E92 M3 CSL to arrive 2010 (europe)

[Gamite]

As usual, North america will probably not be getting it.

Since the new E90 series BMW M3 was revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year, true BMW enthusiasts have been intrigued, but waiting for the CSL to come along. Standing for Coupe, Sport, Lightweight, those three letters name the most track-focused and pure driver’s cars BMW has to offer. News of the new model is beginning to leak out, with reports claiming it will be on sale by the beginning of 2010.

As the name suggests, saving weight is the focus of the M3 CSL’s performance regime. Carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastic are used extensively to achieve the goal of shaving 100kg from the base car. From the front fascia to the roof to the rear diffuser, center console and door panels, the CSL has spared almost no expense in its quest to achieve lightness. Even the radio, air conditioning, navigation and heated seats, among other optional accoutrement deemed unnecessary, have been deleted to save weight.

Light weight isn’t the only thing that separates the CSL from its standard M3 cousins, however. A fully reworked suspension, a 50hp (37kW) increase to nearly 470hp (350kW), and stickier tires on special wheels all combine to offer real-world performance improvements. According to Auto Zeitung, Nurburgring Nordschleife lap times around 7 minutes, 45 seconds should be expected, and the price should slip in just below the €90,000 ($143,000) mark.

All of these tweaks add up on paper, too, with expected acceleration times of 4.5 seconds for the 0-100km/h (62mph) dash and a top speed around 300km/h (186mph).

The last BMW M3 CSL was built in a limited run of just 1,400 cars between 2002 and 2004. Such tiny numbers make the CSL an exclusive offering, and only the most dedicated opt for the extra expense and somewhat harsher and noisier ride characteristics of the car.

[maroli]

Sweet

[JunzieB]

Man, I can't wait to see this beast!

[Miguel]

finally something to compete with the 457 hp of the C63? 470 HP should be found in a base M3, not a CSL.

[Gamite]

BMW lost the hp war to benz a long time ago, no sense in trying to fight it.

[tominizer]

It will get smoked by the new RS4 that Audi will be releasing................

[Mystikal]

Originally Posted by tominizer

It will get smoked by the new RS4 that Audi will be releasing................

The 335i is already faster around VIR than the current RS4, I don't think BMW is worried.

Unless you're all still stuck on drag racing, which none of these cars are really made for.

[tominizer]

The *current* RS4 is how old ?!?!?!? It's at the *END* of it's lifespan.


Nordschleife lap times:

BMW E46 CSL - 7:50
BMW E92 M3 - 8:05
Audi RS4 - 8:09
BMW E46 M3 - 8:22
Audi S5 - 8:24
BMW E92 335i - 8:26

[Mystikal]

RS4: Released in 2007
335i: Released in 2007

I don't see your argument.

[tominizer]

Sorry, RS4 B7 body style (current) was released in late 2005.

You are correct that the 335i was released last year though.

[Mystikal]

Came to NA as a 2007 model, just like the 335i. The most you are going to buy yourself here is 1 model year, which still isn't very convincing.

[Meegis]

Originally Posted by Mystikal

Came to NA as a 2007 model, just like the 335i. The most you are going to buy yourself here is 1 model year, which still isn't very convincing.

What if Audi decided to boost it for the next round, would it be more interestign then?

The next gen S4 is getting a s/c, the new RS6 is a bi-turbo V10, so I have no doubt that the RS4 will also be boosted. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

[Gamite]

RS4 $92,200 CAD
M3 $71,300 CAD
335 $43,600 CAD

nuff said.

[Mystikal]

Since he ninja edited in some lap times, I'll do the same.

VIR:
BMW 335i Coupe 03:10.5
Audi RS4 03:11.2
BMW Z4 M Coupe 03:11.7

[tominizer]

HWY 400 in the winter 2007:

Honda CRV - toronto to barrie - 1.02 hours
Audi RS4 - toronto to barrie - 1.31 hours
BMW 335i - toronto to barrie - never made it....... destroyed.



Anyways, don't get me wrong. The 335i is an awesome ride considering with some tasteful modding, you're into M3 performance for a fraction of the dough.................. which totally baffles me as to why BMW would do such things. It just remains to be seen how BMW's turbo setup will last in the long run. I'm hoping it's honestly a reliable jewel........... but only time will tell. Oh, and VIR is not much of a benchmark compared to the Nord


BTW, I'm not a boosted car kinda guy. I'm a fan of my slow azz " I got no bottom end" E30 M3. And I like the new M3....... but don't think the wife will ever let me get into one......... coupe anyways. Four door......... hmmmmmm, if it weren't for the gawd damn gas prices.