Mightiest M3 of them all

1 The New BMW M3 CSL: Intelligent Lightweight Technology and Supreme
Driving Dynamics. (Short version)......3 2 From the Lightweight Concept
to the Production Car: BMW M3 CSL. (Long version)......7 3
Specifications. BMW M3 CSL......17 4 Interior and Exterior Dimensions
of the BMW M3 CSL......18 5 Torque and Output Diagram. BMW M3
CSL......19 The New BMW M3 CSL: Intelligent Lightweight Technology and
Supreme Driving Dynamics. (Short version) A new sports car now
embodies the very core of the BMW brand in its most original style -
the M3 CSL. Taking up the heritage and legendary success of BMW's
famous lightweight coupés which gained fame in touring car racing
back in the '70s, the engineers of BMW M have once again created a
purist, thoroughbred sports car consistently designed and built to the
highest standard of excellence. In recognition of the fact that the
weight spiral constantly going up can only be brought to a halt by
radically reducing all moving masses, BMW M's engineers, in developing
this new car, have turned a thrilling lightweight concept into reality.
For the new BMW M3 CSL is not only more powerful than the already very
dynamic M3, but is also a lot lighter and therefore even more nimble.
In developing the M3 CSL, however, BMW M did not focus on the radical
reduction of weight alone. On the contrary, the task the designers and
development engineers gave themselves was to create a car full of purist
driving dynamics, a car absolutely pure in every respect, down to the
very last component. And the result, finally, is unique, absolutely
unmarred driving dynamics and a purist character. The BMW M3 CSL thus
combines supreme agility with the ultimate driving experience. With its
outstanding power-to-weight ratio of only 3.85 kg, this new car moves
into an entirely new dimension. So the engineers at BMW M are quite
sure that this sports car is able to break the 8-minute sound barrier on
the legendary Northern Circuit of Nurburgring, the ultimate benchmark in
driving dynamics. Intelligent lightweight
technology enhancing driving dynamics to a new dimension. The formula
BMW M's specialists have followed in creating this dynamic driving
machine is 'intelligent' lightweight technology: This means consistent
reduction of weight by using the most appropriate materials at the right
point. Carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, one of the most important
materials in Formula 1, for example, not only reduces the overall
weight of the car (weighing approximately 110 kg less than the standard
M3, the M3 CSL has an overall weight of just 1,385 kg), but also allows
even higher speeds in bends particularly through the use of this
lightweight material at the extreme ends of the car. Right from the
front the M3 CSL, through its newly designed, muscular front air dam
made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP) with an additional engine
air intake on the driver's side demonstrates clearly that it is built
for supreme performance of the highest calibre. Flaps also clearly
visible from outside serve additionally to reduce front axle lift by a
significant margin. At the other end of the car the newly designed rear
lid made of sheet moulding compound (SMC), together with the integrated
spoiler, also serves in conjunction with the CFP rear diffuser to
significantly reduce lift forces. Innovative materials right where they
are required. The intelligent lightweight technology so typical of the
M3 CSL is demonstrated very clearly by the roof also made of
carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic easily recognisable as such. This large
component built by specialists at BMW's Landshut Plant is not only some
six kilos lighter than a conventional roof, but also, through its
exposed position, lowers the car's centre of gravity. Focusing on their
quest to reduce weight, the engineers at BMW M took a close look at
virtually every component of the M3, in each case using the most
suitable materials in order to save weight. As a result, the M3 CSL even
comes with glass-fibre plastics otherwise used for aerospace
applications such as endless-glass-fibre thermoplastics serving as the
structural material for the through-loading system and on the rear
bumper supports. Another example is the paper-honeycomb sandwich panel
used on the floor of the luggage compartment. And like the M3, the M3
CSL also comes with an aluminium engine compartment lid and features a
special rear window made of extra-thin glass. Just right for fast
motoring: the extra-powerful engine of the M3 CSL. The significant
increase in power and performance is however not only the result of
intelligent lightweight engineering. Rather, the straight-six power
unit already renowned for its high engine speeds has been enhanced to an
even higher standard, BMW M's engineers boosting maximum output to 360
bhp at 7,900 rpm from 3.2 litres capacity, that is a sensational
output-per-litre figure of 111 bhp. Maximum torque, in turn, is 370 Nm
at 4,900 rpm. Even the engine of the M3 CSL follows the principle of
minimum weight, with the walls on the exhaust emission system being
even thinner than usual and the air collector being made of carbon
fibre. The characteristic sound of motorsport, in turn, results from
the new air intake with its modified flow of air. Featuring an
extremely large intake air opening and a large air collector made of
carbon fibre, this new intake air system enables the engine to breathe
in even more air than usual, which is why the camshafts come with
longer valve opening periods. Air intake and volume is calculated
according to the same principles as in Formula 1. And to facilitate the
outgoing flow of exhaust emissions, the M3 CSL comes with optimised
exhaust valves, a modified exhaust emission manifold and funnel-shaped
pipes leading into the air silencer. With features and improvements of
this kind, the BMW M3 CSL accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9
seconds, reaching 200 km/h in 16.8 seconds. Top speed is limited
electronically to 250 km/h. Shifting gears like in Formula 1 with the M3
CSL's special gearbox. It almost goes without saying that the M3 CSL
comes with BMW M's most sporting and dynamic transmission, the
Sequential M Gearbox with Drivelogic. Also based on Formula 1
technology, the SMG/Drivelogic transmission ensures an ultra-fast
gearshift in just 0.08 seconds on all six gears, providing a direct and
consistent flow of power at all engine speeds. With the driver being
able furthermore to choose between the sequential and an automated
gearshift mode and benefitting from Drivelogic, he has no less than
eleven different gearshift options at his disposal. And last but not
least, SMG Drivelogic has been re-designed and re-adjusted completely
for the M3 CSL. A special feature certainly worth mentioning in this
context is the launch control modified for the M3 CSL and its
particular character: Whenever he wishes to take off perfectly from a
standstill, the driver, choosing the acceleration assistant, can
accelerate all the way to the top speed of the car without intervening
himself, SMG shifting gears automatically shortly before the speed
limit in each gear. As precise and nimble as a racing car. Wider front
track and modified suspension geometry give the M3 CSL a standard of
dynamic driving performance otherwise only a thoroughbred racing car is
able to offer. These modifications include specially made springs and
dampers as well as the car's newly aligned steering for supreme,
cutting-edge handling. The brakes have also been modified for even more
stopping power and faster deceleration, allowing the M3 CSL to reach a
standstill from 100 km/h in less than 34 metres. And for special
purposes on the race track, the car is also available with sports brake
linings. The tyres of the M3 CSL are also very special: The Michelin
Pilot Sport Cup tyres developed specifically for this car measure
235/35 ZR 19 at the front and 265/30 ZR 19 at the rear and run on
8½ J x 19 (front) and 9½ J x 19 (rear) aluminium wheels
also developed especially for this car. With their asymmetric tread,
these special tyres offer truly outstanding grip on the road, again in
the interest of dynamic performance. Sporting and functional: the
cockpit of the M3 CSL. Inside, the M3 CSL again follows the concept of
supreme function and minimum weight wherever it makes sense. Reflecting
the purist standard of motorsport, the car does without electric seat
heating or a navigation system, and both the radio and air conditioning
are only available as an option. A special feature on the clear-cut
dashboard is the CFP covers on top, the centre console, door and side
linings also being made of the same material. The glass-fibre-plastic
bucket seats finished in a combination of Amaretta and fabric not only
give the driver and front passenger optimum side support, but also tilt
forwards conveniently to provide easy access to the two individually
contoured seats at the rear. For reasons of weight, seat adjustment for
length and height is manual. A special feature in driving dynamics: the
M Track Mode. The rim of the M steering wheel featured as standard is
finished in Alcantara providing a very good and secure grip. Right
behind the steering wheel are the paddles for the SMG Drivelogic
gearbox and the switch for the unique M Track Mode is on the right
spoke of the steering wheel. This special function of Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) conceived especially for motorsport allows the driver of
the M3 CSL to achieve the highest conceivable standard of longitudinal
and lateral acceleration on the race track, going to the very limits of
physical performance thanks to the new optical signal emitted in the
instrument panel whenever the system is activated. In this case DSC will
intervene only when the car is driven to its absolute limit. Developing
the new M3 CSL, BMW has redefined the limits to dynamic motoring. And
to provide a visible sign of this supreme standard, this uncompromising
car comes in only two exterior colours, Silver Grey Metallic and Black
Sapphire Metallic.