August 25^th, 2003

Road-rocket M3 proves less is more

First allocation of $210,000 M3 CSL sold out

FLICK the adrenaline pump to `MAX’ because the quickest M3 ever is here.

The intelligent, lightweight technology-laden M3 CSL, purist’s sportscar is the ultimate expression of BMW’s thoroughbred DNA – muscular dynamism.

The M3 CSL is a devastatingly quick, nimble and responsive super coupe that weighs less and goes harder, honed by professionals for professionals.

BMW’s hard-edged road racer will power its way through corners and tear up tarmac boosted by its optimised 3.2-litre naturally aspirated straight six-cylinder motor which produces 265 kW of power at 7,900 rpm and 370 Nm of torque at 4,900rpm.

The 1385 kg Coupe blasts its way to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, covers the standing kilometre in 23.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

In recognition of the M3 CSL’s awesome all-round athletic ability, buyers in possession of a CAMS L3 circuit racing licence will be able to specify their vehicle without a speed limiter, extending the performance envelope to 280 km/h.

Shedding 140 kg and improving its engine’s output to a record 81.9 kW per litre (M3: 77.6 kW / litre) is just the start. BMW M GmbH replaced sheet steel with aerospace generation weight-saving carbon fibre composites for load-bearing body panels as well as key structural members such as the roof.

Faster steering, bigger front brakes, wider front track and a new tubular anti-roll bar join a tweaked rear suspension to erase all traces of understeer and deliver utterly faithful cornering even at extreme three-figure speeds.

The M3 CSL comes standard on 8J x 19 front and 9J x 19 rear light alloy wheels shod with 225/40 R19 and 255/35 R19 rubber respectively.

Also available as a no cost option and ideally suited to track work are special wider M3 CSL light alloy wheels, sized at 8.5J x 19 with 235/35R 19 tyres for the front and 9.5J x 19 265/30 R19 for the rear.

These street legal race tyres are heavily biased to provide significantly improved dry road adhesion.

A discrete rear spoiler and front apron with extra air intake and no fog lamps are the main exterior clues to the M3 CSL.

Available only in Black Sapphire or Silver Grey paint with complementary dark cloth trim for the manually adjustable lightweight glass-reinforced plastic moulded front bucket seats, the M3 CSL conveys its honed and hardened nature both from the exterior and interior.

The Alcantara-rimmed M sports steering wheel has an M Track Mode switch for rapid departures via the six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox, and the on board computer adds an engine oil level monitor.

Bi-Xenon headlamps, four airbags, power windows and an in-dash CD player are standard along with Dynamic Stability Control III, Dynamic Brake Control and Corner Brake Control.

It is not surprising that a dedicated band of ultra-enthusiasts have already snapped up the Australian allocation of 23 M3 CSLs.

Thus, BMW Australia is urgently seeking additional cars from the very limited production run of what will undoubtedly become an instant classic and enduring enthusiast icon.

The M3 CSL will make its public debut in Australia at the Sydney Motor Show on October 16, but early shipments of this vehicle may be delivered into the hands of their eager owners shortly before the show.