BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage showcased

BMW’s iconic 3.0 CSL has taken a 21st century-design approach and the result is a befitting tribute to the classic and a dramatic-looking concept car.

The 3.0 CSL Hommage is a recreation of the classic 3.0 CSL from the early 1970s, and the racing versions of these cars were nicknamed ‘Batmobile’ after the extreme aero packs were added.

The concept is said to be based on the M4 and comes with a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with an ‘e-boost’ electric motor under the hood. The new Hommage has an aggressive front fascia with a "modern interpretation of the earlier car’s highly distinctive shark nose." The grille and the aggressive headlights give the car a wicked look. Styling cues are retained from the classic model. The car gets a carbonfiber front splitter and a prominent grille that is flanked by slender laser and LED headlights. The aerodynamic body of the concept car is as dramatic as its predecessors. There are vast flared wheel arches with sculpting to channel the air towards the rear of the car.

Moving further back, there are muscular fenders, carbonfiber side skirts and small rearview cameras acting as mirrors which enhance the car’s appearance. The concept has a roof spoiler followed by a tail spoiler, and huge side exhausts. Along with, LED taillights and 21-inch alloys, the concept also gets a CFRP diffuser.

On the inside, there are two lightweight sport seats with contrast stitching and the instrument cluster inside the cabin goes the minimalist way. It also has a unique steering wheel and alloy pedals. The 3.0 CSL lives up to its Hommage name by using lightweight material, including carbon fiber which is visible from some points and materials that the BMW uses extensively on its i and M cars.

BMW insists that the concept is a one-off creation with no production future, however, our sister publication Autocar UK understands that the concept does hold some significance for BMW’s future production models. The 3.0 CSL Hommage is the third in the Hommage range from BMW, following on from the M1 Hommage from 2008 and the 328 Hommage which celebrated the 75th anniversary of the 328 racer in 2011.