2022 is a great year for the BMW brand. We got the M3 Touring, the new M2 and now the M4 CSL.
The best was saved for the climax, as a celebration of 50 years of the M brand, the revival of an icon - the 3.0 CSL. Paying tribute to the Coupe Sport Lightweight from the 1970s, the modern E9 is billed as “the most exclusive and special model” in M history.
The distinctive kidney is taken from the 2015 3.0 CSL Hommage concept, but now features a mesh insert in a diamond structure. The grille frame boasts a satin aluminum finish, which you'll also notice on the side window surrounds. Large indentations in the front bumper are reminiscent of the original 3.0 CSL, while serving a functional role by cooling the engine and brakes. The hood-mounted air fins are also a throwback to the original 1970s model.
At the front, the laser headlights, adapted for the M4 CSL and equipped with the same yellow accents as a tribute to the racing cars, reign supreme. The side profile reveals flared fenders and forged wheels that measure 20 inches in the front and 21 inches in the rear. Shiny sports "shoes" are dressed in golden color with Michelin tires.
The most obvious connection to the classics can be seen at the rear, where BMW M has fitted a distinctive wing in the style of the iconic Batmobile, just as the original had 50 years ago. A large aero element completes the roof spoiler.
Painted in Alpine White Uni with traditional M graphics, the new 3.0 CSL uses the most powerful straight-six engine the Bavarians have ever built. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo has 553 hp (412 kW) and 550 Nm. Interestingly, the torque figure is actually down by a substantial 100Nm compared to the M4 Competition and M4. That's probably because the ultra-exclusive special edition uses a six-speed manual transmission that doesn't handle all the torque.
The three-clutch gearbox transmits power exclusively to the rear wheels, where BMW has installed an M differential. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard, as is the track-focused adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. Inside, there are carbon bucket seats, CFRP door trim and a white gear knob.
BMW will build only 50 individually numbered cars in about three months. Painting requires a special process and some CFRP parts will be made by hand. Each car goes through no fewer than eight assembly cycles at as many production stations in a complex process that takes as many as 10 days.
It is right that BMW has decided to reincarnate a legend who justifiably wears oversized kidneys.
