BMW M3 CSL

September 7, 2001 – Making its world debut at Frankfurt is the M3 CSL, BMW’s lightweight, high performance concept car. Weighing 200 kg less than the standard BMW M3, this lightweight model has a power to weight ratio of under 270 bhp per tonne compared to 229 bhp per tonne of the M3.

Carbon fibre has replaced the original materials used in the front air dam, the exterior mirror housing and roof, doors and rear lid. Racing-style bucket seats have also been introduced to reduce weight and carbon fibre reinforced plastic has replaced much of the centre console. A higher rear spoiler and rear end diffuser also distinguish this car from its production brother.

In addition the engine has been modified boosting maximum power to 350 bhp from 343 bhp for the standard M3. This concept model features BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), which incorporates Formula One gearshift technology.

The M3 CSL has already proved itself at the gruelling Nurburgring completing a lap of the northern circuit in less than 8 minutes, beating its production counterpart by almost 30 seconds.

	BMW to show high performance M3 concept at Frankfurt Motor Show
	Click for larger image	September 7, 2001 – Making its world debut at Frankfurt is the M3 CSL, BMW’s lightweight, high performance concept car. Weighing 200 kg less than the standard BMW M3, this lightweight model has a power to weight ratio of under 270 bhp per tonne compared to 229 bhp per tonne of the M3. Carbon fibre has replaced the original materials used in the front air dam, the exterior mirror housing and roof, doors and rear lid. Racing-style bucket seats have also been introduced to reduce weight and carbon fibre reinforced plastic has replaced much of the centre console. A higher rear spoiler and rear end diffuser also distinguish this car from its production brother. In addition the engine has been modified boosting maximum power to 350 bhp from 343 bhp for the standard M3. This concept model features BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), which incorporates Formula One gearshift technology. The M3 CSL has already proved itself at the gruelling Nurburgring completing a lap of the northern circuit in less than 8 minutes, beating its production counterpart by almost 30 seconds.	.