BMW 3.0 CSL Origins
The BMW 3.0 CSL is a sports coupe that was produced by German automaker BMW from 1972 to 1975. It was a homologation special, which means it was built in limited numbers specifically for the purpose of meeting the requirements for racing in a particular class. The 3.0 CSL was based on the BMW 3.0 CS, but it featured a number of modifications that made it lighter and more aerodynamic. These included thinner steel for the body panels, plastic windows, and the deletion of certain interior features. The 3.0 CSL was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that was tuned to produce up to 180 horsepower. It was a successful racing car, and it is now considered a classic among BMW enthusiasts.
One of the most notable features of the 3.0 CSL was its aerodynamic body kit, which included a large front splitter, a rear wing, and air dams on the front fenders. These features helped to reduce lift and improve stability at high speeds. The 3.0 CSL was also significantly lighter than the standard 3.0 CS, thanks to the use of thinner steel for the body panels, as well as the deletion of certain interior features such as the sound deadening material and the passenger-side sun visor.
The BMW 3.0 CSL was very successful as a race car. It was entered into the European Touring Car Championship, where it won the title in 1973 and 1975. It also won the 24 Hours of Spa endurance race in 1973 and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 1976. In addition to its successes in Europe, the 3.0 CSL was also raced in the United States, where it won the IMSA GT Championship in 1975. All of these victories helped to establish the 3.0 CSL as one of the greatest touring cars of its era.
New BMW 3.0 CSL
As the 50th anniversary year of BMW M nears its end, 50 consecutively numbered examples of a modern 3.0 CSL will be produced. These are likely to become highly desirable collector cars from the moment they’re sold to their first owners. The cars will feature hand built carbon fiber reinforced panels and assembly is expected to last ten days per car. All told, it will take about three months for all 50 examples to be completed.
The new BMW 3.0 CSL will sport the most powerful straight six-cylinder engine ever used for a street-legal BMW M car. Derived from the engine that powered BMW to a championship victory in DTM with the M4 GT3, the engine in the new 3.0 CSL will produce 560 horsepower – a significant step up from the original 3.0 CSL’s 206 horsepower. The engine will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission sending all that power to the rear wheels.
Although these are not expected to be sold in the US, this car will definitely be joining our wishlist of foreign-sold collector cars.