BMW has been working on the “Neue Klasse” M3 for quite a while now. The new generation model will feature a radical and retro design makeover, as well as an electric version being offered for the first time.

With development heading towards the production phase, BMW is getting ready to send off the current-generation M3 by saving the best for last.

The German carmaker has revealed the M3 CS Handschalter – a special edition of the lightweight CS variant that’s offered for the first time with a six-speed manual transmission.

Essentially, it gets all the lightweight components of the CS package, such as the extensive use of carbon fiber, forged alloy wheels, a titanium exhaust, and M carbon bucket seats that make it 34 kg lighter than a standard M3.

Likewise, it receives a track-focused chassis setup and a more aggressive suspension setting. This time, though, the M3 CS Handschalter channels all the power of its 3.0-liter, inline-six M TwinPower Turbo engine only to the rear wheels.

To protect the 6-speed manual transmission, however, BMW reduced the power from 542 PS to 473 PS for the M3 CS Handschalter. Nevertheless, 0 to 100 km/h is still achieved in 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of 290 km/h with the M Driver’s Package.

This limited-edition version of the M3 CS will only be sold in the North American market, with 40 earmarked for Canada. Yep, we can see your sad faces from here. While the M3 Touring is available in the country, we can’t help but drool over this potential future classic.