seats are upholstered in Merino leather in Black/Night blue, while Alcantara details in the shoulder area in Sao Paulo yellow provide a skillful contrast. Exclusive VR46 logos on the head restraints and door sill trims underline the special character of the edition. Yellow contrasting stitching and the center marker on the M Alcantara steering wheel reinforce the sporty design. The “1/46” badge on the carbon center console documents the limited edition of the model and makes each vehicle a unique collector's item.
Precise racetrack technology
The 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line engine with 550 hp and M TwinPower Turbo technology ensures impressive acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 s and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11.1 s. The top speed is limited to 302 km/h. The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with M xDrive all-wheel drive system guarantees optimum power transmission, while model-specific engine management and increased turbo boost pressure (at 2.1 bar) ensure maximum performance. A titanium rear silencer enhances the distinctive engine sound. The Adaptive M chassis set-up, the specially adapted steering, brakes and suspension as well as the consistent lightweight construction with carbon elements optimize the handling and make the Edition VR46 a powerful vehicle for the road and the racetrack.
Meet and greet in Italy
Purchasers of the BMW M4 CS Edition VR46 receive an exclusive experience with Valentino Rossi: This includes a two-day stay in Italy, starting with a visit to his VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia. Guests can expect a personal meeting with the star, accompanied by a barbecue and chat. The second day will be followed by a BMW M Driving Experience at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Rossi celebrated successes in the BMW M4 GT3 in 2023 and 2024 on this circuit, which he considers his home circuit. This event offers participants the opportunity to experience the dynamics of the current BMW M vehicles up close and personal.
