It’s safe to say 2022 was good for BMW fans as they got not only the long-awaited M3 Touring, but also the new M4 CSL and M2. Saving the best for last, a highlight of the M’s 50th-anniversary celebration is the revival of an icon – 3.0 CSL. Paying homage to the 1970s Sport Lightweight Coupe, the modern E9 is touted as the “most exclusive special model” in M history.
The distinctive kidney grille takes the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept from 2015, but now has lattice-shaped inserts in the diamond structure. The grille frame offers a satin aluminum finish which you’ll also see around the side windows. Large recesses in the front apron hark back to the original 3.0 CSL while serving a functional role by cooling the engine and brakes. The hood-mounted air fin is also a throwback to the 1970s model.
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The laser headlight adapted from the M4 CSL comes with the same yellow accents as a tribute to past race cars and the modern M4 GT3. The side profile reveals prominent fenders and centerlock forged wheels measuring 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear. The shiny, gold-painted shoe comes in a Y-spoke design and is wrapped in bespoke Michelin tires with “50” embossed on the sidewall to mark the M half-century.
The most obvious connection to the classic model is seen at the rear where BMW M has sported a prominent wing in iconic Batmobile style. Featuring a retro-flavored M Power logo, the wings are as wide as the entire rear of the 3.0 CSL and have closed sides, just like the original 50 years ago. The large aero elements are complemented by a roof-mounted spoiler similar to the E9 model.
Painted in Alpine White Uni with traditional M graphics, the new CSL 3.0 sports the most powerful inline-six engine ever installed by the Bavarians. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo develops 553 hp (412 kW) and 550 Nm (404 lb-ft). Interestingly, the torque figure actually dropped significantly by 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) compared to the M4 Competition and M4 CSL. That’s likely because the ultra-exclusive special edition uses a six-speed manual gearbox that can’t handle full torque.
A three-pedal transmission sends power exclusively to the rear wheels where BMW installed an M differential. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard, as is track-focused adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers.
BMW will only build 50 individually numbered cars for about three months.
