The new BMW M3 CSL - Intelligent Lightweight Technology and Supreme Driving Dynamics

The New BMW M3 CSL: Intelligent Lightweight Technology and Supreme
Driving Dynamics. (Short version) From the Lightweight Concept to the
Production Car: BMW M3 CSL. (Long version) Specifications. Interior and
Exterior Dimensions Torque and Output Diagram Short version: A new
sports car now embodies the very core of the BMW brand in its most
original style - the M3 CSL. Taking up the heritage and legendary
success of BMW's famous lightweight coupés which gained fame in
touring car racing back in the '70s, the engineers of BMW M have once
again created a purist, thoroughbred sports car consistently designed
and built to the highest standard of excellence. In recognition of the
fact that the weight spiral constantly going up can only be brought to
a halt by radically reducing all moving masses, BMW M's engineers, in
developing this new car, have turned a thrilling lightweight concept
into reality. For the new BMW M3 CSL is not only more powerful than the
already very dynamic M3, but is also a lot lighter and therefore even
more nimble. In developing the
M3 CSL, however, BMW M did not focus on the radical reduction of weight
alone. On the contrary - the task the designers and development
engineers gave themselves was to create a car full of purist driving
dynamics, a car absolutely pure in every respect, down to the very last
component. And the result, finally, is unique, absolutely unmarred
driving dynamics and a purist character. The BMW M3 CSL thus combines
supreme agility with the ultimate driving experience. With its
outstanding power-to-weight ratio of only 3.85 kg/bhp, this new car
moves into an entirely new dimension. So the engineers at BMW M are
quite sure that this sports car is able to break the 8-minute sound
barrier on the legendary Northern Circuit of Nurburgring, the ultimate
benchmark in driving dynamics. Intelligent
lightweight technology enhancing driving dynamics to a new dimension.
The formula BMW M's specialists have followed in creating this dynamic
driving machine is 'intelligent' lightweight technology: This means
consistent reduction of weight by using the most appropriate materials
at the right point. Carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, one of the most
important materials in Formula 1, for example, not only reduces the
overall weight of the car (weighing approximately 110 kg (243 lb) less
than the standard M3, the M3 CSL has an overall weight of just 1,385 kg
(3,054 lb), but also allows even higher speeds in bends particularly
through the use of this lightweight material at the extreme ends of the
car. Right from the front the M3 CSL, through its newly designed,
muscular front air dam made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP)
with an additional engine air intake on the driver's side demonstrates
clearly that it is built for supreme performance of the highest
calibre. Flaps also clearly visible from outside serve additionally to
reduce front axle lift by a significant margin. At the other end of the
car the newly designed rear lid made of sheet moulding compound (SMC),
together with the integrated spoiler, also serves in conjunction with
the CFP rear diffuser to significantly reduce lift forces. Innovative
materials right where they are required. The intelligent lightweight
technology so typical of the M3 CSL is demonstrated very clearly by the
roof also made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic easily recognisable
as such. This large component built by specialists at BMW's Landshut
Plant is not only some six kilos lighter than a conventional roof, but
also, through its exposed position, lowers the car's centre of gravity.
Focusing on their quest to reduce weight, the engineers at BMW M took a
close look at virtually every component of the M3, in each case using
the most suitable materials in order to save weight. As a result, the
M3 CSL even comes with glass-fibre plastics otherwise used for
aerospace applications such as endless-glass-fibre thermoplastics
serving as the structural material for the through-loading system and
on the rear bumper supports. Another example is the paper-honeycomb
sandwich panel used on the floor of the luggage compartment. And like
the M3, the M3 CSL also comes with an aluminium engine compartment lid
and features a special rear window made of extra-thin glass. Just
right for fast motoring: the extra-powerful engine of the M3 CSL. The
significant increase in power and performance is however not only the
result of intelligent lightweight engineering. Rather, the straight-six
power unit already renowned for its high engine speeds has been
enhanced to an even higher standard, BMW M's engineers boosting maximum
output to 360 bhp (265 kW) at 7,900 rpm from 3.2 litres capacity, that
is a sensational output- per-litre figure of 111 bhp. Maximum torque, in
turn, is 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) at 4,900 rpm. Even the engine of the M3
CSL follows the principle of minimum weight, with the walls on the
exhaust emission system being even thinner than usual and the air
collector being made of carbon fibre. The characteristic sound of
motorsport, in turn, results from the new air intake with its modified
flow of air. Featuring an extremely large intake air opening and a
large air collector made of carbon fibre, this new intake air system
enables the engine to breathe in even more air than usual, which is why
the camshafts come with longer valve opening periods. Air intake and
volume is calculated according to the same principles as in Formula 1.
And to facilitate the outgoing flow of exhaust emissions, the M3 CSL
comes with optimised exhaust valves, a modified exhaust emission
manifold and funnel-shaped pipes leading into the air silencer. With
features and improvements of this kind, the BMW M3 CSL accelerates from
0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, reaching 200 km/h in 16.8 seconds. Top
speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Shifting gears like in Formula 1 with the M3 CSL's special gearbox. It
almost goes without saying that the M3 CSL comes with BMW M's most
sporting and dynamic transmission, the Sequential M Gearbox with
Drivelogic. Also based on Formula 1 technology, the SMG/Drivelogic
transmission ensures an ultra-fast gearshift in just 0.08 seconds on
all six gears, providing a direct and consistent flow of power at all
engine speeds. With the driver being able furthermore to choose
between the sequential and an automated gearshift mode and benefitting
from Drivelogic, he has no less than eleven different gearshift options
at his disposal. And last but not least, SMG Drivelogic has been
re-designed and re-adjusted completely for the M3 CSL. A special
feature certainly worth mentioning in this context is the launch
control modified for the M3 CSL and its particular character: Whenever
he wishes to take off perfectly from a standstill, the driver, choosing
the acceleration assistant, can accelerate all the way to the top speed
of the car without intervening himself, SMG shifting gears
automatically shortly before the speed limit in each gear. As precise
and nimble as a racing car. Wider front track and modified suspension
geometry give the M3 CSL a standard of dynamic driving performance
otherwise only a thoroughbred racing car is able to offer. These
modifications include specially made springs and dampers as well as the
car's newly aligned steering for supreme, cutting-edge handling. The
brakes have also been modified for even more stopping power and faster
deceleration, allowing the M3 CLS to reach a standstill from 100 km/h
in less than 34 metres. And for special purposes on the race track, the
car is also available with sports brake linings. The tyres of the M3
CSL are also very special: The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres developed
specifically for this car measure 235/35 ZR 19 at the front and 265/30
ZR 19 at the rear and run on 8½ J x 19 (front) and 9½ J x
19 (rear) aluminium wheels also developed especially for this car. With
their asymmetric tread, these special tyres offer truly outstanding
grip on the road, again in the interest of dynamic performance.
Sporting and functional: the cockpit of the M3 CSL. Inside, the M3 CSL
again follows the concept of supreme function and minimum weight
wherever it makes sense. Reflecting the purist standard of motorsport,
the car does without electric seat heating or a navigation system, and
both the radio and air conditioning are only available as an option. A
special feature on the clear-cut dashboard is the CFP covers on top,
the centre console, door and side linings also being made of the same
material. The glass-fibre-plastic bucket seats finished in a
combination of Amaretta and fabric not only give the driver and front
passenger optimum side support, but also tilt forwards conveniently to
provide easy access to the two individually contoured seats at the
rear. For reasons of weight, seat adjustment for length and height is
manual. A special feature in driving dynamics: the M Track Mode. The
rim of the M steering wheel featured as standard is finished in
Alcantara providing a very good and secure grip. Right behind the
steering wheel are the paddles for the SMG Drivelogic gearbox and the
switch for the unique M Track Mode is on the right spoke of the
steering wheel. This special function of Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) conceived especially for motorsport allows the driver of the M3
CSL to achieve the highest conceivable standard of longitudinal and
lateral acceleration on the race track, going to the very limits of
physical performance thanks to the new optical signal emitted in the
instrument panel whenever the system is activated. In this case DSC will
intervene only when the car is driven to its absolute limit. Developing
the new M3 CSL, BMW has redefined the limits to dynamic motoring. And
to provide a visible sign of this supreme standard, this uncompromising
car comes in only two exterior colours, Silver Grey Metallic and Black
Sapphire Metallic.