Seven years ago, during the 2015 edition of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, a rather audacious design study was revealed. BMW paid homage to the 3.0 CSL with the 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept. A one-off masterpiece, the carbon fiber-bodied coupe also shows how important the past can be in determining the Bavarian automaker's future.
Teased a couple of months ago, the 3.0 CSL Hommage special edition is extremely close to its grand unveiling. The Bavarian automaker is currently testing the M4-based model at the world’s most demanding racetrack, and from the looks of it, an extremely capable corner carver is on the horizon.
Alternatively referred to as M4 GT/H, the 3.0 CSL Hommage is a fair bit different from the concept. From the look-at-me rear wing to the roof spoiler and the intakes up front, it’s pretty clear that we’re not dealing with just another coupe. BMW has even refrained from enlarging the kidney grills, although the E46-gen M3 CSL is a great deal better executed in this area.
Developed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW Motorsport GmbH, currently known as BMW M, the 3.0 CSL Hommage sounds pretty darn good thanks to a six-cylinder lump augmented by a couple of spinny lads. Based on the B58, the M-tuned S58 is offered in three specifications at press time. The limited-edition M4 CSL cranks out 543 horsepower and 479 pound-foot (650 Nm) of torque, and it tips the scales at 1,625 kilograms (3,583 pounds).
As opposed to the ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic in the M4 CSL, the M4-based 3.0 CSL Hommage is rumored with the ZF S6-53 six-speed manual. Listening closely to the upshifts and downshifts of the camouflaged prototype confirms that three pedals are in the offing, which is great news for BMW M enthusiasts. People like you and me won’t be able to enjoy the 3.0 CSL Hommage, though, because only 50 will be reportedly produced.
The rumor mill further suggests a price tag of 750,000 euros or 747,210 dollars at current exchange rates compared to $139,900 for the M4 CSL. The auto-only model is limited to 1,000 examples of the breed globally.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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