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BMW M3 CSL

In 2003 BMW introduced the series version of the Concept Car which had already hit the headlines at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show - the BMW M3 CSL, an abbreviation standing for "Coupe, Sports, Lightweight".
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The Ultimate Driving Machine

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Indeed, this BMW tradition goes all the way back to the 1930s, when the legendary 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupe first saw the light of day. This time, however, BMW's engineers interpreted the old theme in a new way, focusing not on the radical reduction of weight simply by removing individual components, but rather on intelligent lightweight engineering, that is the reduction of weight by using the best and most appropriate materials at the right point. Accordingly, BMW's experts succeeded in reducing the weight of the BMW M3 by more than 243 lbs, with the CSL version weighing in at just 3,054 lbs.

Stability

Super Light Weight

The power unit was also upgraded, now developing maximum output in this specific model of 360 hp. This results in a power-to-weight ratio of just 3.85 kg per horsepower, a truly sensational figure making the BMW M3 CSL even more agile and dynamic than the "regular" BMW M3. As a result, the BMW M3 CSL accelerates to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and reaches 200 km/h in an equally astounding 16.8 seconds. Top speed, in turn, is limited electronically to 155 mph.

SMG & Launch Control

The BMW M3 CSL benefits from further technical assistance and enhancement systems featured as standard on this unique car: BMW's Sequential M Gearbox complete with Drivelogic and the M Track Mode. This special transmission ensures a very fast gearshift within just 0.08 seconds, like in a Formula 1 racing car, by means of paddles on the steering wheel. And like on the BMW M3 equipped with SMG, Launch Control integrated in the system enables the BMW M3 CSL to accelerate from a standstill all the way to top speed, without the driver having to shift gears or watch out for engine speed limits.

M Track Mode

Introducing the M Track Mode, the M division added a special DSC mode carried over from motorsport as yet another highlight in the BMW M3 CSL: Now, optical indicators in the dashboard enable the driver on the race track to make maximum use of the car's longitudinal and lateral acceleration within its physical limits, with DSC intervening only when the driver reaches the absolute extreme.