Spy Shots: BMW resurrecting the M3 CSL?
Posted Oct 20th 2009 10:28AM by Noah Joseph
We're not sure what to believe anymore. A bit over a year ago, reports surfaced that BMW was planning a successor to the E90-generation M3 CSL, a highly coveted, track-focused version of its legendary sports coupe. Within a month, the Bavarian automaker had announced that it was canceling the program. And then these photos show up.This M3 test mule was seen lapping the Nürburgring with a host of modifications and little in the way of camouflage. Knowing full well that the Nordschleife is swarming with more papparazi than Lindsay Lohan's front lawn, the Bavarians had to know we'd start asking questions. The car in question appears to be sporting a big front splitter, giant rear wing, a wider track housing bigger wheels and semi-slick tires. Underneath, reports suggest the 4.0-liter V8 benefits from new valves and a carbon-fiber airbox to deliver some 470 horsepower.
Call it an M3 CSL or a roadgoing M3 GT4, but with Audi's upcoming RS5 just around the corner, the smart money's on BMW putting up a fight of some kind.
[Source: NextAutos]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
swimstarguy 10:35AM (10/20/2009)
Something tells me this is going to somehow weigh more than the base M3...
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pirate 10:59AM (10/20/2009)
Something tells me you're wrong...
LesPaul1 10:48AM (10/20/2009)
what tells you this?
Trent 11:02AM (10/20/2009)
your logic is undeniable.
er....
zamafir 11:22AM (10/20/2009)
It won't and this is great news as BMW has been stubbornly denying any CSL since this new M3 debuted.
tankd0g 11:42AM (10/20/2009)
It's possible, but they would hopefully make up for it in horsepower.
Clippy 12:07PM (10/20/2009)
If it's at least as good as the previous CSL, i'm sold. I hope they keep the godly noise.
Aaron 12:37PM (10/20/2009)
Yeah, I'm pretty sure that won't be the case. Especially when considering that the last generation (E46) CSL was vastly lighter than the base M3 at the time. In fact, BMW went to such great lengths that they basically replaced the base of the trunk with cardboard. Not to mention that I've read this E92 M3 CSL/GT4 is likely going to be 100 kg or about 220 pounds lighter than the base m3 and will likely have 470bhp. Or you can watch this video and feel the aural delight that is this car.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPyLZj6HuLU&feature=player_embedded
btyler227 10:36AM (10/20/2009)
oh please make this come true.
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Vision7 10:44AM (10/20/2009)
How can someone shop for a performance sedan or coupe at a time like this? Just when I get a list of vehicles down to around 5 spy photos surface that cause me to seriously consider waiting just a little longer. ARG!!
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HotRodzNKustoms 10:53AM (10/20/2009)
on't worry if this is the CSL and if you live in the US you will never be able to buy one.
andre lavoie 10:48AM (10/20/2009)
Just don't put a stupid "Sport" button in it like the last one and it will be perfect.
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CarNut 10:51AM (10/20/2009)
Isn't it also entirely possible that this is someone's personal car? Can't "normal" people take their cars out for track days on the Nurburing?
Just curious...
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HotRodzNKustoms 10:54AM (10/20/2009)
I was going to ask the same thing.
Mitchell Scott 11:04AM (10/20/2009)
That's what I thought... Especially with the wierd little badge on the back... Tuner?
dasupersprint91 11:08AM (10/20/2009)
If so, that guy must be laughing!
Tourian 11:28AM (10/20/2009)
That's what I was thinking since it has that aluminum tuner touring wing.
ntcougar7 11:02AM (10/20/2009)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f23oz9ErVyY
The E92 M3 CSL is already runing on the ring... lol.
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audi_arena 12:27PM (10/20/2009)
^Make the production car look as good as that thing and I will have to consider changing brands.
Venom 11:05AM (10/20/2009)
M3 CSL is a great car.
This should be pretty good.
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