Bayerische Motoren Werke AG unveiled their newest concept for 2015, the 3.0 CSL Hommage, on the breathtaking shores of Lake Como, Italy just over two weeks ago. Inspired by their 1972 3.0 CSL, the homologation sat before auto buffs at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa smothered in electric green paint and an eye-catching back wing reminiscent of the infamous Batmobile. But it’s not about the wing, they promise.
The 2015 concept was designed much lighter, less sound-barring and more aerodynamic than its 1972 ancestor. Featuring aluminum roof and both plexiglass and aluminum wings, cutting corners should feel like second nature. From their racing inspired bucket seats to their airplane-style steering wheel, the “coupe, sport, lightweight” is European designed but built for the world.
The Engine
While specific drivetrain and engine features are still under development, the 3.0 CSL concept could be construed as “hybrid,” having an elegant 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder and five second 0-60 time on a good day. BMW wasted much of their press release talking about tail lights and fixating consumer minds on the elegant body, and the engine’s design is expected to be a ‘one hit wonder’, according to information gathered by The Telegraph Luxury. Can you blame them?
The Exterior
An extended frame is accentuated by its craftily designed air deflectors, commanding arched wheels and particularly noticeable spoilers protruding from the rear and roof — all 200kg lighter than standard BMW vehicles. Although the size seems lanky, the 3.0 CSL’s aerodynamic elements are instrumental in allowing continuous flow of air down the sides of the body. An Air Curtain system provides optimum air escape from the wheel wells while specially designed exterior technology, including rearview cameras, were systematically positioned so as to be mindful of excessive drag.
Found within BMW’s lowest front end design is a newly designed kidney grille, spatially designed to maximize the powerful eBoost inline 6-cylinder engine. Every exterior feature, in fact, was designed in syncopation with air flow quality speed freaks expect when flying down Autobahn, or I-5. Even the laser-style LED lighting intimidates the wind while maintaining that signature BMW low-profile swagger.
The Interior
A perfect blend of antique and awesome headline BMW’s racing style interior, minimizing gadgetry while maximizing aerodynamics. The electric green pinstripes highlight two racing seats, complete with six-way harness protection and contoured lumbar areas for extended driving comfort. Racing helmets are strapped to the backs of each seat, which I’m certain will be used at some point whether they’re novelties or necessities.
BMW’s new-look steering wheel and focused instrument panel, shown above, nearly mimic an airplane’s steering wheel but closely resemble the Batmobile (again, I reference the obvious). Most of CSL’s interior materials comprise of carbon fiber, although you’ll notice the polished wood grain dashboard and how it blends with the overall interior theme.
The CSL interior was crafted for maximum comfort with minimalist design, with door handles that revert back to 1972 by adding strapped door pulls. Overall, BMW championed an aesthetically pleasing interior view that’s a continuation of its exterior athleticism, highlighted by its curvy floorboard configuration and race-inspired foot controls.
The Verdict
Redirecting their brand through the eyes of this concept car is clearly what you’ll feel when reading their press release, symbolic of many BMW concepts in past auto shows. While the aerodynamics and design leave your eyes wanting more, putting the same drivetrain and engine configuration as the i8 (which seems imminent) may lessen race enthusiast’s interest.
