BMW M closes out its 50th anniversary celebrations with limited-run special based on the M4 CSL
This is the new BMW 3.0 CSL, a limited-edition model created to celebrate 50 years of BMW’s famous M division and one of its early projects, the homologation-special E9 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ of 1973.
Taking the current BMW M4 as its base, the new 3.0 CSL adds an array of retro bodywork upgrades in an effort to directly reference its famous 1970s namesake. Large wheelarch extensions feature alongside a reinterpretation of the original’s rear spoiler, bonnet strakes and shark-nose grille. The roof, bonnet, bootlid, rear wing and front and rear aprons are all made from carbon fibre.
Inside, the 3.0 CSL gets a pair of M Carbon bucket seats, a rear storage compartment in place of rear seats (including dedicated helmet stowage) and white gearknob for the six-speed manual gearbox. Alcantara trim features throughout along with a number of bespoke hand-finished carbon fibre trim pieces.
The 3.0 CSL’s engine is the most powerful straight-six ever to be fitted to a BMW road car; based on the same unit found in the latest M4 CSL but uprated slightly from 550 to 552bhp. That power is put to the road via a six-speed manual gearbox and metred out by ten-stage M Traction Control to make the most of available grip. Adaptive suspension, variable-ratio steering and carbon-ceramic brakes are all included, carried over from the M4 CSL.
Bespoke centre-lock forged alloy wheels are fitted, finished in gold and shod with a set of exclusive Michelin tyres developed especially for the car, embossed with ‘50’ on the sidewalls as a small nod to BMW M’s celebrations.
Less subtle is the 3.0 CSL’s racy livery that directly references its racing ancestors; BMW says a ‘specific process’ was used to paint each of the car’s bespoke parts separately.
Prices are yet to be announced – it’s safe to expect the new 3.0 CSL to carry a hefty premium over its BMW M4 CSL relative, currently priced from £128,225.
