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BMW M3 CSL Tuned by REIL Performance, Nurburgring in 7:43

The BMW M3 CSL (coupe sports lightweight), a special, lightweight model based on the E46-generation M3, was one of those cars that offer such a sweet package that they will never be forgotten.
BMW M3 CSL by REIL Performance 10 photos
Photo: REIL Performance
BMW M3 CSL by REIL PerformanceBMW M3 CSL by REIL PerformanceBMW M3 CSL by REIL PerformanceBMW M3 CSL by REIL PerformanceBMW M3 CSL by REIL PerformanceBMW M3 CSL by REIL PerformanceBMW M3 CSL by REIL PerformanceBMW M3 CSL by REIL PerformanceBMW M3 CSL by REIL Performance
We’ve now got the proof that the aforementioned statement is true: here we are, waiting for BMW to release the successor of the E46 M3’s successor (you can see the latest spyshots here) and a tuner releases a package for the CSL. We are talking about REIL Performance, which has made the M3 CLS sharper, focusing on tech changes and biasing the car towards the track.

The CSL was light be definition, but REIL Performance made it even lighter, with the car now tipping the scales at 1,260 kg (1,778 lbs), while the naturally-aspirated 3.2-liter straight six engine has been boosted from 360 to 391 hp. Yes, that does mean 122 hp per liter.

The tuner also upgraded the brakes, suspension and fitted BBS rims with Yokohama rubber, while the aerodynamics were also tweaked - the aero kit now includes a wing borrowed form the GT3-class Porsche 911 racer.

While the stock M3 CSL needs 7:50 to lap the Nurburgring, REIL Performance’s one deals with the job in 7:43, which places it just one second behind the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, for example.

We don’t know is trading in the everyday usability for the difference is a good deal, but we’re convinced that this car is capable of delivering thrills that are extremely hard to obtain otherwise. We can only imagine how the CLS’s engine sounds now - the stock unit has one of the sweetest sounds in modern car history.

Of course, all this tech play comes with a price and if you want one of these, you have to be prepared to part ways with EUR130,000 ($159,000) of your money.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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