The XM and Z4 facelifts will be released later this week and the M2 in October after a busy few months where we saw the M4 CSL and M3 Touring. 2022 also brings the Series 3 and LCI X7, along with the new Series 7 and its electric i7 derivatives. Let’s not forget that the Bavarians have also launched the new X1/iX1, so it’s safe to say it’s been a busy year so far. The best is yet to come as CSL’s 3.0 debut draws near.
Our old friend in BMWBLOG have heard from sources in Munich that a special edition retro flavor will finally be released in November. Highlights of M’s 50th-Anniversary celebration, the Competition Sport Lightweight won’t be the M-only model that fans expect to follow the mid-engine M1. Instead, it will be a reworked CSL M4 with a very high price tag – €750,000.
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By far the most expensive new BMW ever, the 3.0 CSL will be sold exclusively with rear-wheel drive like the M4 CSL. One of the main differences between the two is the availability of a manual gearbox. In fact, it is believed the ultra-exclusive performance car will be sold strictly at 6MT. Engineers expected to crank the S58’s engine to around 560 hp, beating the M4 CSL’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six by 10 hp and the M4 Competition by 50 hp.
In addition to featuring more power, the modernized version of the 3.0 CSL E9 will cut weight and reportedly weigh in at 1,550 kilograms (3,417 pounds). That would make it 75 kg (165 lbs) lighter than the M4 CSL, which alone loses 100 kg (220 lbs) compared to the M4 Competition Coupe. With more power due to its lighter weight, the speedy coupe is expected to go 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.5 seconds, which would make it two tenths of a second faster than the M4 CSL. That may not sound very impressive, but keep in mind that we’re comparing cars with manual transmissions to those equipped with ultra-fast automatic transmissions.
Subsequent reports say BMW will only make 50 cars, with 30 of them remaining in Europe and eight to be shipped in Asia. It is unknown at this point where the remaining 12 vehicles will go, but sadly the United States will not get them. Production is supposed to start in November and the first cars will ship early next year.
