BMW is shedding high performance models like they’re going out of fashion (which, we guess they are..). Plans for an E92 M3 CSL have just been axed.
By Gareth Dean
No sooner had the news of BMW’s M1 Homage being canned broke, when the German firm decided it was open season on almost everything bearing a highly-tuned V8 and aspirations of track day dominance.
For many M3 enthusiasts, the stripped-down lightweight CSL (Coupé, Sport, Lightweight) has been the epitome of a track-focused, rear-wheel drive sportscar. So, M Division boss Ludwig Willisch’s announcement that plans for an E92 BMW M3 CSL have been shelved will come as grave news to those who’ve been waiting for this car to materialize since the M3 made its Frankfurt debut last year.
Some of the reasoning behind this decision is puzzling, to say the least. BMW’s plan to move resources away from the M1 and towards green technology is understandable, but it flies in the face of the M Division’s decision to focus on developing performance-orientated versions of the X5 and X6.
Speaking with UK’s , Willisch also cited a lack of interest as another factor that counted against a CSL model being developed. He said that “based on current numbers, there is most likely insufficient demand for the M3 CSL.” In addition to the CSL, Willisch also confirmed the M1’s demise and ruled out production of a 1-Series-based M-car or an M3 Touring.
So, we can only sit and daydream about what the M3 CSL could have been…the power output was reportedly around the 335-350 kW mark, 100 kg would have been shaved off the standard car’s kerb weight, and an array of carbon-fibre bits and performance tyres would have made it something of a track-going phenomenon…Oh, well…
