Limited run homage brings 'Batmobile' back to life
Behold the BMW 3.0 CSL, BMW M performance’s long-awaited tease is finally revealed. An ultra-limited run of 50, G82 M4 based coupe that pays homage to the legendary ‘Batmobile’ 3.0 CSL of 1973 and represents everything the letter ‘M’ stands for. The 3.0 CSL arrives with a unique exterior design and uprated power, to top-off its 50th anniversary celebrations.
The 3.0 CSL is powered by the straight-six engine found in the M3 and M4, but while those cars only get 503bhp, the CSL gets boosted up to 552bhp and 405lb ft of torque. Making it the most powerful straight-six engine ever used in a road-legal BMW M car.
The engine takes its roots from the DTM-winning engine, where there is a rigid crankcase, forged lightweight crankshaft and a 3D printed cylinder head core, there is also a high-performance cooling system and oil supply designed to cope with extremely dynamic and driving situations.
Power is sent from a six-speed manual gearbox through the rear wheels.
Other features you can’t see but feel on the 3.0 CSL include active M differential, adaptive M suspension and M carbon-ceramic brakes hiding behind 20in/21in alloys front and back. Things you can notice though are firstly the racing livery, the same as seen on the original ‘Batmobile’ CSL, this is coupled with Alpine White paintwork, yellow headlights, and a wide-arched, beautifully sculpted body that nods to the silhouette of the original.
The new BMW 3.0 CSL keeps its weight down by using CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic) on virtually all body sections, this includes the roof, bonnet, boot lid, front and rear side panels, the rear diffuser, wing and spoiler, and even the sills. There is also a lightweight titanium exhaust system and aluminium struts in the engine bay.
On the inside there is again extensive use of carbon fibre, this includes bucket seats that are wrapped in Alcantara, and there is a space for two helmets behind the driver and passenger. Like the seats, the steering wheel and roof liner are finished with Alcantara, featuring white stitching matching the exterior paint finish.
Just 50 3.0 CSL cars will be built, being made in the same factory as the 7 series and the Rolls Royce, with each car taking 30 specially trained M technicians to build, the production will take 3 months to finish. No word on pricing yet or how many are going to which country, but expect a very high triple figure for such a limited run tribute.
