Mention the letters CSL in the CAR offices and even the few sets of kneecaps which haven’t undergone surgery turn a tad weak. Fond memories and folk tales prevail of the week or so we spent with the limited-edition E46 BMW M3 CSL in 2005.
Shortly after the standard car’s launch, rumours of a CSL version of the current E92 M3 were quickly dispelled by BMW’s top brass. However, recent reports suggest these same officials appear to have had a change of heart.
South African BMW fans have already had a taste of what some careful fettling of the current M3 can produce in the locally tuned Frozen Edition, but it seems the rest of the world may yet be treated to one last thrill before the next M3 breaks cover.
In keeping with tradition, CSL versions are a study in lightweight construction, so expect the latest version to showcase some innovative new body parts and materials (the E46 CSL was the first production BMW to feature a carbon-fibre roof).
The new car should feature a revised version of the standard M3’s 4,0-litre V8 engine, with a power output close to that of the M3 GTS (and Frozen) at 331 kW.
Fans and rivals alike will find out whether rumours of the E92 M3 CSL are true when BMW lifts the covers off a “surprise” at the 24-hour Nurburgring race in June.
