At the 2015 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, BMW re-imagined the 3.0 CSL, a timeless classic and iconic BMW Coupé from the 1970s, with the 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept. It was bathed in a shade called Golf Yellow that perfectly evokes the era of the original. The Hommage's design seems to incorporate a few cues from the current 6 Series into the classic look of the 3.0 CSL. It has some beautiful rear haunches, and the big, creased fenders lead the eye to the massive rear wing. The back end also maintains much of the vintage design, including the roof spoiler, that now has LED tail lights sweep together with it. The laser headlights are a great touch because their X-shaped centers are inspired by old race cars. So while the source of this inspiration was a bit angular, the lines have been gently curved for the Hommage.
As “CSL” stands for “Coupé Sport Leichtbau” (coupé, sport, lightweight), a CSL must be lightweight. Where the original uses aluminum and Plexiglas to shed pounds, the Hommage uses carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic parts throughout the body.
The interior is also made from CFRP. The cutting edge interior dash is composed of one piece of wood trim with modern additions, such as eBoost switches and infotainment center. Occupants sit in quilted racing buckets with six-point seat belts, and at the rear, a compartment for two helmets that sit on the transmission tunnel. An especially cool touch is the V-shaped cross-member at the back that evokes the look of an original 3.0 CSL roll cage, while being a bit more artistic.
The only indication that BMW is giving about the 3.0 CSL Hommage's powertrain is that it uses an inline six with eBoost. (autoblog.com, designboom.com & supercars.net)
Above (L) 3.0 CSL Hommage (R) 3.0 CSL (1973-75)
2015 BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R
The 3.0 CSL Hommage R is a car that celebrates 40 years of BMW presence on the North American continent. To do so, they fitted it with a livery that matches the one of the race-winning 3.0 CSL from 1975. That was the year when BMW of North America was founded and the first time the brand sold cars outside of Europe. It was also the first time BMW Motorsport started racing in the States as part of the IMSA series. The 3.0CSL from winning the 12 Hours of Sebring and at Laguna Seca eventually.Almost the entire car is made of CFRP with the roll cage, roof and side sections being built using the lightweight, resistant material. (autoevolution.com)
autoevolution.com, classicdriver.com, auto.tsn.ua, theverge.com)
