BMW CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF ITS M PERFORMANCE DIVISION WITH A 3.0 CSL
REINCARNATION

Described as the most exclusive special model produced by BMW, the new 3.0 CSL
commemorates 50 years of their high-performance M division.

Powered by the most potent straight-six engine ever used in a road-legal BMW M
automobile – a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine – BMW’s new CSL can produce a
maximum output of 412kW (560hp). The German automaker has coupled the engine with a
six-speed manual gearbox, transmitting drive torque to the road exclusively via the rear
wheels.

Drivers will benefit from Active M differential and Adaptive M suspension. The former
optimises traction on roads with different friction values for the two rear wheels. The latter
uses sensors to track driving information, such as wheel oscillations and speed, before
directly actioning changes via electronically controlled shock absorbers. These tools
ultimately enable the vehicle to adapt to various driving situations quickly and efficiently.

The exterior design taps into the brand’s illustrious history, offering a touch of innovation
without forgoing class or style. The livery – applied stripe decor in BMW M GmbH colours
against a glorious Alpine White finish – is immediately recognisable as a homage to the
colours of the 80s rally racer, reimagined for the 21st century.
The painting process is also significantly more intricate than one might expect; all coloured
elements have been hand-applied by specialists, with 22 parts painted separately in a
process designed specifically for the 3.0 CSL. Each vehicle has undergone a staggering 134
paint processes. Talk about thorough!

Intelligent lightweight construction is a core tenet of the new 3.0 CSL. Carbon fibre, a staple
feature of the vehicle, can be found across the car, with CFRP used for virtually all bodywork
sections. The roof, bonnet, and boot lid have all been constructed entirely from carbon,
whilst glass fibre-reinforced plastic has been used for the roof spoiler.

Inside we see much of the same. Lightweight construction remains a core pillar, with the
addition of a CFRP trim in the door panels and reduced acoustic insulation. M Carbon full
bucket seats occupy the front of the cockpit, further cementing this CSL’s position as a
sporty release.

Contrast stitching, white accents, an anthracite roof liner, and black Alcantara surfaces; a
selection of classy styling cues that keep the interior feeling just as sleek as the exterior. The
white gearshift knob, adorned with the number 50, adds a subtle splash of colour to the
cabin.

Keen to get your hands on this beauty? It’ll be hard. BMW plan to produce just 50 units.
Each 3.0 CSL will be hand-built in Germany, with the production period expected to take
around three months.

It’s reassuring to know that given units are so limited, each 3.0 CSL will be carefully
constructed and inspected with great care, but can’t we all just have one each?

Images: The BMW 3.0 CSL. (bmwgroup.com)