BMW has finally unveiled the much-anticipated modern-day 3.0 CSL, a limited-production model based on the M4 featuring a fully redesigned body inspired by the ’70s original nicknamed the ‘Batmobile’. The swan song of the celebrations for BMW M’s 50th anniversary, it will be produced in just 50 units and will cost around $350,000 each, with deliveries starting in early 2016.
Introduction
For a taste of the future, look to the past. The new BMW 3.0 CSL is a limited production model based on the M4 featuring a fully redesigned body inspired by the ’70s original nicknamed the ‘Batmobile’ and will be produced in just 50 units worldwide to celebrate BMW M’s 50th anniversary.
Officially unveiled at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, it features a custom-bodied M4 with 553 hp and a manual gearbox that can hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds from standstill thanks to its rear-wheel drivetrain with eight speeds, seven gears, and a top speed of 189 mph.
It’s a fitting swan song for BMW M’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
A Limited Production Model Based On The M4 Featuring A Fully Redesigned Body Inspired By The ’70s Original Nicknamed The ‘Batmobile’.)
As such, each one comes with a numbered plate under the bonnet (in addition to three numbers inside) as well as unique wheel arch surrounds, side gills, boot lid spoiler and exterior mirror caps.
There are also a range of other styling cues including an aluminum grille with black kidney bars, four round headlights in a square configuration, chrome slats and trim between the headlights and fog lights, elongated tailpipes at either end of the diffuser, a low front spoiler lip, front fender vents next to the headlight housing.
BMW 3.0 CSL Design
BMW has finally unveiled the much-anticipated modern-day 3.0 CSL, a limited-production model based on the M4 featuring a fully redesigned body inspired by the ’70s original nicknamed the ‘Batmobile’.
The swan song of the celebrations for BMW M’s 50th anniversary, it will be produced in just 50 units, with an exclusive paint job and a manual gearbox for drivers who want to get behind the wheel of this high performance classic.
The car is set to go on sale in September at a starting price of $173,200. It joins a select group of cars – including the McLaren F1 and Lamborghini Miura – that have been given official classification as a street-legal racing car thanks to their outstanding power, lightweight design and eye-catching looks.
A major part of its weight saving comes from reducing the roof height to create a competition-inspired silhouette which also pays homage to the earlier generations of BMW coupes.
An additional featherweight material used throughout the vehicle are carbon fiber panels designed by BMW Group Designer Adrian van Hooydonk.
The old-school exterior mirrors were replaced with small cameras mounted next to the door handles that display images inside the cabin and can be switched off when not needed.
In addition to a new color scheme and interior trim options, customers can specify a manual gearbox or one with no gears but paddles on either side of the steering column, while options such as air conditioning, sound insulation and leather upholstery are available as extras.
We wanted to develop a very special car for our own needs, says Frank Van Meel, president of BMW M GmbH.
BMW 3.0 CSL Performance
Ever since the ’70s, when designer Alexander Calder spotted a bat in flight and gave it the name ‘batmobile’, the iconic car has been a symbol of raw power and speed.
It was officially christened as the BMW 3.0 CSL in 1972, but production ceased with just 1,277 units being made over a five year period.
The newest incarnation of this classic car is based on the M4 but features a fully redesigned body inspired by the original 1970s car, complete with fins on each side to cool its engine.
And while there are some similarities to be found between this new model and its ancestor, there are also some key differences that make it worth a look for anyone who wants an exclusive ride for themselves or their family.
Firstly, the 2019 BMW 3.0 CSL only comes with a manual gearbox option.
Unlike the other models, which come with both manual and DCT transmissions, those who choose this one will have to get used to shifting gears themselves – something that can actually be quite fun! Secondly (although not exclusively), the 2019 version has been given a unique exterior design which makes it stand out from all other models in the series.
Its custom body features twin elongated rear wings reminiscent of those found on a Formula One race car and laser headlights which bring back memories of how cars were styled in the 1970s.
But that’s where the similarities end. Aesthetically speaking, the 2019 BMW 3.0 CSL owes more to modern day supercars like Aston Martin and Ferrari than it does to vintage sports cars like a Porsche 911 or a Lamborghini Miura.
However, driving wise, this car definitely feels at home among these company names – especially with its 553 horsepower under the hood matched up against a tuned suspension system with adaptive dampers and 4-wheel steering designed to deliver precision handling even at high speeds.
It’s safe to say that whether you want a collector’s item or simply enjoy driving fast, the 2019 BMW 3.0 CSL is going be one vehicle you won’t want to miss out on!
Pricing and Availability
BMW hasn’t revealed pricing for the new model yet, but it does plan to build just 50 of the cars and all of them will be available in Europe. Production has already started with deliveries expected to commence in early 2019, so if you want to get your hands on one, you’ll need to act fast.
A limited production car based on the M4 that has a fully redesigned body inspired by the ’70s original nicknamed the ‘Batmobile’, this is BMW’s swan song of celebrations for its M division’s 50th anniversary.
It comes packing 553 hp thanks to an uprated 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine and can hit 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds thanks to that brutal punch from its prodigious power output which is delivered through a 7 speed manual gearbox.
The 3.0 CSL moniker was derived from a 1970s racing program (CSL standing for Coupe Sport Leichtbau) that took place during the era when BMW’s engineers were at their most innovative.