BMW unveils the latest model in its series celebrating 50 years of BMW Motorsport: the 3.0 CSL. Based on the M4, it pays homage to the 3.0 CSL of the 1970s.
Last part of the year of celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of BMW M. After presenting the XM, M3 Touring, M4 CSL and M2, the Bavarian manufacturer officially unveils a last model. This is the BMW 3.0 CSL, a modern reinterpretation of the eponymous model from the 1970s, based on the current fully rebodied M4.
To read: BMW M3 Touring: video discovery of the first M3 station wagon
A unique body kit
Camouflaged prototypes had already been seen on the circuit this summer, and partly revealed the modifications made. The official presentation of the model confirms this: the main lines of the base model used, the M4 of generation G82, are recognizable. There are also some details like the Laser lights with yellow accent, taken from the M4 GT3. But the model is however distinguished by a new body kit
Thus, the model receives a relatively imposing and rimmed aluminum grille, enlarged air intakes at the bottom of the bumper, inflated fenders, supplemented by CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) protuberances on the hood and the trunk. This one receives an imposing “Batmobile” style spoiler, the nickname of the 1970s model, while a second spoiler takes place on the top of the rear window. The vehicle is placed on four large golden rims with central nut, 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear.
On board, however, few changes. The dashboard of the M4 is taken as is, and we especially notice the arrival of a new gear lever. This takes up the look of those of the 3.0 CSLs of the 1970s, bakelite style with a white knob incorporating a “50” inscription and a few touches of blue and red, the colors of the M division. 3.0 CSL badges are placed on the door sills, armrest and dashboard. Facing the passenger, it also includes the number of the copy.
The six-cylinder pushed to 560 hp
Under the hood, the M4’s six-cylinder has been reworked. The 3.0 biturbo becomes the most powerful ever used in a road-going BMW M model, with 560 hp. That’s 10 hp more than the M4 CSL, and 50 more than a traditional M4. The torque, on the other hand, is a little lower than the M4 CSL or an M4 Competition with 550 Nm (- 10 Nm), since the 3.0 CSL only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox which cannot collect more. Technically, the 3.0 CSL remains pure propulsion. It is equipped with a limited-slip differential and an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, as well as carbon-ceramic brakes.
50 copies only
Marking the end of this busy anniversary year, this BMW 3.0 CSL will be a very exclusive limited series. The manufacturer claims that it will produce only 50 copies, which is the exact number of years of existence of the BMW Motorsport division. Each of them is assembled in a dedicated site near the BMW factory in Dingolfing, Germany, in ten days. The production will therefore last approximately three months. At the moment, BMW is not announcing an official price, but there is no doubt that the price will reach new heights.
Photo: BMW.
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