--------------- > > > More about the CSL 'Batmobile'... < < < ---------------



Established in 1972, the  3.0 CSL race cars were the first cars to be developed under the new BMW subsidiary,  BMW Motorsport GmbH. They were also the first to sport the newly designated official colors of BMW Motorsport; red, blue and purple.

Based on the 3.0 CS coupe production car, the CSL ("L" is for "lightweight," referring to the aluminum doors and hood) began an assault on European touring car racing that would make it one of the most successful production racers of all time. In fact, CSLs continued to win races into the late 1970s even though production ended in 1975 to make way for its successor, the 6 Series.

Throughout its span of development, the BMW six-cylinder engine, a 3.0-liter unit in the production car, grew from 3.2 to 3.5 liters, increasing in horsepower from 340 to 430, thanks to the development of a four-valve cylinder head. The 3.0 CSL won 5 European Touring Car Championships between 1973 and 1979, as well as national championships in several countries. In the U.S., BMW of North America campaigned a 3.5 CSL team in 1975 and enjoyed considerable success, winning IMSA races at Sebring, Laguna Seca, Riverside, Daytona and Talledega. Several drivers were involved in the American success of the CSLs, including Hans Stuck, Sam Posey, Brian Redman, Allan Moffat, Dieter Quester and Benny Parsons. 


When BMW started to race the CS coupe they soon discovered that it was too heavy to be competitive with the dominating Ford Capris. BMW then contracted Ford's team manager Jochen Neerpasch and technician Martin Braungart to form BMW's motorsport department. The first job for the 'M' department was to built a lightweight version of the CS, later dubbed CSL (Lightweight).

The CSL roadcar was the first of many great GT road cars designed and built by the 'M' department, starting a tradition still held high today by cars like the M3 and M5. The racing car CSLs dominated the European GT series and the American IMSA series with very competent drivers like Stuck, Amon, Redman and Peterson.

In addition to the larger engine, Series 3 cars were often supplied with a package of aerodynamic components so dramatic that the name "Batmobile" was soon applied. That package consisted of a very large rear wing, a more traditional rear spoiler and front fender spats. These components were very successful in competition.

This CSL was driven by Stuck and Amon and is seen here on the BMW stand at the 2002 Retromobile Paris show.


-------- Technical Info -------- 

General specifications:

Country of origin 	Germany
Produced in 	1975
Numbers built 	N/A
Body design 	N/A
Weight 	1062 kilo / 2341.3 lbs

Drivetrain:

Engine 	Straight 6
Engine Location 	Front , longitudinally mounted
Displacement 	3.498 liter / 213.5 cu in
Valvetrain 	4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed 	Bosch Fuel injection
Aspiration 	Naturally Aspirated
Gearbox 	5 speed Manual
Drive 	Rear wheel drive

Performance figures:

Power 	370 bhp / 276 KW @ 8000 rpm
Torque 	N/A
BHP/Liter 	106 bhp / liter
Power to weight ratio 	0.35 bhp / kg
Top Speed 	270 km/h / 168 mph
0-60 mph Acceleration 	4.6 