BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage: A Muscular Mustang For Bimmers

on May 29, 2015 at 9:26 am

Presented By Wingz – Scheduled Airport Rides

At Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, your name will be honored.

The “Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este”, the international Concours d’élégance for motor cars, was held for the first time on the 1st of September 1929 following a joint initiative undertaken by the Automobile Club of Como, the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este, and the Comitato di Cura di Como. The fame of the venues, the logistically impeccable choices that brought into play the inimitable backcloth provided by the gardens of Villa Olmo and Villa d’Este, immediately raised this event head-and-shoulders above numerous similar shows held at other well-known venues.

Each year, BMW always brings its most special concept to Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Perhaps it’s the most significant of all events celebrating the mystique of historic cars. And this year, the Germans automaker just unwrapped its latest concept car, a modern interpretation of the clasiq BMW 3.0 CSL of the 1970s, the 3.0 CSL Hommage.

Sometimes, history needs a push

The original CSL was a homologation special designed to allow BMW to go racing in the European Touring Car Championship, where it subsequently dominated, taking the title six times between 1973-79. Only 500 road-going examples came to the UK, most of which went without the full “Batmobile” body kit.

The BMW 3.0 CSL of the 2015 is something that will dazzle you due to its striking looks and overwhelming angles and curves. “Our Hommage cars not only demonstrate how proud we are of our heritage, but also how important the past can be in determining our future,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design.

The muscular front and upright grille are reminiscent of the original CSL and its muscular racing design. A continuous horizontal line runs on the sides of the car, giving the concept a long, low and sleek look. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic is used to achieve the lightweight design and performance. And while the low hood and roofline give the car a very low-looking stance, the side-mounted exhaust pipes are just in front of the rear wheels is what makes me quite confused.

Inside, the interior features an all-round wood trim, with only the small central eBoost charging display interrupting the wooden instrument panel. Infotainment is equally simplified.

Other racing features include bucket seats with high-quality stitching, a six-point belt and red anodised safety features such as the outlet nozzles for the extinguishing foam, the fire extinguisher itself, and the two switched on the center console for the emergency shut-off and fire extinguishing mechanism.

Ride or Die

Since there no official announcement has been made on the subject, it’s likely that the latest concept will never make it into production. But who knows, you might be able to see it one day in a Hollywood movie.