BMW M, the namesake of BMW's sportiest vehicles, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As the anniversary year and celebrations end, it's time to open the most extensive package: a brand new BMW 3.0 CSL, the company's most exclusive unique model ever manufactured.
Since 1972, many famous models with the letter "M" in their identification have piqued the interest of BMW fans worldwide. The iconic BMW M1 and the various iterations of the BMW M3 and BMW M5 can be found in history books. Driving machines have come and gone like pearls on a thread over the last 50 years.
Earlier this year, BMW unveiled models such as the all-new BMW M4 CLS, BMW M3 Touring, BMW M2, and BMW XM. The very special BMW 3.0 CLS, an exclusive unique model with historical origins and a renowned model designation, has been saved for the very end of the wreath cake.
The model designation "CSL" is accommodating. As a result, it has only been used by a few vehicles throughout history. "Coupé, Sport, Leichtbau" (Coupé, Sport, Lightweight) is represented by the three letters. The all-new BMW 3.0 CSL follows the same recipe as the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL, which debuted in 1973: racing technology developed for unadulterated driving pleasure and off-the-track enjoyment.
The racing version of the vintage BMW 3.0 CSL sports car swept the European Touring Car Championship in its inaugural season 50 years ago before repeating the feat five times in a row from 1975 to 1979. The street version of the racing car, designed for homologation, became a well-known icon of unadulterated driving enjoyment. One of the standout features was a big rear wing that improved rear wheel grip. It was not roadworthy and was in the boot when the automobile was delivered. Despite this, the car drew so much attention that it was dubbed the "Batmobile."