BMW M3 CSL spied

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: SB-Medien

14th October 2009

IS BMW getting ready to release a hardcore, CSL-badged M3? As these pictures show, the German marque could be secretly developing a track-geared M3.

Our spies caught this mystery machine putting in some high-speed laps of the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. Just check out the lower front spoiler, wider tracks, new wheels and tyres plus, of course, that huge rear spoiler.

Reports suggest that the new, high performance model could shed 100kg over the standard M3 with tweaks including thinner glass and a carbon fibre bonnet.

If it does make production, the 4.0-litre V8 would get new valves, a carbon-fibre airbox and larger intakes boosting power to 470bhp.

With BMW engineers well aware of the CSL's reputation as a trackday tool, the new car is also likely to be equipped with stiffer springs and semi-slick tyres. Although, BMW firmly denies the CSL's existence, the German firm is unlikely to let the upcoming, high performance Audi RS5 take to the market unrivalled.

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