Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumormill: $170k BMW M3 GT/GT4 Street probably not coming to U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/rumormill-170k-bmw-m3-gt-gt4-street-probably-not-coming-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/rumormill-170k-bmw-m3-gt-gt4-street-probably-not-coming-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/rumormill-170k-bmw-m3-gt-gt4-street-probably-not-coming-to-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BMW M3 GT4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

No three letters get Bimmer fans as riled up as CSL. The initials have historically been applied to lightweight, performance-focused versions of BMW's most extreme machinery. But while BMW isn't currently offering any CSL models for public consumption, the emergence of an M5 CSL and spy shots of a potential M3 CSL have Munich's followers frothing at the mouth.

The former turned out to be a one-of-a-kind special. But details on the latter are beginning to circulate, and they look promising. Firstly, sources suggest that the model won't wear the CSL designation at all, and instead be labeled either M3 GT or M3 GT4 Street, in reference to the homologated racing version.

First, the good stuff: the engine is tipped to be tuned in the neighborhood of 450 horsepower, give or take, driven exclusively through the 7-speed dual clutch transmission with no manual expected to be on offer. Stopping power is anticipated to come from Brembo 6-piston calipers up front and 4-pots in the rear gripping slotted steel discs, and while carbon-ceramics may be on the options list, the jury's still out on when BMW will roll out the production version of its F1-derived Kinetic Energy Recovery System, a.k.a. regenerative braking. Recaro buckets and the removal of the rear seats should help the M3 GT (or whatever it will be called) shed some 220 lbs of weight, sitting 25mm lower on BBS alloys mounted to a Sachs suspension with standard roll bars.

The prototype is said to have already lapped the Nurburgring in 7:40, with testing still underway in France. Targeting the Porsche 911 GT3, the hard-core M3 will be extremely limited in production - possibly as few as 25 examples annually - available directly from BMW Motorsport but certified for road use - at a price point hovering around 110,000 euros ($172k). Unfortunately, the signs suggest that it won't be making the transatlantic voyage Stateside. Thanks to Tim for the tip!

[Source: M3Post.com]

Rumormill: $170k BMW M3 GT/GT4 Street probably not coming to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw cslbmw mbmw m3bmw m3 cslbmw m3 gtbmw m3 gt4bmw m3 gt4 streetbmw motorsportBmwCslBmwMBmwM3BmwM3CslBmwM3GtBmwM3Gt4BmwM3Gt4StreetBmwMotorsportcslm cslm3m3 cslm3 gtm3 gt4m3 gt4 streetM3CslM3GtM3Gt4M3Gt4StreetMCslTue, 03 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW creates an M5 CSL, and no, you can't have it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/bmw-creates-an-m5-csl-and-no-you-cant-have-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/bmw-creates-an-m5-csl-and-no-you-cant-have-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/bmw-creates-an-m5-csl-and-no-you-cant-have-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW M5 CSL - Click above for image gallery

To celebrate 25 years of the M5, BMW has created a one-off version of the E60 super saloon that Albert Biermann, head of BMW's M division calls, "the M5 CSL we never built."

The transformation began with a modified version of the standard M5's 5.0-liter V10, which has been stroked to 5.5-liters and fitted with a carbon fiber intake, secondary oil cooler and a new fascia. BMW remains mum on official power figures, but Biermann says the mods are good for around 580 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque over the standard 507 hp engine.

Mated to the modified mill is a fortified version of the seven-speed dual-clutch Getrag gearbox fitted to the current M3, while a carbon fiber roof joins a set of lightweight, carbon fiber seats up front. That, combined with the removal of the rear seats, sheds around 110 pounds from the M5's curb weight.

Although performance stats haven't been released, BMW says the M5 CSL laps the Nurburgring around 20 seconds faster than the standard model, so something around the 7:50 mark isn't out of the question. What is out of the question is the opportunity to buy the CSL. BMW has no plans to offer it to the public, and to that we say... fine. We'll wait for the twin-turbocharged V8 version coming in 2011.


Gallery: BMW M5 CSL


[Source: Autocar via BMWBlog]

BMW creates an M5 CSL, and no, you can't have it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m5 cslBmwM5Cslcslm5Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW resurrecting the M3 CSL?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/bmw-m3-csl-spy-shots-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/bmw-m3-csl-spy-shots-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/bmw-m3-csl-spy-shots-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We're not sure what to believe anymore. A bit over a year ago, reports surfaced that BMW was planning a successor to the E90-generation M3 CSL, a highly coveted, track-focused version of its legendary sports coupe. Within a month, the Bavarian automaker had announced that it was canceling the program. And then these photos show up.

This M3 test mule was seen lapping the Nürburgring with a host of modifications and little in the way of camouflage. Knowing full well that the Nordschleife is swarming with more papparazi than Lindsay Lohan's front lawn, the Bavarians had to know we'd start asking questions. The car in question appears to be sporting a big front splitter, giant rear wing, a wider track housing bigger wheels and semi-slick tires. Underneath, reports suggest the 4.0-liter V8 benefits from new valves and a carbon-fiber airbox to deliver some 470 horsepower.

Call it an M3 CSL or a roadgoing M3 GT4, but with Audi's upcoming RS5 just around the corner, the smart money's on BMW putting up a fight of some kind.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: BMW resurrecting the M3 CSL? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw cslbmw m3bmw m3 cslbmw m3 gt4bmw m3 gt4 streetBmwCslBmwM3BmwM3CslBmwM3Gt4BmwM3Gt4Streetcslm3m3 cslm3 gt4m3 gt4 streetM3CslM3Gt4M3Gt4StreetNordschleifeNurburgringNurburgring nordschleifeNurburgringNordschleifespiedspyspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 20 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW working on M3 CSL with 470 hp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/2010-bmw-m3-csl-in-the-works-packing-470-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/2010-bmw-m3-csl-in-the-works-packing-470-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/2010-bmw-m3-csl-in-the-works-packing-470-hp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 BMW M3.

The rumormongers at AutoZeitung are reporting that BMW plans to unveil a stripped-out, track-ready M3 at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The E90-based M3 CSL will use many of the same tricks BMW employed on the E46 model in an effort to shave the coupe's curb weight. Luxuries like air conditioning, stereo and navigation won't be included, while the hood, bumper, trunk and fenders will all be swapped out in favor of carbon fiber pieces.

In addition to keeping the pounds down, BMW will reportedly boost the output of the M3 CSL by an additional 50 horsepower, for a total of 470 bhp. That should allow the E90 CSL run to 60 in around four seconds, on its way to a top speed of around 185 mph.

Production of the 2010 BMW M3 CSL will be limited to 100 units and pricing is estimated at 90,000 euro, or just over $140k.

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3


[Source: AutoZeitung via EGMCarTech]

BMW working on M3 CSL with 470 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 m3 csl2010M3Cslcsle90m3Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW debuting dual-clutch gearbox in M3 sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/bmw-debuting-dual-clutch-gearbox-in-m3-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/bmw-debuting-dual-clutch-gearbox-in-m3-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/bmw-debuting-dual-clutch-gearbox-in-m3-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The expansion of BMW's M3 lineup is expected to take place sooner than we anticipated, and a new version of the Bavarian bomber will finally put the oft-maligned sequential gearbox to rest. According to Auto Telegraaf, BMW will be debuting the M3 sedan at a major Stateside auto show, likely L.A. or Detroit, and along with an extra set of doors, it'll be sporting the automaker's new dual-clutch gearbox. Rumored to be dubbed "M DCT," the new 'box will get seven forward gears that can be controlled by either a new shift lever, much like the one found in the new X5, or steering-wheel mounted paddles shifters. BMW also plans to offer a traditional six-speed manual for those who prefer to row their own gears.

The regularly spied convertible version of the M3 is also on its way, which is proving to be an engineering challenge for the M-division due to the extra tonnage the retractable hardtop tacks onto the curb weight. We've heard that a track-bred CSL is also under development, and that its debut is likely to take place some time in 2009.

[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]

BMW debuting dual-clutch gearbox in M3 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bmw m3 convertiblebmw m3 cslbmw m3 saloonbmw m3 sedanBmwM3BmwM3ConvertibleBmwM3CslBmwM3SaloonBmwM3Sedanconvertiblecsldetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowe92la auto showLaAutoShowm3saloonsedanTue, 18 Sep 2007 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW M3 CSL testing?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/05/spy-shots-bmw-m3-csl-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/05/spy-shots-bmw-m3-csl-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/05/spy-shots-bmw-m3-csl-testing/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Our friend Jason tipped us off to several photos at M3post.com, purportedly showing a prototype of the E92 M3 CSL making the rounds at the 'Ring. While we're not entirely convinced that this particular mule is the CSL, some cues, like the ducktail spoiler and what appears to be a wider track, make us think thrice.

If it is the M3 CSL, which BMW has practically admitted is coming, expect it to drop a few pounds and come equipped with more track-friendly accoutrements. Realtor's wives need not apply.

[Source: M3post.com]

Spy Shots: BMW M3 CSL testing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcsle92m3spy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotsWed, 05 Sep 2007 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW confirms permanence of M3 CSL model]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/bmw-confirms-permanence-of-m3-csl-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/bmw-confirms-permanence-of-m3-csl-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/bmw-confirms-permanence-of-m3-csl-model/#commentsFiled under: ,



Cars and NFL. Both offensive lineman and vehicles have been changing in parallel for a long time, getting bigger, stronger, and heavier. Even though the next-generation M3 grew larger and more powerful, the folks from Bavaria managed to cut weight by 7-percent versus the previous generation model. In an Inside Line interview with Gerhard Richter, vice president, BMW M Gmbh, yet another iteration of the still lighter CSL is a dead-lock guarantee. It seems BMW has figured out that people will pay more for increased agility that doesn't necessarily include monster horsepower. Now that we know the M3 CSL will always have a place in the Bimmer lineup, the only question left is when, what kind of diet we're talking about, and how much it's going to cost. We'd be happy with a run of the mill M3 until those answers become available.

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3

BMW confirms permanence of M3 CSL model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWCSLM3Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW plans to sell 100,000 M3s]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/bmw-plans-to-sell-100-000-m3s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/bmw-plans-to-sell-100-000-m3s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/bmw-plans-to-sell-100-000-m3s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

click above image to view a gallery of the new BMW M3

Since its creation, nearly everything about the M3 -- cylinders, horsepower, weight, price, you name it -- has grown. The 2,866-lb, 4-cylinder, 192-hp E30 M3 cost a little more than $30,000 dollars when it was new, and sold 18,000 units. The new E92 M3 weighs in at 3,650 lbs with its 420-hp 8-cylinder lump, and will leave you more than $60,000 dollars lighter. It's more than twice the car at more than twice the money, and BMW wants to move more than five times as many of them, hoping to shift 100,000 models.

Said Carsten Pries of the M division, "With every new model, we want to offer a better product and sell more." That's only a 10,000 unit increase on the 3rd generation M3 that ceased production last year. With the variants to be offered on the new model, reaching the goal shouldn't be a challenge. But the move to a greater mass market draw also explains the pealing choir of journalists declaring that while it's still a fantastic driver's car and a lot of fun... it's soft. Of course, "soft" is a relative term in this case, and there could be worse things than having to see more M3s on the road.

[Source: Auto News]

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3

BMW plans to sell 100,000 M3s originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcsle92m3Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:12:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1995 BMW M3 CSL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/ebay-find-of-the-day-1995-bmw-m3-csl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/ebay-find-of-the-day-1995-bmw-m3-csl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/ebay-find-of-the-day-1995-bmw-m3-csl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Pay more, get less. That's okay, looking at the pictures of this rare lightweight E36, it's not exactly slumming. There were under 150 of the 1995 "Coupe Sport Light" M3's produced and here's your chance to part with a lot of cash to own one.

The cars were intended for competition, so some of the creature comforts of the more pedestrian M3s were removed. Extravagant things like air conditioning and sound deadening, gone. Steel door skins were replaced by aluminum; you'll forego leather seats, a sunroof, even a radio. Who cares about all that stuff? Leather looks crappy after a while, a sunroof cuts into headroom, and with handpicked, extra-strong sixes underhood, the CSLs obviated the need for a radio. To us, it sounds less like a penalty box and more like the M3 we'd want, anyway. Power seats and geegaws have no place in a car with sporting intentions, but the market demands them. What all that extra equipment eventually translates to, besides weight, is stuff to fix. The CSL M3's return you to a simpler time, offering an equipment level closer to the beloved 2002tii; a moment of silence, please.

This particular example has just over 7000 miles on the odo, and looks to be meticulously kept. We'd love to take it out and flog it 'til the cosmoline stinks. Exclusivity has its price, for the mere starting bid of $39,975, you can start dreaming of the day you're wheeling your ultra rare Bimmer around and some cretin at the supermarket dings it.

Thanks for the tip, Spencer!

eBay Find of the Day: 1995 BMW M3 CSL originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWcompetitioncoupeCSLE36M3rareTue, 16 Jan 2007 10:11:00 EST