There are particular BMWs, after which there’s the three.0 CSL. It builds on an already wholesome basis, the M4 CSL, whereas swapping the automated transmission for a six-speed handbook. It additionally makes use of an upgraded S58 engine with an additional 10 hp, bringing the whole to 553 hp. That makes it essentially the most highly effective road-going inline-six within the firm’s historical past. On the similar time, essentially the most potent three-pedal BMW ever constructed.
However even earlier than you take a look at the spec sheet, the 3.0 CSL attracts a crowd for totally totally different causes. Its retrolicious bodywork channels the spirit of the beautiful Batmobile from the E9 period. It’s truthful to say BMW succeeded in reviving the character of its iconic Seventies race automobile.
Though BMW did produce a couple of right-hand-drive examples, these recent night time photographs from Japan present a left-hand-drive automobile. It belongs to none apart from Bob Suzuki, Studie AG’s proprietor and a longtime BMW Motorsport companion. Like the opposite 49 automobiles, it’s completed in Alpine White, utilized by hand in as much as eight particular person coats.
Some have criticized BMW for reportedly charging an unconfirmed €750,000 for the three.0 CSL, however the firm had its causes. First, there’s the rarity issue: solely 50 automobiles exist. Second, Munich has by no means earlier than constructed a six-cylinder highway automobile with this a lot energy, and in typical BMW style, it sends that output to the rear axle via a handbook gearbox. Third, and arguably most necessary, the intricate, labor-intensive construct course of pushed manufacturing prices far past these of an everyday M4 CSL.
Every automobile handed via eight meeting cycles at eight manufacturing stations, a prolonged course of spanning 10 days. Staff accomplished a lot of the work by hand, a observe more and more unusual in in the present day’s automated manufacturing surroundings. In addition they manually produced the carbon fiber–bolstered plastic parts inside. BMW assigned a devoted group of 30 specialists to assemble every automobile.
BMW transported the three.0 CSLs to an exterior facility in Moosthenning earlier than transport them again to the Dingolfing plant for ultimate testing and supply. All these further steps added vital value, which is why different extremely bespoke fashions just like the Speedtop and Skytop additionally command substantial premiums over the donor M8.
BMW had no bother promoting these high-priced specials, and that ought to encourage extra low-volume initiatives. Earlier this yr, we realized that one other limited-series mannequin is coming. Higher but, it’ll be an M car, so thrilling occasions are forward.
[Photos: @studieag]
