The new BMW-M3 CSL (official specs and photos)
06-20-2003, 11:01 PM
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Your correct, I was aware of this. Their version had 320hp. I'd be happy to own a detuned M3 for 35-40k. This 55k M3 stuff is nuts.
Your correct, I was aware of this. Their version had 320hp. I'd be happy to own a detuned M3 for 35-40k. This 55k M3 stuff is nuts.
08-28-2003, 05:18 PM
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BMW M3 CSL Preview from England
By Mike Askew
MW is going back to its roots. To celebrate 30 glorious years of M cars, the German giant is, for once, taking a look in its rear view mirror. Not content with the performance of its standard M3 - which, let's face it, is hardly a slowcoach - BMW is about to unleash an even quicker version: the M3 CSL.
The brainchild of Gerhard Richter - visionary boss of BMW's M division - the CSL (which stands for coupe, sports and lightweight) has been designed to be the purest and most focused M3 of all-time. But why bother when the standard car has got a waiting list as long as your arm? Well, like many of us, the current 3-Series flagship is a touch wider around the hips these days. So, with its back-to-basics interior and lightened body, the CSL aims to put a little of the rawness and excitement back into M3 ownership.
Previewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, the new model is still very much in development, something which the company is very keen to stress. The car you see here is one of only five prototypes in existence, and it's a rolling testbed for a range of exotic materials and electronics.
As a result, exact figures relating to engine power, performance and, crucially, weight haven't been released. However, what we can tell you is that the CSL is a truly outstanding development of an already fine motor car.
The first and most noticeable difference relates to its construction. The bumpers, doors, bonnet and even the roof panel are made from carbon fibre, which offers a significant weight saving - as much as 95kg, according to sources from within BMW - over the normal steel items. The same applies to the stripped-out interior, where the plush armchair seats of the standard model have made way for thin carbon fibre racing versions, while the main console is devoid of all but the most essential buttons and controls.
Under the bonnet, the alterations extend to a complete updating of the engine management system, a revised intake manifold and a general speeding up of the SMG gearbox's software. In terms of chassis modifications, the CSL sits lower on the ground and benefits from geometry changes designed to reduce understeer and improve front end turn-in. The 19-inch lightweight alloys cover 18-inch brakes and are clad in expensive-looking Michelin cut slicks.
On the road - or rather the damp twists and turns of our Nürburgring test route - the CSL sounds and feels like a born racer. The steering is hyper-accurate - lively, agile and faithful to even the smallest of movements - while the body control has been vastly improved and resists roll exceptionally well.
The transmission - an even quicker-shifting version of BMW's semi-automatic paddle change gearbox - is the perfect foil for the revised engine and hops its way through the ratios at speeds that would have been unthinkable even in a Formula One racer just a few years ago. But as with all great sports cars, the CSL has an edge to it. Accelerate too hard out of a corner and power swiftly overcomes grip, forcing you to correct or admit defeat and re-engage the DSL traction control system.
BMW freely admits that the CSL's final spec, price and production numbers are some way off - an indication that there's plenty of work to be done behind the scenes before the first cars are delivered. However, if Richter and his team manage to retain just a fraction of the prototype's raw appeal, we could be looking at the finest BMW for many a year. That's some prospect.
MW is going back to its roots. To celebrate 30 glorious years of M cars, the German giant is, for once, taking a look in its rear view mirror. Not content with the performance of its standard M3 - which, let's face it, is hardly a slowcoach - BMW is about to unleash an even quicker version: the M3 CSL.
The brainchild of Gerhard Richter - visionary boss of BMW's M division - the CSL (which stands for coupe, sports and lightweight) has been designed to be the purest and most focused M3 of all-time. But why bother when the standard car has got a waiting list as long as your arm? Well, like many of us, the current 3-Series flagship is a touch wider around the hips these days. So, with its back-to-basics interior and lightened body, the CSL aims to put a little of the rawness and excitement back into M3 ownership.
Previewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, the new model is still very much in development, something which the company is very keen to stress. The car you see here is one of only five prototypes in existence, and it's a rolling testbed for a range of exotic materials and electronics.
As a result, exact figures relating to engine power, performance and, crucially, weight haven't been released. However, what we can tell you is that the CSL is a truly outstanding development of an already fine motor car.
The first and most noticeable difference relates to its construction. The bumpers, doors, bonnet and even the roof panel are made from carbon fibre, which offers a significant weight saving - as much as 95kg, according to sources from within BMW - over the normal steel items. The same applies to the stripped-out interior, where the plush armchair seats of the standard model have made way for thin carbon fibre racing versions, while the main console is devoid of all but the most essential buttons and controls.
Under the bonnet, the alterations extend to a complete updating of the engine management system, a revised intake manifold and a general speeding up of the SMG gearbox's software. In terms of chassis modifications, the CSL sits lower on the ground and benefits from geometry changes designed to reduce understeer and improve front end turn-in. The 19-inch lightweight alloys cover 18-inch brakes and are clad in expensive-looking Michelin cut slicks.
On the road - or rather the damp twists and turns of our Nürburgring test route - the CSL sounds and feels like a born racer. The steering is hyper-accurate - lively, agile and faithful to even the smallest of movements - while the body control has been vastly improved and resists roll exceptionally well.
The transmission - an even quicker-shifting version of BMW's semi-automatic paddle change gearbox - is the perfect foil for the revised engine and hops its way through the ratios at speeds that would have been unthinkable even in a Formula One racer just a few years ago. But as with all great sports cars, the CSL has an edge to it. Accelerate too hard out of a corner and power swiftly overcomes grip, forcing you to correct or admit defeat and re-engage the DSL traction control system.
BMW freely admits that the CSL's final spec, price and production numbers are some way off - an indication that there's plenty of work to be done behind the scenes before the first cars are delivered. However, if Richter and his team manage to retain just a fraction of the prototype's raw appeal, we could be looking at the finest BMW for many a year. That's some prospect.
08-28-2003, 06:55 PM
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<------ owned
08-28-2003, 09:43 PM
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Originally posted by pimpscls
18 ????????? thats fukin crazy, but the interior is sumwat bland guess thats wat makes it lighweight
18 ????????? thats fukin crazy, but the interior is sumwat bland guess thats wat makes it lighweight
you don't need/want interior in a light weight car.
this just love the CSL rims
.
08-30-2003, 07:23 AM
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About the 18 inch brakes:
Boy did that one have me looking for an answer for ever, about 2 years ago! Had so many arguments with the editors of a European mag, they almost kicked me off their forum. I was right in the end though (saying, that 16 inch breakes would not fit in 16 inch wheels on a Mitsu Evo!). Here is the answer:
It's not a typo, yet it's not incorrect either. The ENGLISH have a different way of posting rotor diameter. When they say 18 inch brakes, it means that the rotors and brake calipers are so large so that THE WHEEL has to be at least 18 inches in diameter TO FIT them!
INteresting way of putting it. Cos now in the CSL's case above, we know that BMW has room to enlarge the brake rotors/caliper set. Specifically by another inch.
That's the answer.
Boy did that one have me looking for an answer for ever, about 2 years ago! Had so many arguments with the editors of a European mag, they almost kicked me off their forum. I was right in the end though (saying, that 16 inch breakes would not fit in 16 inch wheels on a Mitsu Evo!). Here is the answer:
It's not a typo, yet it's not incorrect either. The ENGLISH have a different way of posting rotor diameter. When they say 18 inch brakes, it means that the rotors and brake calipers are so large so that THE WHEEL has to be at least 18 inches in diameter TO FIT them!
INteresting way of putting it. Cos now in the CSL's case above, we know that BMW has room to enlarge the brake rotors/caliper set. Specifically by another inch.
That's the answer.
10-28-2003, 10:05 AM
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Autoexpress:
Trying to get your hands on a brochure for BMW's new M3 CSL is proving harder than actually buying the car! Many dealers are even denying the pamphlet exists. We called a number of showrooms posing as a customer, and could get only one to admit that sales literature had been produced.
A BMW spokesman said: "Just a small number were printed, making them collectable. Dealers are being cagey about handing them over as they don't want people getting hold of them simply to sell." Brochures are already changing hands for Ł20 a time.
Trying to get your hands on a brochure for BMW's new M3 CSL is proving harder than actually buying the car! Many dealers are even denying the pamphlet exists. We called a number of showrooms posing as a customer, and could get only one to admit that sales literature had been produced.
A BMW spokesman said: "Just a small number were printed, making them collectable. Dealers are being cagey about handing them over as they don't want people getting hold of them simply to sell." Brochures are already changing hands for Ł20 a time.
10-28-2003, 12:56 PM
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Originally posted by Collective27
On a side note, whats with bringing all these posts back from the dead latly gav?
On a side note, whats with bringing all these posts back from the dead latly gav?
10-28-2003, 03:25 PM
#68
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Originally posted by pimpscls
i hate that interior woudnt get it even it is lightweight and a little faster
i hate that interior woudnt get it even it is lightweight and a little faster
Originally posted by pimpscls
that is a nice car id like to get one ne day
that is a nice car id like to get one ne day
you sure changed your mind after a month
10-28-2003, 04:48 PM
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just noticed that the first few pics have a different rear tail assembly then the others. The other have the inner portion connecting to the outter, while the first have a smaller inner section.
10-28-2003, 06:51 PM
#70
Cost Drivers!!!!
The result of this successful fine-tuning is maximum output of 360 bhp (265 kW) at 7,900 rpm, with maximum torque of 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) at 4,900 rpm. This equals output per litre of no less than 111 bhp, an extremely high figure for a normal-aspiration power unit and, incidentally, the highest output per litre of any production six -cylinder in the world.
VERY impressive numbers.......
273ftlbs from a 3.2L engine......
VERY impressive numbers.......
273ftlbs from a 3.2L engine......
10-28-2003, 07:15 PM
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Originally posted by Zapata
The result of this successful fine-tuning is maximum output of 360 bhp (265 kW) at 7,900 rpm, with maximum torque of 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) at 4,900 rpm. This equals output per litre of no less than 111 bhp, an extremely high figure for a normal-aspiration power unit and, incidentally, the highest output per litre of any production six -cylinder in the world.
VERY impressive numbers.......
273ftlbs from a 3.2L engine......
The result of this successful fine-tuning is maximum output of 360 bhp (265 kW) at 7,900 rpm, with maximum torque of 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) at 4,900 rpm. This equals output per litre of no less than 111 bhp, an extremely high figure for a normal-aspiration power unit and, incidentally, the highest output per litre of any production six -cylinder in the world.
VERY impressive numbers.......
273ftlbs from a 3.2L engine......
12-20-2003, 10:03 PM
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This video is in German, though it's worth watching the CSL through the track and listen to the engine...
http://www.bmwccn.no/vestfold/images/M3%20csl.wmv
http://www.bmwccn.no/vestfold/images/M3%20csl.wmv
09-06-2007, 11:05 PM
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BMW M3 CSL E92 Spied
WYHI...?
09-06-2007, 11:05 PM
#78
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From Worldcarfans...
BMW M3 CSL E92 Spied by Our Neighbors!
Frequent visitors to Nurburgring and close friends of WorldCarFans, driving enthusiast club, Carfreaks.net of Finland, have snapped some photos of what appears to be an E92 M3 CSL (Coupe, Sport, Lightweight). Distinguished by a power to weight ratio improvement of 10%, the previous generation E46 CSL was slated as a purists' club-racer version of the standard M3 with many features intended to increase performance and reduce weight. Visually, it was differentiated by its' carbon fiber roof, front and rear bumper fascias with integrated carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFP) splitters, special 19-inch wheels and a decklid with integrated rear spoiler.
Since the new E92 M3 now incorporates the carbon-fiber roof as standard, there are still a few other subtle details which indicate this prototype is indeed the new CSL. The rear decklid has a built in “duck bill” spoiler, front bumper fascia has CFP side flaps, and the front fender “M3” grille nameplate is covered with black tape which suggest the CSL nameplate resides there instead, much like the E46 generation.
The E46 CSL was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show in 2001, therefore it's easy to speculate (judging by the lack of camouflage) we could see this E92 CSL debuting at Frankfurt next week. Let's hope so!
More pictures of the M3 Sedan in action at the Carfreaks.net link below.
Thanks to MJN for use of the photos!
Frequent visitors to Nurburgring and close friends of WorldCarFans, driving enthusiast club, Carfreaks.net of Finland, have snapped some photos of what appears to be an E92 M3 CSL (Coupe, Sport, Lightweight). Distinguished by a power to weight ratio improvement of 10%, the previous generation E46 CSL was slated as a purists' club-racer version of the standard M3 with many features intended to increase performance and reduce weight. Visually, it was differentiated by its' carbon fiber roof, front and rear bumper fascias with integrated carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFP) splitters, special 19-inch wheels and a decklid with integrated rear spoiler.
Since the new E92 M3 now incorporates the carbon-fiber roof as standard, there are still a few other subtle details which indicate this prototype is indeed the new CSL. The rear decklid has a built in “duck bill” spoiler, front bumper fascia has CFP side flaps, and the front fender “M3” grille nameplate is covered with black tape which suggest the CSL nameplate resides there instead, much like the E46 generation.
The E46 CSL was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show in 2001, therefore it's easy to speculate (judging by the lack of camouflage) we could see this E92 CSL debuting at Frankfurt next week. Let's hope so!
More pictures of the M3 Sedan in action at the Carfreaks.net link below.
Thanks to MJN for use of the photos!
09-07-2007, 04:58 AM
#79
BMW M3 CSL E92 Spied by Our Neighbors!
Frequent visitors to Nurburgring and close friends of WorldCarFans, driving enthusiast club, Carfreaks.net of Finland, have snapped some photos of what appears to be an E92 M3 CSL (Coupe, Sport, Lightweight). Distinguished by a power to weight ratio improvement of 10%, the previous generation E46 CSL was slated as a purists' club-racer version of the standard M3 with many features intended to increase performance and reduce weight. Visually, it was differentiated by its' carbon fiber roof, front and rear bumper fascias with integrated carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFP) splitters, special 19-inch wheels and a decklid with integrated rear spoiler.
Since the new E92 M3 now incorporates the carbon-fiber roof as standard, there are still a few other subtle details which indicate this prototype is indeed the new CSL. The rear decklid has a built in “duck bill” spoiler, front bumper fascia has CFP side flaps, and the front fender “M3” grille nameplate is covered with black tape which suggest the CSL nameplate resides there instead, much like the E46 generation.
The E46 CSL was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show in 2001, therefore it's easy to speculate (judging by the lack of camouflage) we could see this E92 CSL debuting at Frankfurt next week. Let's hope so!
More pictures of the M3 Sedan in action at the Carfreaks.net link below.
Thanks to MJN for use of the photos!
Frequent visitors to Nurburgring and close friends of WorldCarFans, driving enthusiast club, Carfreaks.net of Finland, have snapped some photos of what appears to be an E92 M3 CSL (Coupe, Sport, Lightweight). Distinguished by a power to weight ratio improvement of 10%, the previous generation E46 CSL was slated as a purists' club-racer version of the standard M3 with many features intended to increase performance and reduce weight. Visually, it was differentiated by its' carbon fiber roof, front and rear bumper fascias with integrated carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFP) splitters, special 19-inch wheels and a decklid with integrated rear spoiler.
Since the new E92 M3 now incorporates the carbon-fiber roof as standard, there are still a few other subtle details which indicate this prototype is indeed the new CSL. The rear decklid has a built in “duck bill” spoiler, front bumper fascia has CFP side flaps, and the front fender “M3” grille nameplate is covered with black tape which suggest the CSL nameplate resides there instead, much like the E46 generation.
The E46 CSL was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show in 2001, therefore it's easy to speculate (judging by the lack of camouflage) we could see this E92 CSL debuting at Frankfurt next week. Let's hope so!
More pictures of the M3 Sedan in action at the Carfreaks.net link below.
Thanks to MJN for use of the photos!
Not much of a fan of CF on a car at all, but that CF roof is pretty hot. Not feeling the CF splitters on the front bumper though.
!