BMW 3.0 CSL 2023: reincarnation of an icon revealed, just 50 units to be sold worldwide

The new BMW 3.0 CSL is a reimagining of the classic ‘Batmobile’ CSL racer from the 1970s, but this one has much more power than before

BMW has announced it will be producing a very special vehicle as the BMW 50th anniversary comes to a close – a modern version of the classic BMW 3.0 CSL.

Based on the BMW M4, only 50 units of the new 3.0 CSL two door road car will be built globally, so any chances of one coming to Australia will be slim.

With such low production numbers, the 3.0 CSL is one of a few modern cars that will become an immediate collector’s item, such as the Mercedes-AMG Project One and Porsche 911 Safari.

2023 BMW 3.0L CSL rear wing — The 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL has the same sort of batwing from the original 1970s car

What makes it so special?

The 3.0 CSL will be a quintessential BMW model, featuring a turbocharged straight-six engine, a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive as standard.

The original 3.0 CSL was introduced in May 1972, with just 1265 units built. It was based upon the BMW E9 series and initially had a 3.0-litre straight six petrol engine.

BMW has boosted the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged S58 engine even further than before to get total outputs of 412kW/550Nm. That’s up 7kW on the recently unveiled M4 CSL.

2023 BMW 3.0L CSL front 3/4 driving — The 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL produces 412kW of power and 550Nm of torque

However, the 3.0 CSL is not just about power, but also culling weight from the vehicle. The German automaker has made extensive use of carbon-fibre, including it in almost every bodywork section. The boot lid, bonnet, aprons, sills and wing are all made of carbon-fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP).

The roof spoiler is produced from glass fibre reinforced plastic and the exhaust system is now 4.2kg lighter than before thanks to being made from titanium.

In terms of performance hardware, the 3.0 CSL features a M rear differential, M carbon ceramic brakes, ten-stage traction control and centre lock wheels measuring 20-inches up front and 21-inches at the rear. Adaptive M suspension is also standard.

2023 BMW 3.0L CSL interior — The 50 lucky owners will be able to shift gears themselves

The 3.0 CSL is not a cheap proposition

With only 50 being produced, the new 3.0 CSL will be an extremely rare and highly sought-after sports car.

Although BMW has not shared a price with the world, reports out of Europe suggest the new two door special is rumoured to cost an estimated €750,000, or AUD$1.1 million.

A BMW M4 CSL costs $303,900 before on-road costs, so the 3.0 CSL with its bespoke parts and uplifted powertrain is likely to be much more than that.