Athletic and timeless.
One of the most iconic BMW models to ever grace the weaving asphalt on tracks around the globe was the BMW 3.0 CSL. The sports car was a star in the 1970s and had a simple approach to performance focused on cutting weight. Forty years later, the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage is paying tribute to the sports car that had such an impact on the brand’s driving acclaim.
Those three special “CSL” letters worn by the original car stood for “Coupe Sport Leichtbau” (coupe, sport, lightweight). Advanced aluminum alloy and Plexiglas windows were used while the interior was reduced to only the essentials for driving, making it 441 lbs. lighter than its 3.0 CS sibling. The same formula was still in use for the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage where carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is the material of choice to cut weight.
“Our Hommage cars not only demonstrate how proud we are of our heritage, but also how important the past can be in determining our future,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage represents a nod to the engineering achievement exemplified by the BMW 3.0 CSL in its lightweight design and performance. With intelligent lightweight construction and modern materials, the 3.0 CSL Hommage brings the character of that earlier model into the 21st century, showing it in a new and exciting guise.”
The goal for the designers of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage was to revive the character of the original car through feelings and emotion rather than copying the design language. Athleticism and aerodynamics were two points of emphasis with the 3.0 CSL Hommage. The wheelbase and hood have been elongated while dynamic air deflectors work to generate downforce and cool aspects of the sports car. Golf Yellow was picked as the only color for the concept to emphasize its character and confidence.
From the start, the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage is broad and low, showcasing its muscular and athletic dynamic. In fact, it wears one of the widest and lowest front ends in the brand’s model lineup. The classic BMW kidney grille has powerful vertical slats sitting between the new four-eyed, hexagonal laser light and LED lighting with “X” shapes inside, recalling the taped headlights of the original CSL. At the bottom of the fascia sits a large carbon fiber splitter that generates downforce while two circular front openings sit on either side of the bumper similar to the pair worn by the first model. A sculpted hood creates a wide “V” shape, again paying homage to the 3.0 CSL.
The long, stretched wheelbase creates a sleek silhouette with the roofline divided into three parts that does not directly flow into the tail of the car, recalling the classic design language. The Hofmeister kink is a prominent feature of each C-pillar, both of which wear the classic BMW logos. Dark CFRP is worn on each side of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage and move horizontally to create the sense of speed and forward motion. Another noticeable aspect on each side is the lack of side mirrors. To help reduce drag, two slim rear-view cameras are included and display images inside the cockpit. Large, 21-inch alloy wheels in matte or high-gloss black or two-tone versions are worn and feature unique Air control blades that improve aerodynamics even further.
The rear of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage has that classic character with a modern twist. A similar large rear spoiler is featured this time with an LED light strip connecting with the brake lights creating depth and power. The rear apron is sculpted and curvaceous, and incorporates a CFRP diffuser to keep it stuck on the asphalt.
The minimalistic interior philosophy of the original 3.0 CSL is carried over to the new concept. Only the necessary equipment and features were utilized inside the cabin with everything being made from lightweight CFRP except for the wooden “instrument panel” cross-member much like the original. Supportive bucket seats with six-point belts hold driver and passenger in place while special helmet mounts are featured on the rear transmission tunnel. A fire extinguishing switch and emergency shut-off switch sit on the dashboard while an eBoost charging display sits centrally in the wooden panel. Each door is minimalist and clean, utilizing DTM-style door pull power openers.
The new BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage pays tribute to one of the greatest driving cars that BMW ever made. Its innovative use of lightweight materials paved the way for the driving character that the brand is known for today.
BMW 3.0 CSL Gallery
Source: BMW
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