Intelligent lightweight technology puts the muscle in BMW's super fast M3 CSL

An even hotter version of the "standard" M3, the M3 CSL, thanks to the use of Intelligent Lightweight Technology, has some extreme muscle.

BMW M's engineers, in developing this new car, have turned a thrilling lightweight concept into reality. For the new BMW M3 CSL is not only more powerful than the already very dynamic M3, but is also a lot lighter and, therefore, more nimble.

In developing the M3 CSL, however, BMW M did not focus on the radical reduction in weight alone. The task the designers and development engineers gave themselves was to create a car that is unique and exhibits unmarred driving dynamics and a purist character.

The BMW M3 CSL combines supreme agility with the ultimate driving experience," said Robert Bailey-McEwan, Managing Director of BMW Group, Middle East. "With its outstanding power-to-weight ratio of only 3.85 kg/bhp, the engineers at BMW M have created a sports car able to break the 8-minute barrier on the legendary Northern Circuit of Nurburgring, the ultimate benchmark in driving dynamics."

The formula BMW M's specialists followed in creating this dynamic driving machine is "intelligent" lightweight technology: the consistent reduction of weight by using the most appropriate materials at the right point. Carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, one of the most important materials in Formula 1, for example, not only reduces the overall weight of the car (weighing approximately 110 kg less than the standard M3, the M3 CSL has an overall weight of just 1,385 kg) but also allows even higher speeds in bends.

"Focusing on their quest to reduce weight, the engineers at BMW M took a close look at virtually every component of the M3, in each case using the most suitable materials in order to save weight," said Bailey-McEwan.

"As a result, the M3 CSL even comes with glass-fibre plastics otherwise used for aerospace applications."

The significant increase in power and performance is, however, not only the result of intelligent lightweight engineering. The straight-six power unit already renowned for its high engine speeds has been enhanced to an even higher standard, BMW M's engineers boosting maximum output to 360 bhp at 7,900 rpm from 3.2 litres capacity, - a sensational output-per-litre figure of 111 bhp. Maximum torque, in turn, is 370 Nm at 4,900 rpm.

With features and improvements of this kind, the BMW M3 CSL accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, reaching 200 km/h in 16.8 seconds.

Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h.

The M3 CSL comes with BMW M's most sporting and dynamic transmission, the Sequential M Gearbox with Drivelogic. Also based on Formula 1 technology, the SMG/Drivelogic transmission ensures an ultra-fast gearshift in just 0.08 seconds on all six gears, providing a direct and consistent flow of power at all engine speeds.

Wider front track and modified suspension geometry give the M3 CSL a standard of dynamic driving performance only a thoroughbred racing car is able to offer. These modifications include specially made springs and dampers as well as the car's newly aligned steering for supreme, cutting-edge handling.

The brakes have also been modified for even more stopping power and faster deceleration, allowing the M3 CLS to reach a standstill from 100 km/h in less than 34 metres. And for special purposes on the race track, the car is also available with sports brake linings.

"Developing the new M3 CSL, BMW has redefined the limits to dynamic motoring," said Bailey-McEwan.