Photo: BMW
The BMW 3.0 CSL combines the best elements of five decades of BMW M racing expertise in a car with a highly emotional aura. All aspects of its character are based on the traditional principles of a BMW M. These elements complement each other with the aid of the latest technology to create the ultimate symbol of top performance in a way that only BMW has known for 50 years. So a ride in a BMW 3.0 CSL is not only an exclusive high-performance experience, but also an emotional encounter with the history and present of the world’s most powerful car.
The BMW 3.0 CSL is produced in strictly limited numbers. To mark the anniversary, exactly 50 serially numbered units of the special model will be released. From the outset, this makes the BMW 3.0 CSL extremely rare, which will find its place in the vehicle collections of loyal and passionate BMW M brand enthusiasts.
Production of all vehicles will take about three months. Each one is created with absolute dedication to technical excellence and precision-coordinated technologies in an elaborate manufacturing process outside the production lines of the BMW Group’s factory in Lower Bavaria.
A special process was also adopted for painting the BMW 3.0 CSL, so that each individual component has its own distinctive colour scheme. In addition, a team of 30 specially trained and experienced technicians are responsible for the shaping and assembly of the vehicles, in a process that takes up to 10 days in total.
Three letters, one story
But what does CSL stand for? These are the initial letters of the words “Coupé, Sport, Leichtbau”, meaning “coupé, sport, lightweight”.
The new BMW 3.0 CSL is the modern reinterpretation of all these characteristics as reflected in the model name. The coupe body puts traditional touches that suggest sporty elegance and expressive dynamics. The drive and suspension technology is derived from the latest BMW M developments in racing and high-performance sports cars. And the intelligent, lightweight construction reaches exceptional levels, especially through the extensive use of carbon fibre. The power-to-weight ratio of the BMW 3.0 CSL is just 2.9 kilograms per horsepower.
The power and sporty character are signalled by the front end of the BMW 3.0 CSL, which is set low to the road. In the centre is the characteristic BMW kidney mask with a diamond-structured mesh insert.
The BMW Laser Light headlights glow yellow, both in the reception phase after unlocking the doors and when the middle and large stairs are activated, referring to successful GT racing cars.
Viewed from the side, the long bonnet and wide wheelbase give the BMW 3.0 CSL a sporty and classic look. The three-volume ratios typical of the coupe brand contribute to this. The extra wide and diagonally offset side panels, as well as the wide side elements underline the coupe’s dynamic appearance even when stopped, with an air deflector extending along the roofline.
The 20-inch-diameter forged alloy wheels at the front and 21-inch-diameter at the rear are combined with Michelin tyres developed exclusively for the BMW 3.0 CSL.
The rear of the BMW 3.0 CSL also features a dynamic aesthetic and design elements that hark back to its ancestor. The most impressive feature is the rear wing, which is closed on the side. For the benefit of aerodynamic balance, it is combined with a strongly protruding diffuser on the rear bumper, optimising airflow under the body.
The four exhaust system outlets, arranged in an arrow-shaped pattern in the centre of the rear bumper and fitted with a very lightweight titanium rear muffler, are also a striking visual feature. The rear lights of the BMW 3.0 CSL use innovative lighting technology to create an exciting nighttime design and a particularly intense glow.
The strongest straight six engine production
The BMW 3.0 CSL features the most powerful inline six-cylinder engine ever used in a BMW M car that is legal for road use. The three-litre unit revs up effortlessly thanks to the high-revving M philosophy and delivers a maximum power output of 560 hp and 550 Nm of torque.
The six-cylinder in-line engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox whose range and gear ratios are perfectly matched to the car’s performance characteristics.
Traditionally, torque is transferred to the road exclusively via the rear wheels of the BMW 3.0 CSL. For track driving, the driver can use the high lateral forces developed to steer the vehicle through the corners with controlled drift. The Active M Differential on the rear axle also ensures superior dynamics.
Suspension components used in the BMW 3.0 CSL include a two-link front axle with spring knees, a five-link rear axle in an M-specific design, an Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Servotronic electromechanical steering with a variable understeer ratio and an M Carbon ceramic brake system with adjustable characteristic pedal feel curves.
The M Carbon ceramic brake system offers strong deceleration, optimised characteristics against the phenomenon of performance degradation in hard use, excellent thermal stability and very high wear resistance.
Clean-blooded racing interior
Inside the BMW 3.0 CSL, the adoption of carbon and other weight reduction measures emphasise the car’s racing character. Instead of seats, the rear section has storage space for two helmets. The driver and front passenger sit in full bucket M Carbon seats. The height and inclination of the seat can be adjusted exclusively in a workshop by means of a three-stage screw joint. The longitudinal adjustment can be changed manually using a lever at the front end of the seat.
The black seat surfaces and M seat belts are combined with an M Alcantara steering wheel, charcoal roof lining, black Alcantara and matt carbon surfaces. Contrast stitching and other white accents harmonise with the exterior colour scheme of the BMW 3.0 CSL, whose name is embossed on the sills and seat surfaces.
