The BMW M4 might be a long way from the original E30 homologation special, but that hasn’t stopped BMW from evoking memories of the Roberto Ravaglia and Johnny Cecotto special editions. Only this time, the limited edition model has been built to honour a man perhaps better known for his exploits on two wheels rather than four - Valentino Rossi.

Where the E30 made its name in touring car racing, the G82 M4 has been enjoying success in GT3. As has Valentino Rossi - claiming two victories at Misano, and backing it up with a runners up place on the podium in the Bathurst 12-Hour - all as a works driver for BMW Motorsport. This year, he’s taking on his second season in the FIA World Endurance Championship, and returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Clearly, as the great man approaches his 46th birthday, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Fans of the Italian will know the significance of the #46 - it's the number that’s adorned all of his competitive vehicles. BMW have therefore decided to pay tribute with the M4 CS Edition VR46. Retaining all the hardware of the CS, the Edition VR46 uses a 3.0-litre straight-six engine to develop 542bhp between 6,250-7,200rpm. Peak torque of 479lb-ft (650Nm) is available from 2,750-5,950rpm, and the performance is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. 0-62mph takes just 3.4-seconds, and the top speed is limited to 188mph.

The difference is in the styling, with Rossi being part of designing the two special editions to carry his famous racing number, and his favourite colour scheme of blue and yellow. The “Sport” version sees Marina Bay Blue metallic paint with the number 46 in Tanzanite Blue on each side of the car. The “Style” variant gains a matte finish, with Frozen Tanzanite Blue for the bodywork, and Frozen Marina Bay Blue for the number.

Bright yellow accents can be found on the kidney grilles, the bootlid, brake callipers, tyre valve caps, and one of the V-spokes on each of the alloy wheels. The carbon fibre roof plays host to the VR46 logo, and Rossi’s signature. The Sport model gains additional yellow striping above the side windows.

The colour scheme continues inside, with yellow contrasting elements on the blue leather seats, and the 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel carries the same hue. The VR46 logo appears on the steering wheel and door sills, while 01/46 is stamped into the centre console leather.

Fittingly, 46 examples of the two M4 CS Edition VR46 variants will be made, for a total production run of 92 units worldwide. Owners will be booked onto a two-day trip to Italy to meet Valentino Rossi himself, and take part in a BMW M driving experience at the Misano Circuit.

No pricing details have been given, but we expect a reasonable uplift over the £117,100 required for a “regular” M4 CS Coupé. Deliveries are expected to begin in mid-2025, and we hope to see some of the VR46 editions make it to the UK.