3.0 CSL

Make
BMW
Segment
Coupe

An already busy year for BMW's M division is far from over. The BMW M3 Touring was revealed in June, which was preceded a month earlier by the all-new M4 CSL. So far, BMW has pulled out all the stops in celebrating the 50th anniversary of BMW M. Enthusiasts are now waiting with bated breath for the reveal of the 3.0 CSL, a modern-day successor to one of the first and most iconic M cars, the original 3.0 CSL homologation racing special. Already spied before, we now have a new selection of images of the M4 CSL-based coupe being tested at the Nurburgring.

Although it clearly shares its basic form with the M4 coupe, the 3.0 CSL has quite a few unique touches first seen on the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept shown in 2015. Compared to the most recent spy shots we saw, the front license plate has been moved to an off-center position, exposing the entire lower intake. The same colorful livery is in place but we can see the familiar shape of the headlights and the large grille, which actually isn't as long as the M4's one. The previously spied 3.0 CSL had gold calipers but this one has red items, and that's about the only discernable difference from the side.

BMW clearly had fun plucking catchy phrases to the body like "6MT FTW" and "Drift Happens". As noted previously, the former indicates that a six-speed manual transmission will be used. Interestingly, the distinctive roof-mounted wing seen previously - and present on the 1972 3.0 CSL - isn't equipped to this latest prototype. Perhaps this feature will be an option, or maybe BMW decided not to move forward with it at all.

Under the hood, expect a more powerful version of the S58 3.0-liter inline-six engine making around 600 horsepower. That will be directed to the rear wheels only. With a production run of only around 50 units and an eye-watering price of $800,000, it will be far more expensive and exclusive than the new M4 CSL. We expect the car to be revealed before the end of this year.