BMW CEO Reveals CSL Models Will Top M Cars Lineup

[Jason]

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BMW CEO Reveals CSL Models Will Top M Cars Lineup

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In a conversation with Road & Track, BMW CEO Frank Van Meel has revealed that the CSL models are coming for future M cars! The long-hallowed CSL badge has thus far only adorned two of the most revered BMW models in history -- the 3.0 CSL and E46 M3.

Going forward, the CSL moniker will replace the current GTS level as the most hardcore M model. This will leave an M model hierarchy starting from the base model --> Competition Package --> CS --> CSL.

"CSL will be the top-of-the-line track tool, made on the track for the track, just with a number plate," Van Meel said. With a CSL, you can expect cup tires, coilover suspension, a roll cage, water injection, and a fire extinguisher. Van Meel says that the CS on the other hand is "also a track tool, but with four seats," and more emphasis on comfort.

Van Meel hasn't yet announced what future M cars will get the CSL designation, but he did confirm that we'll never see an X5 M CSL. However, he is open to 4-door M cars with CSL branding, even if they aren't coupes. No doubt this means an M3 CSL is somewhere on the horizon.

This is exciting news indeed for enthusiasts of BMW history, and we hope that future CSL models live up to the great legacy of the badge!

Source: Road & Track

[jeff@autocouture]

YESSSS!!!

[Gatte]

I hope BMW is saving the best for last and end up making an F80 M3 CSL version before end of production.

You'll probably see more used GTS cars on the market as well for those looking to get a good deal on those if it happens.

[HRE_Wheels]

[mkoesel]

This makes a lot more sense now (now meaning, with the G generation onward) than it did when we first heard whispers about it a couple years ago. This is because, with CLAR, it is possible to use CFRP in the unibody where the standard car may use aluminum, steel, or other materials. In other words it is possible to achieve a noticeable weight savings without having to completely reengineer or redesign the vehicle. The trade off, of course, is a higher material cost, but one that is not unreasonable so that it can be passed into the customer without killing the business case.

[Cyrax91]

Nice! Cant wait to see the first!

[ralphie9677]

How can you conclude with "no doubt" that an M3 CSL is somewhere on the horizon when Van Meel only said that "he is open to 4-door M cars with CSL branding..."? Van Meel's statement is far from a guarantee of a 4-door CSL model.

[somer]

M5 CS with rwd only? 3950 curb weight? 285/325 sport cup 2s? rear wheel steer? boost by gear like ferrari? :P

[Jeef]

Exciting!

[NYAWE60]

How much will an actual M3 CSL cost today?? $150-175K if the GTS is already $135K??

If that's the case what will the actual take rate be?? That price point puts it in line with some very serious hardware - R8 V10, 911 Turbo, AMG GTR and others...

I love M cars but the pricing is becoming ludicrous on M3/M4.

[Jim B]

It appears the me that the M4 GTS is coming back as the M4 CSL.

[Law]

Originally Posted by Jason

Van Meel hasn't yet announced what future M cars will get the CSL designation, but he did confirm that we'll never see an X5 M CSL. However, he is open to 4-door M cars with CSL branding, even if they aren't coupes. No doubt this means an M3 CSL is somewhere on the horizon.

I wouldn't hold my breath on this one.

15 years ago, nobody would've thought we'd see M-trucks, turbo M-cars, AWD M-cars, or FWD BMWs.

15 years later, we might be talking about the dilution of the CSL badge.

Never say never...

[Super Spartan]

[emdeuce]

Too many wants, but no Bill Gates money...

[Bubsy320d]

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer CSL anyone?

[N & M]

While we are on the euphoria train; wouldn't it be nice if they give a real competitor to the AMG GT and cap with a CSL version? That would be something.

[saeedg48]

Base model, C, CS, and CSL.

[Ibiza]

Originally Posted by Gatte

I hope BMW is saving the best for last and end up making an F80 M3 CSL version before end of production.

You'll probably see more used GTS cars on the market as well for those looking to get a good deal on those if it happens.

I highly doubt there will be a F80 CSL as every new sub-style BMW AG manufacturers has to be approved by government regulators, this includes vehicles offered with both 6MT & DCT, and this costs money that being such a niche BMW wouldn't recoupe the costs, unless prices at $150,000 USD. I see the 2 doors, M2, M4, M8, with the 1st being the M8 then followed by the M2 & M4 years latter with the all new models.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by saeedg48

Base model, C, CS, and CSL.

Don't forget the CSi electric model, with special limited edition regional CSi: Miami and CSi: New York Individual offerings tailored specifically to those markets (the former available exclusively in pastel colors).

(I know I made a similar joke once before, but you'll have to forgive me, it's a personal favorite )

[solstice]

Nice! M2 CSL should be an awesome car.

[Killed by Death]

BFD !!!

[JibSTir13]

Originally Posted by NYAWE60

How much will an actual M3 CSL cost today?? $150-175K if the GTS is already $135K??

If that's the case what will the actual take rate be?? That price point puts it in line with some very serious hardware - R8 V10, 911 Turbo, AMG GTR and others...

I love M cars but the pricing is becoming ludicrous on M3/M4.

Completely agree that pricing is getting out of hand for an M3/M4.

At the end of the day, no matter how you cut it, these are still cars that start life as a standard sedan/coupe. They are not engineered from the ground up as a sports car.