The Coupe Sport Lightweight duo was never produced.
The M4 CSL is BMW’s third ever Coupe Sport Lightweight, following the original 3.0 CSL model and the M3 E46 CSL. The official name of the M4 CSL has been changed to Competition Sport Lightweight, which includes the G82 model. The German luxury brand presented a number of new concepts last week as part of 50th anniversary celebrations. Top Gear was able to meet two of them.
Although the M3 E46CSL looks familiar from a first glance it is actually quite different when you look closer at the front bumper. There are two intake holes, not just one. The unique sound of this engine’s combustion is evident when it is fired up. BMW engineers instead managed to fit the larger 5.0-liter V8 into the E39. The prototype is fully functional and has traveled 10,000 km (6,213 miles).
The M3 CSL standard engine had 360 horsepower, but this car was significantly more powerful thanks to the 4.9-liter S62 motor that replaced the original 3.2-liter S54. BMW also made a two-seat M3 GTR street car with 380 horsepower and loads of carbon fiber as an homologation special. Nevertheless, only 10 of these were made in 2001. Most people remember the car from Need For Speed: Most Wanted.
Top Gear is then followed by the M2 CSL. It died in its infancy when BMW’s top honchos chose to go ahead with the CS. The rear is the most noticeable change. Engineers added a carbon-fiber rear wings with 3D-printed columns in red. Other carbon and aero upgrades were also made to the coupe, including carbon-ceramic brakes.
Top Gear magazine asked BMW about engine upgrades that the M2 CSL would have received if it had been put into production. However, logic suggests that technicians would have pushed the straight-six engine past the 450 hp of M2 CS, while slashing approximately 100 kilograms (220 lbs).
Although it’s too soon to tell if the M2G87 will get special treatment, BMW has stated that this will be its last M car powered by a combustion engine.