This year’s BMW M turns 50 years old and BMW is celebrating solemnly. We have seen new M3 Touring and M4 CSL models are introduced and also M3 CS, M2 . redesignand Independent M SUV all coming.
Also on the show is an homage to the 3.0 CSL based on the M4 CSL that is about to actually celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BMW M this year. BMW M boss Frank van Meel posted a photo of a prototype on social media on Monday and now we have new spy shots.
The launch is expected to take place soon in the near future.
The car is a modern come in 3.0 CSL Special Similarities launched in 1972, the first car was launched by BMW M. BMW previously honored the 3.0 CSL with Concept car 3.0 CSL Hommage unveiled a decade ago, and some styling elements of those concepts appear to have been incorporated into the production model homage to the 3.0 CSL.
BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept, 2015 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
The most dramatic difference from the styling of the M4 CSL is that the new front end is more rounded and features unique designs for the headlights, hood, grille and side skirts. The rear is also unique, from the roof spoiler down. Pumped fenders also suggest a wider running track.
The new bodywork is said to be made of carbon fiber, which means that the vehicle’s weight will be significantly lighter than the 3,640 pounds of the M4 CSL, itself about 240 pounds lighter than the weight of the regular M4.
Power will almost certainly come from the M4’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6, which we hear will be boosted to almost 600 hp compared to the M4 CSL’s 543 hp. Rumored performance claims include a 0-60 mph time of around 3.5 seconds and a top speed of up to 200 mph. Interestingly, the car is said to run a 6-speed manual instead of the 8-speed automatic of the M4 CSL.
In case you want one, be prepared to pay at least 750,000 euros ($789,150), if the rumors prove to be true. And it seems that only 50 models are planned, which means they may already be sold out.
