Final month, we took a journey to Los Angeles, California for a first-of-its-kind drive assessment of the BMW 3.0 CSL, a machine that not solely redefines exclusivity for BMW, but it surely additionally pushes the envelope in relation to pricing. With a price ticket hitting the $1 million mark on the secondary market, the BMW 3.0 CSL is the costliest new BMW ever made. Our information for this distinctive driving expertise was none aside from Samantha Tan, knowledgeable racing driver, group proprietor, and a distinguished BMW Motorsport ambassador. Samantha is among the many elite few to personal a BMW 3.0 CSL, possessing one of many 50 models ever made globally and one among solely three in the US. Her insights present a singular perspective on what makes this automobile so particular, particularly since she has to likelihood to each day drive lots of M merchandise, and naturally, race fairly a number of of them additionally.

A Controversial Revival

When BMW introduced the revival of the three.0 CSL, it was met with blended emotions. Followers had been concurrently thrilled and dismayed – thrilled by the return of a legend, but dismayed by its hefty price ticket of €750,000 and the ultra-limited manufacturing run of simply 50 models worldwide. This shortage meant that the majority BMW aficionados would by no means get the prospect to expertise the three.0 CSL, particularly within the U.S. market, the place solely three models have made their presence identified.

Design and Development: A Homage to Heritage

The BMW 3.0 CSL is a contemporary interpretation of the basic, closely drawing inspiration from the three.0 CSL Hommage Idea. It begins its life as a base mannequin M4 however undergoes a change that units it aside. The automobile is adorned with a basic M livery, placing gold wheels, and aerodynamic enhancements that not solely enhance its efficiency but in addition its attract. The dedication to craftsmanship is obvious in its building, with practically each physique panel being crafted from Carbon Fiber Bolstered Plastic (CFRP). The portray course of alone is an artwork, requiring six days of meticulous work and eight steps to make sure a end that’s as beautiful as it’s sturdy. A specialised meeting line was established solely for the CSL, emphasizing its exclusivity and the painstaking consideration to element in each side of its creation.

S58 Engine

Beneath the carbon fiber hood, you’ll discover a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six “S58” engine that has been tuned to ship a formidable 560 horsepower. This marks a big enhance over even the M4 CSL. The selection of a six-speed handbook gearbox provides to the automobile’s attraction, providing a purist driving expertise that’s changing into more and more uncommon within the period of computerized transmissions. The gear lever itself pays homage to BMW’s storied previous, with a design that nods to the basic huge, flat high levers of yore. The revised suspension and steering additional elevate the driving expertise, making it extra participating and satisfying than its M4 counterpart.

So, let’s check out this unique check drive of the BMW 3.0 CSL!