BMW cancels next-gen M3 CSL
27 Aug, 2008
19 Comments 
Ludwig Willisch, the new M Division boss has denied reports of a range of new performance M models, including the next generation CSL based on the current E92 M3.
This news comes after speculation surrouding a reincarnated flagship M1 supercar based on the Homage concept was also denied, along with any hope of a new addition to the M range based on the current 1 Series.
As is tradition, the latest M3 CSL – for Coupe, Sport, Lightweight – was to boast a stripped-out, race-hardened interior with a healthy power boost to the newly introduced V8 engine.
“Based on current numbers, there is most likely insufficient demand for the M3 CSL.” said Willisch.
This decision by BMW arises from a new corporate direction towards greener vehicles, with greater emphasis placed on hybrids and alternative fuel technology.
Source: CARmagazine
Location: Home / BMW, Car News / ...
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August 27th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Hmmm… Shame really.
Vote:August 27th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Meanwhile development on the X5 and X6 M-range continues…
Vote:August 27th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Let’s not imagine for one moment that BMW have succumed to the ‘Greenie’ influence. Or maybe they have. If this is the case, just join the waiting list for the second-generation Prius, because it’s all over.
Vote:August 27th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Do BMW really need a car like the M3-CSL? I mean what have they got to prove? for years the M3 has been regarded as one of if not the ultimate performance car for real car enthusiasts. [the only other car would be the Porsche 911]
Not only that but BMW have the resources & the technology to take on any challenge should it arise…. which the have over the years; and BMW have won.
Is there any other car company that is able to match Ms ability of getting approx 100 killer wasps per Litre out of their engines yet retain the refinement and precision
Vote:August 27th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
“greener vehicles” from BMW ?, now that’s funny.
Vote:August 27th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
WNut – “Do BMW really need a car like the M3-CSL? I mean what have they got to prove?”
…a platform to go up the spots on the Nurburgring!
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Ok… the m3 is great already. This one is even better.
Vote:I was actually thinking of buying one.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:48 am
“This one is even better.” – Yes it is and more expensive too,
If you have the money and your not into 100% performance but into comfort refinement as well and not wanting a car that sticks out then this is perfect.
I was looking at one myself, a nice E46 one…
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Wheelnut Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
“Is there any other car company that is able to match Ms ability of getting approx 100 killer wasps per Litre out of their engines yet retain the refinement and precision”
Unless I’m mistaken, the M3’s 4 litre engine outputs around 309kW, thereby producing approximately 77 killer wasps per litre ;)
In the power per litre race, Honda has been matching (and exceeding) the M division for quite some time e.g. S2000 – 176kW from 2 litres = 88kW per litre of refined and precise engine!
Not to mention the Ferrari F430 Scuderia’s 380kW 4.3 litre gem of an engine …
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
John I think Wheelnut meant horsepower BMW Motorsport always have insured they have stuck by the 100 horsepower per litre,look at the current M5 and all the previous M3s when they were in line 6s……….nothing comes close to BMWs award winning engines they are the masters,simple as that! Once again BMW have won best international engine of the year the 3 year in a row,out of the 8 award BMW took out 4…….
You telling me BMW you cant find 1400 people in the world to buy the latest E92 M3? Thats all you sold of the E46 M3 !
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Hi Bavarian Missile.
If Wheelnut is in fact talking about horses, perhaps the reference should have been to the equine family rather than to the wasp family ;)
Don’t get me wrong – I think BMW make some sensational engines e.g. the twin turbo in the 135i and 335i that produce maximum torque of 400nm … from 1,300rpm!
However, when it comes to power per litre from a naturally aspirated engine, I think Honda are just as good as (if not better) than BMW. As far as I am aware, no 2 litre NA BMW engine produces anywhere near 176kW.
Another case in example: the BMW M5 produces 373kW from 5 litres of V10 goodness. Honda’s new supercar is rumoured to also pack a 5 litre V10 that is expected to pump out over 400kW. Going by Honda’s history of engine efficiency, I have little reason to doubt that!
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Hey John the next M5 is rumored to have in excess of 400kws according to the BMW mags I read ……..
I must admit I think the little 2.0 litre from Honda is the fastest normally aspirated production engine in the world,no worries about that! Maybe I a little impartial to the scream of the inline six at 7500,orgasmic noise ,my fiance Wheelnut thinks its almost a better noise than I make when I get that excited and bounce of the revlimiter….hahaha
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Actually latest rumours on Hondas V10 is close to 600bhp maybe even over. So 450kW+ (if I did the math right (may not have, I need sleep)).
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Bavarian missile, having been in the previous model M3, I agree about that wonderful metallic bark at 7,500rpm.
Having also driven an S2000, I suggest that you would equally be impartial to the Vtec scream at 9,000rpm. It sounds like a mini-F1 engine!
If you get a chance, beg / hire / steal an S2000, get the roof down, drive in a long tunnel, drop the gearbox back a gear or two and hit 9,000 revs – (multiple) orgasmic noises and excitement guaranteed … lol!
Acilk, it wouldn’t surprise me. Honda have always had an enviable reputation of squeezing ridiculous amounts of power from a naturally aspirated engine. I can’t wait to see what Honda can doe with a large capacity, V10 engine.
The Honda fat cats have given a direction to their worker bees that the new Honda V10 must be faster around the Ring than the GT-R, so I suspect it will need every one of those 450 killer wasps! Maybe even more when the V-spec GT-R hits the scene!
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
John Doe… 136kw litre – RX8 13b Renesis. Makes a good starting point if we talk specific power per litre.
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
“Fenno Says:
August 28th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
John Doe… 136kw litre – RX8 13b Renesis. Makes a good starting point if we talk specific power per litre. ”
Very impressive!….for a washing machine motor :)
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Also rumour is the V10 Honda will have cylinder deactivation for economy (they need to keep their green image)
Vote:August 28th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Fenno, apples with apples – comparing a rotary to a piston engine is like comparing apples with dog food!
If we are going down the route of fallacious comparisons, tell me, what’s the real world fuel economy of the RX-8 these days compared to a Honda Vtec? ;)
Vote:August 30th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
“Also rumour is the V10 Honda will have cylinder deactivation for economy” given the L/100 for the Accord v6, they might as well scrap the deactivation gimmick..
Agree, rotories cant be compared to piston engines, its a whole different engine design and plus if Honda/BMW decided to make a rotory no doubt it can match if not better.
Just recalling the past, after sitting in a workshop hearing an S2k and then a TegType R on the dyno, the engine scream when vtec kicks in give you goosebumps.
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