[FormulaMMM]

To sport auto's credit, they publish the temperature data for very good reason. All of the lap time publications should do the same, but it makes for a more sensational/easier story publishing big time gaps rather than acknowledging the nuances involved with lap times, e.g., ambient temps, track temp, track conditions (rubbered in vs. not), recent precipitation, etc. All of which can work to create 2-3 second gaps between virtually equal cars.

So yeah, testing conditions alone disqualify a meaningful lap time comparison here. The difference between 90 degrees and 34 degrees is seconds per lap.

Granted, I’ve never tracked in mid-30s. But in low 40s, provided the tires are warm, car is a monster. Confident that you could get coax PSS into operating window in the 30s. (Acceleration data implies the Comp was hooked up just fine.) On the other hand, 90 degrees ambient is way too hot for a true best lap time, no matter the tire.

All of that aside, I do think some are expecting too much gain from these special editions. The contemporary base M2/3/4 is an incredibly competent starting platform. Not like the E46 or E9X where streetable mods easily net 5-6 seconds a lap, or more. BMW chassis development was amazing with the latest gens.

The gap between Michelin’s top tier high performance street tires (PSS, PS4S) and the STAR SPEC Cup 2 is similarly narrowed (over one hot lap).

The value will be experiential more than just knock your socks off outright pace advantage. Bet the CS will be a substantially better car to drive and enjoy on track, including durability.