Rendered Speculation: BMW M3 CSL
Lighter means faster. If you have yet to grasp that concept, have a look at the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera or Porsche 911 GT3 RS – each capable of leaving the heavier versions of each lightning-quick sportscar on which they're based in the dust. The performance gap is widened not by more power, but by a higher power-to-weight ratio resulting from an aggressive kilo-trimming program. Another in their ranks: the gone-but-not-forgotten, previous-generation BMW M3 CSL. By removing a bit of excess weight, the CSL was capable of outgunning its heavier counterpart by a considerable margin (how does a 7:22.8 'Ring lap sound?).
It's been just under a year since M-guru Gerhard Richter promised us a new M3 CSL based on the new V8 model, but aside from a few spy shots here and there, we've yet to see one materialize so far. To keep our appetites whet, German car mag Autozeitung put out this rendering of what the new CSL could look like, complete with carbon-fiber hood, a more aggressive front bumper and some new vents. Close enough to the mark? We'll just have to wait and see.
[Source: Autozeitung via CarScoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
hashiryu 11:59AM (6/30/2008)
FYI, that CSL was *Heavily* modified.
Seriously...get your facts straight
Reply
Eltoshan 12:52PM (6/30/2008)
seriously, take it easy. Anyone with half a brain would realize that the Loaded E46 CSL is heavily modified. Still doesn't change the fact that it is an M3 CSL and the fastest street legal production car on the Nurburgring right now.
Bungle 1:08PM (6/30/2008)
Yeah, no kidding. That's very misleading.
Jason 1:17PM (6/30/2008)
Well the BMW in question was wearing R-compound tires (among other changes that would make the car not very streetable) which gives it a pretty big advantage over the recent ZR-1/NSX/GT-R. I'd like to see what a GT-R or ZR-1 would do on R-compound tires.
Still an amazing car and I can wait to see what is in store for the new CSL.
Franz 11:59AM (6/30/2008)
It'll be a screamer no doubt.
Reply
3seriesisking 1:16PM (6/30/2008)
Believe me, I'm understating when I say I can't wait.
BigMcLargeHuge 12:30PM (6/30/2008)
I guess its not likely I'll get my wish for a CSL sedan?
Reply
tenfifteen 12:56PM (6/30/2008)
CSL == Coupe Sport Lightweight. Maybe you'll get an SSL. ;)
AmazingBimmer 12:36PM (6/30/2008)
Feel the M-Power
Reply
Josh 12:50PM (6/30/2008)
i feel m-powered now... thanks for that.
tenfifteen 12:55PM (6/30/2008)
As noted above, that 7:22 'Ring lap was by a CSL with a supercharger (among *many* other mods), as your own story indicates.
Also... the CSL was lighter than the 'standard' M3, but it also had more ponies (as do the Gallardo Superleggera and the F430 Scuderia).
Still, very cool. I'd trade in my Comp Pkg E46 M3 in a second if this made it stateside.
Reply
Mobius_1 10:05PM (6/30/2008)
I hope they make it possible to spec the CSL with minimal exterior difference to a normal 3-series (few or no badges) and proceed to humble owners of much more expensive cars
Reply
nagmashot 3:20AM (7/01/2008)
according to Autozeitung the new e92 M3 has the following specs that are known today..
most important the e92 M3 CSL has recived green light for production! Officle presentation is planed at the IAA in Frankfurt in 2009 with delivery start in Germany in early 2010.
technical specs..
same 4.0l V8 engine as in the M3 but with classic engine tuning like larger valves, improved intake and exhust side putting out 470PS over the 420PS of the standart M3.
suspension brake
completely reworked, hardcore race suspension, lowered wider track.
chassie
new front with carbon flaps and huge rear difusor to produce more downforce.
carbon roof and engine hood, CFK intereur, cardbord trunk (like in the old CSL), thinn glass rear window to reduce weight.. the M3 CSL with dual clutch tranny will be 100kg lighter as the standart M3.
electronic..
adding the same M Track Mode as in the old CSL
lunch controll
interieur
no air condition
no radio
no rear seats
no navi
race bucket seats
price
under 90,000Euro including 19% VAT in Germany
goal
7:45min laptimes at the Ring
Reply
nagmashot 3:21AM (7/01/2008)
according to Autozeitung the new e92 M3 has the following specs that are known today..
most important the e92 M3 CSL has recived green light for production! Officle presentation is planed at the IAA in Frankfurt in 2009 with delivery start in Germany in early 2010.
technical specs..
same 4.0l V8 engine as in the M3 but with classic engine tuning like larger valves, improved intake and exhust side putting out 470PS over the 420PS of the standart M3.
suspension brake
completely reworked, hardcore race suspension, lowered wider track.
chassie
new front with carbon flaps and huge rear difusor to produce more downforce.
carbon roof and engine hood, CFK intereur, cardbord trunk (like in the old CSL), thinn glass rear window to reduce weight.. the M3 CSL with dual clutch tranny will be 100kg lighter as the standart M3.
electronic..
adding the same M Track Mode as in the old CSL
lunch controll
interieur
no air condition
no radio
no rear seats
no navi
race bucket seats
price
under 90,000Euro including 19% VAT in Germany
goal
7:45min laptimes at the Ring
Reply
nagmashot 3:21AM (7/01/2008)
sorry for double post
Mobius_1 5:38AM (7/01/2008)
Oh don't worry, the great info more than makes up for it, and I hope you are right... btw, what is "lunch control?" Like a cook?
This will be an amazing car