New race-inspired BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R breaks cover at Pebble Beach
[Not a valid template]And if the new Concept M4 GTS wasn’t enough for you, BMW had another surprise up it’s M-coloured sleeve at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours courtesy of the new 3.0 CSL Hommage R.
A derivative of the concept that first appeared in May this year, the one-off R comes complete with a racing livery – indicative of that used by the original ’75 CSL – and celebrates the 40th anniversary of BMW North America.
Contemporary tweaks though emphasise the new R’s aerodynamically influenced design, including über lightweight carbonfibre-reinforced plastic body, sculpted rear wheel arches (under which we find 21in forged alloy wheels) for better air dispersion, a large fixed rear wing, roof spoiler, front splitter and side exhausts. Even the wing mirrors have been ditched in favour of cameras. The rear-wheel drive coupe is also powered by a 3-litre straight-six, though performance figures are being kept under wraps.
Things get even more Starship Troopers in the stripped out interior, courtesy of a minimalist steering wheel and some extravagantly angled sports seats. The new R also comes complete with a bespoke race suit that transmits circuit and mechanical information straight to the driver: special piping in the sleeves indicate when the driver’s hands are on the wheel (because we tend to forget otherwise…) while the helmet displays speed and engine management options…
Unlikely to make production – despite impassioned pleas from BMW fanboys – technology from the new concept, like the Concept M4 GTS, could be seen in future BMW M-division products, with speculation suggesting BMW M is working on a lightweight answer to arch-rival Mercedes’ lunatic AMG Black Series.
Don’t be surprised if the 3.0 CSL Hommage R makes its Gran Turismo debut any time soon either…
