BMW has spotted a rare gap in the high-performance market and the result is a demon of a new coupe with near supercar performance.

The Munich-based company describes its new M4 CS as "filling the space between the racetrack experience and soul-stirring road performanceâ¦"

It comes with an increased engine output of 550 hp, special chassis tuning and a number of lightweight components made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic which, together, give the M4 Coupe an extra performance edge.

Upgrades to the three-litre, six-cylinder engine owe much to racing technology and endow the M4 CS with blistering performance.

The benchmark 0-60mph sprint is chalked off in less than 3.4 seconds while 0 to 124 mph takes 11.1 seconds. The mid-range sprint from 50-75 mph is dealt with in 2.6 seconds in fourth gear and 3.3 seconds in fifth gear. Top speed is electronically limited to 188 mph.

Power is delivered through an eight-speed M-Steptronic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive while the CS also features adaptive suspension with electronically-controlled dampers, model-specific chassis tuning, brakes and steering plus forged light-alloy wheels and track tyres.

Unashamedly aimed at the track-day enthusiast, the CS is fitted with the M Drive Professional system which includes track-optimised functions such as a drift analyser, which evaluates and records purposefully executed cornering slides, and a lap timer, which provides detailed data on laps of the track and allows drivers to share their exploits.There's also a ten-stage traction control system.

The MMode button on the centre console is another tool in the Professional package and can be used to adjust both driver assistance system responses and the content shown in the information display and Head-Up Display. As well as road and sport settings, the CS also comes with a track mode designed exclusively for use on race circuits.

Aggressive styling and a choice of two exclusive body colours - Riviera Blue and the oddly-named Frozen Isle of Man Green metallic - plus a full menu of safety and driver convenience features complete the picture of this latest BMW supercoupe.

Prices start at £117,100 and dealers will open their order books later this month with first deliveries expected in the autumn.