2023 BMW 3.0 CSL – The Return of the iconic Batmobile

As the anniversary year comes to a close, BMW M GmbH is presenting one of the most exclusive models the company has ever created, a masterpiece of engineering embodying the essence of 50 years of racing passion and expressing its historic roots in a legendary model designation. The BMW 3.0 CSL combines a bespoke design with a puristic performance experience.

BMW 3.0 CSL

Image: BMW

The new Batmobile applies racetrack technology designed for sheer driving pleasure on the road, as its antecedent did in the 1970s. The new model is produced in a strictly limited edition to mark the 50 Jahre anniversary and as such, exactly 50 consecutively numbered units of the special model will go on sale. Right from the start, this gives the BMW 3.0 CSL the status of a rarity that will find its place in the vehicle collections of particularly loyal and enthusiastic fans of the BMW M brand.

This new BMW 3.0 CSL shares nothing but its name with the 1970s classic, The new and improved BMW 3.0 CSL features the most powerful straight six-cylinder engine ever used in a road-legal BMW M automobile. This is also a tradition, in its final stage of development, the predecessor of the same name marked a new record with an engine output of 151 kW, not only for six-cylinder models but for all BMW production vehicles produced up to that point.

BMW 3.0 CSL

Image: BMW

Since then, the straight six-cylinder engine with M Power has undergone impressive development. The straight six-cylinder engine of the BMW 3.0 CSL possesses the same technological roots as the power unit of the current DTM-winning car. The 3,0-litre power unit offers spontaneous high revving thanks to the typical M high-revving concept. The new-age Batmobile has a maximum output of 412 kW of power and 550 N.m of torque, which is a new record for straight six-cylinder models from BMW M GmbH with road approval underpinning the special status of the vehicle. The CSL also features a 6-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels for intense driving pleasure.

BMW 3.0 CSL

Image: BMW

The body of the 3.0 CSL is almost entirely made from lightweight material. Almost every single body panel is made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic and goes through a meticulous painting process. A specific process was conceived for the paintwork of the BMW CSL, in which craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology complement each other to provide each individual part with its characteristic colour design.

In addition, a team of 30 specially qualified and experienced technicians is responsible for the configuration and assembly of the vehicles. Due to the complexity of the manufacturing processes, each BMW 3.0 CSL passes through eight assembly cycles at just as many production stations, a procedure that takes up to six days in total.

BMW 3.0 CSL

Image: BMW

To honour its ancestor, the new 3.0 CSL only comes in Alpine White with the BMW M stripe livery, both applied largely by hand. A total of 22 individual parts are painted during the process. Centre locking forged light-alloy wheels are standard and come sized as 20-inch in the front and 21-inch in the rear. Look closely and you’ll also notice the bespoke Michelin tyres that bear the number 50 embossed on the sidewalls.

The BMW 3.0 CSL wraps up the excellent year BMW fans have had with releases such as the long-awaited M3 Touring, M4 CSL and the new M2. It will come at a cost though, €750 000 for European buyers or roughly R13 million before taxes. This puts it on the list for most expensive road-going BMWs ever produced!

The post 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL – The Return of the iconic Batmobile appeared first on CAR Magazine.


The Car Guide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Topical tips on buying used – Chapter 1

Image
Buying a used car can be harrowing, whether privately or from a dealer. Here are some tips, as well as some things to watch out for. Beware of low mileages, especially on smaller or cheaper cars. It is always possible that the odometer has been turned back. Some things to bear in mind are:- diesels are often bought because they the driver needs to undertake long trips without consuming vast amounts of fuel. This could be a sales rep, or someone travelling large distances to work, lots of lengthy trip for family holidays, etc. So, usually higher mileages than normal. An expensive or luxury car may not see much time on the road, but very seldom a “workhorse”. This makes the executive cars likely to have a lot more life left than the overworked and abused hatchback. These also spend most of their life in a home garage or undercover parking lot at work. Related: Someone paid more for a mint BMW 325iS Evo 2 than a used M4 A vehicle without any service history is a serious disadvantage...
Read more

Top 10 Best-Selling Automotive Brands Locally – April 2024

Image
Following eight consecutive months of sales decline, the milestone of celebrating a century of vehicle production locally saw a welcomed increase in the motor industry for April 2024. Have a look at the data below, which sees Toyota drop in sales but retain the top spot, with Suzuki moving into second and Nissan dropping to the bottom of the list without the NP200 rolling off of the production line. Image: Toyota Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! South Africa is marking 2024 as a significant year for its automotive industry, celebrating 100 years of car manufacturing. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa , the country’s automotive business council, commented, “As the sun rises on a century of automotive innovation, South Africa proudly commemorates a century of automobile manufacturing excellence. This milestone reflects a journey of resilience, ingenuity, and passion that has shaped the nation’s automotive legacy.” Details on how the industry will commem...
Read more

Could this teased Lancia sports car be a reborn Stratos?

Image
Lancia recently teased a coupe-looking model, waiting to be unveiled in their Multiverse. Could this then, signify the return of a historic moniker like the Stratos to the struggling automaker? Image: Lancia #MakeLanciaGreatAgain – a social media phrase that has been making the rounds for the better part of a decade. World Rally Championship titles, Formula 1 single-seat winners and some other gems in between. The Italian automaker litters dates in history and motorsport, with some truly revolutionary ideas and models that aided their bid to become one of the most successful motorsport manufacturers of all time. But that is all in the past. Lancia now contends sole markets with a platform-shared model but there have been ambitious plans under Stellantis ownership to kick-start the automaker and make them great again… words that delight so many enthusiasts and aficionados. Related: Automobili Amos debut Martini Racing Livery Lancia Delta and Safarista What better way to do this th...
Read more