One of the greatest contributions to the sporty image of BMW was achieved thanks to its division of sports and competition vehicles, BMW M. From here come the most powerful and efficient models in terms of handling, as was the case with the 3.0 CSL. from the 70s, which became one of the most emblematic models (and winners) of the European Touring Car Championship of the moment. And to mark the 50th anniversary of BMW M, the Bavarian manufacturer has launched a limited version of a new 3.0 CSL, of which only 50 units will be built.
The interior of the new 3.0 CSL, created to honor the coupé of the 70s
The new CSL 3.0 recovers some of the stylistic elements of the model manufactured between 1968 and 1975, starting with the generous rear wing placed on the trunk lid. Despite the appearance close to the 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept Car prototype, presented in 2015, the reality is that this special edition of the 3.0 CSL (in which the L stands for lightor light) was designed based on the M4 CSLwhich weighs only 1 kg more and of which 1000 were built.
The details of the 3.0 CSL, designed based on the M4 CSL
In addition to the widening of the fenders, the new CSL is also painted with the decoration alluding to the factory BMWs that won the inaugural championship in 1973to later repeat the triumph consecutively between 1975 and 1979. The popular model also obtained numerous victories in the American IMSA championship from 1975.
The BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept Car prototype, presented in 2015, preceded the new 3.0 CSL
The engine of the new 3.0 CSL is the same 3.0 supercharged six-cylinder in-line that delivers 560 CV and which, once mounted on the M4 CSL, provides 550 hp. However, because the M4 CSL is associated with an automatic gearbox, the torque reaches 650 Nm, a value that drops to 550 Nm to match the limits of the six-speed manual gearbox in the new 3.0 CSL????????
The 3.0 CSL that became European Touring Car Champion in 1973
The price of this commemorative version of the 3.0 CSL is not yet known, but the German press assures that the fact that there are only 50 units and that the project is intended to celebrate BMW’s most historic model are reasons to place the price above €600,000. Which may seem strange, since the M4 CSL, which is exactly the same vehicle but with different decoration, slight modifications to the bodywork and automatic transmission, was sold in Germany for €165,000, having already produced 1000 units. Meanwhile, here’s the 3.0 CSL competition in action in the 1970s:
Source: Observadora
