Unofficially known as the “Batmobile” due to its distinctive and dramatic aero kit, the BMW 3.0 CSL was a homologation special version of the Bavarian brand’s 3.0 CSi model that spent the better part of a decade dominating a myriad of high-profile racing series from the European Touring Car Championship to Le Mans to IMSA. And as the final chapter of its 50 Years of BMW M anniversary celebration, the company has now opted to pay homage to the Batmobile, unleashing a limited edition tribute to the ‘70s-era homologation special with the new 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL.
Loaded with nods to its iconic 3.0 CSL predecessor, the new 2023 model is based on BMW’s existing — and thoroughly potent — M4 CSL. Drawing direct inspiration from the half-century-old touring car racer, the 2023 3.0 CSL comes draped in Batmobile-style bodywork made from carbon fiber, with a newly designed front end and a roof-mounted spoiler paired with a large rear wing. In fact, every body panel on the car is crafted from the lightweight yet rugged weave. The vehicle’s bodywork and aero kit also come adorned in a throwback Alpine white livery juxtaposed via traditional BMW M-colored racing stripes — another direct nod to the original 3.0 CSL. What’s more, just like the original 3.0 CSL, the new tribute model is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six engine which is the most powerful M six-banger ever produced, with the M TwinPower Turbo tech-equipped motor cranking out 560hp and 405.65ft-lbs of torque and allowing for a top speed of over 186mph. The engine has also been mated to a manual six-speed transmission that sends power to a rear-wheel-drive setup.
Riding on a set of ’70s-inspired, filigree-spoked, gold-finished, center-locking wheels, the new 3.0 CSL also comes standard with a titanium rear silencer, electromechanical M Servotronic steering, BMW’s M carbon ceramic brake system with adjustable characteristic curves, an Active M Differential, and a model-specific Adaptive M Suspension package with electronically-controlled shock absorbers. The interior of the car also sports carbon fiber doorsills with special “3.0 CSL” badges, M Carbon full bucket seats with “3.0 CSL” badges, a commemorative shift knob, an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, and a carbon trim package complete with each unit’s limited production number emblazoned on the dash.
Touted by BMW as “the ultimate expression of M Legacy,” the limited edition 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL has been priced at €750,000 (~ $778,750), with production restricted to just 50 examples worldwide.
