Report: BMW drops plans for E92 M3 CSL

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. However, according to BMW’s new M Division boss, Ludwig Willisch, plans for a new M3 CSL have been dropped. The car was originally meant to be launched in the middle of next year but instead the M division engineers will now focus on developing new performance variants of the X5 and X6 – both of which have been spotted testing on both sides of the Atlantic. If the CSL had been built, it would have featured a power output of somewhere between 450 and 470hp (335-350kW) along with a chassis 100kg lighter than the standard M3, plus competition tires and plenty of carbon-fiber accessories. Speaking with CAR, Willisch said that “based on current numbers, there is most likely insufficient demand for the M3 CSL.’ As for the rest of the M range, Willisch previously revealed that there will be no M3 Touring model, no 1-series based M car and definitely no M1 supercar.

By chris #1, Posted: 8/27/2008

in all fairness, the M3 is a compact sedan with 420 BHP from probably the most renound V8 of all time.

I really dont think too many peoples' feelings will be hurt.
By Dave #2, Posted: 9/6/2008

I am very displeased that there will not be a E92 CSL. It's about time that BMW gives the North American market a club racer like Dodge has done with the Viper ACR.
by sam #3, Posted: 10/6/2008

those who've never driven the E46 csl should not speak. This is the most disappointing decision BMW could ever make in its history. this hurts me because the E92 Csl is the only remedie for the too heavy zero sensation shit M3 92 compared to the csl. So damn bmw and their shit strategy, because money is not the only matter when it comes to real car brands. Many people who have bought ordinary bmw 3 series also bought the part of dream that the M3 csl provided them. I guess this is something that the genius developers of bmw don't seem to understand. let's wait ans see if they are in fact that stupid!