BMW has shelved plans to produce a lighter and sharper CSL version of the E92 M3. CAR’s artist’s impression reveals how the rawest M3 of all was scheduled to look – with an arrival date of summer 2009.
The M3 CSL was supposed to have power uprated to between 450bhp and 470bhp with a corresponding drop in weight, down by 100kg thanks to wider use of flyweight materials. Cup tyres, new engine breathing and a carbonfibre airbox were due to complete the makeover.
But the bean counters at Munich have now canned the project, so they can concentrate on the faster versions of the company’s X-badged crossovers.
The M boss speaks
Ludwig Willisch, the new M Division boss, said: ‘Based on current numbers, there is most likely insufficient demand for the M3 CSL.’
For the full story on the death of the M3 CSL – and its nemesis from Audi, the planned RS5 – buy the new October 2008 issue of CAR Magazine, on sale on Wednesday 27 August 2008. Click here for a full guided tour.
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Click here for CAR’s drive review of the old E46 BMW M3 CSL