Even rarer than the 3.0 CSL, the first BMW developed by its Motorsport sports division?
Its reinterpretation that the German manufacturer has just unveiled a few weeks before the end of the anniversary year.
For the fiftieth anniversary of its sports division, the 1972 3.0 CSL coupé and the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept unveiled at the 2015 Villa d'Este elegance competition inspired an exclusive model reserved for 50 privileged people, including 2 in France.
Simply baptized 3.0 CSL, the new car is already a collector's item.
The two inspirations for the 2022 CSL: the 2015 3.0 CSL Hommage concept and the 1972 3.0 CSL E9. BMW
At the beginning of the 1970s, the Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) did not yet have the sporting aura that we know today, but its E9 coupé, revisited by German preparers, was already capable of shining in competition.
This is how a 2800 CS prepared by Alpina won the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the flagship event of Touring cars.
To go further, BMW developed at the beginning of 1971 an evolution of its 3.0 CS coupé.
Baptized 3.0 CSL (L for Leichtbau), this new coupé serves as the basis for homologation of a racing car.
Despite the efforts deployed, the Bavarian coupés were defeated by the Ford Capris and the irreproachable organization put in place by their sporting director, Jochen Neerpasch.
To end Ford's winning streak, BMW decides to poach Neerpasch.
The new strongman of BMW's sports organization isn't just improving the 3.0 CSL.
With the approval of the manufacturer's management committee, on May 1, 1972, he founded a competition department under the name BMW Motorsport GmbH, the starting point of an incredible adventure that would lead the brand to develop and market production cars. with exacerbated sportsmanship.
For the 1973 season, the Neerpasch team homologated a new evolution of the coupe.
It is distinguished by its aerodynamic equipment which has earned it the nickname “Batmobile”.
It was this car that inspired the 2022 CSL that comes with a number plate.
the starting point of an incredible adventure that will lead the brand to develop and market production cars with exacerbated sportiness.
For the 1973 season, the Neerpasch team homologated a new evolution of the coupe.
It is distinguished by its aerodynamic equipment which has earned it the nickname “Batmobile”.
It was this car that inspired the 2022 CSL that comes with a number plate.
the starting point of an incredible adventure that will lead the brand to develop and market production cars with exacerbated sportiness.
For the 1973 season, the Neerpasch team homologated a new evolution of the coupé.
It is distinguished by its aerodynamic equipment which has earned it the nickname “Batmobile”.
It was this car that inspired the 2022 CSL that comes with a number plate.
Enes Kucevic Photography
The Bavarian engineers did not just take over the excellent basis of the latest generation of the M4.
They perfected it by practicing the same work as on a competition car.
For example, the body has been lightened by using elements made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and by reducing the use of insulating materials.
In addition to the roof, bonnet and trunk lid, the front and rear sill parts are made entirely of carbon.
The front and rear side panel attachments, rear diffuser, rear fenders and rear spoiler are also made of this high-tech material.
The hunt for superfluous kilos goes through the integration of a titanium rear silencer.
On the back, in reference to the 1973 Batmobile,
the anniversary CSL adopts a spoiler intended to reinforce downforce and coupled with a carbon diffuser under the valance.
This is how the weight comes out at 1,624 kilos.
Enes Kucevic Photography
Under the long front bonnet slumbers a further evolution of the M4 CSL's twin-turbocharged 3-litre straight-six.
Borrowing a number of technologies from the competition M4 GT4, this block delivers 560 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. ratios and a propulsion architecture.
It goes without saying that the ground connections have been extensively revised to take full advantage of the vehicle's dynamics.
This is how the suspension is based on a double-jointed strut front axle and an M-specific five-link rear axle. M Carbon adjustable ceramics complete the equipment.
Enes Kucevic Photography
The passenger compartment has also received a specific treatment based on light materials and sports equipment.
Besides the black suedette bucket seats, one of the most exclusive elements of the 3.0 CSL interior is the white gear knob.
The first deliveries of the most exclusive BMW will begin in the course of 2023. The production of each copy takes around three months.
