Seven years since it unveiled the M1 Hommage, a concept car->ke169 paying tribute to the iconic M1,->ke4680 or BMW's->ke178 only true-blue sports car->ke506 as of 2015, the Bavarian automaker introduced the 3.0 CSL Hommage at the 2015 Concorso d'Eleganza->ke2163 Villa d'Este. As the name suggests, this new concept celebrates the 3.0 CSL, an homologation special launched in 1972 and the brand's most successful race car.->ke148 Nicknamed the "Batmobile" due to its extreme aerodynamic package, the 3.0 CSL scored resounding wins at Sebring, Daytona and Talladega, where it defeated the Porsche 935, among other famous race cars. With more than 100 wins under its belt, the 3.0 CSL definitely deserves a modern homage.

“Our Hommage cars not only demonstrate how proud we are of our heritage, but also how important the past can be in determining our future,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, vice president of BMW Design. Although this may sound like a hint of things to come, it's very unlikely Munich will revive the 3.0 CSL in the 21st century. It remains to be seen whether some of these styling features or parts of the futuristic interior will find their way into a production, but in the meantime the Hommage remains a tribute to the company's glorious past.

Updated 05/22/2015: BMW unveiled the new 3.0 CSL Hommage concept car at the 2015 Concorso d'Eleganza.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage.

bmw-3-0-csl-hommage

Specifications
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  • Model: bmw-3-0-csl-hommage
Pros
Cons

2015 BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

BMW describes the 3.0 CSL Hommage as a concept that "exudes sheer dynamics" through its "striking air deflectors, powerful wheel arches, and subtle and finely sculpted surfaces." To me, it's the perfect description for the classic 3.0 CLS, which means BMW took this project very seriously.

The attention to detail is evident front to rear. An impressive number of details from the original "Batmobile" have been replicated for the Hommage, including the massive rear fenders, the large rear wing and the roof spoiler. Even the taillights are reminiscent of the 3.0 CSL's, even though they now extend into the fenders and wing. Other genuine 3.0 CSL features in this area include the stripe running along the beltline, the Hofmeister Kink in the quarter window, and the BMW badge on the C-pillar.

Similarities to the original 3.0 CSL continue up front, although it seems BMW changed one too many details here. Gone is the clean bumper of the classic model, replaced by a more intricate design with the fender flares flowing together into a center piece that includes a large splitter. The Germans also sacrificed the CSL's round headlamps, using sleeker units with laser light and LED technology. The worst part of front fascia, though, is the kidney grille, which is way too massive for this design. The original 3.0 CSL displayed a certain balance when view from up front, and that's obviously no longer the case with this concept car. I do appreciate BMW's initiative to paint the Hommage in Golf Yellow, the original color of its successor.

Interior

The Hommage's interior is a nice combination of race-spec components and classic cues borrowed from the original 3.0 CSL. Nearly everything is made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), but BMW also crafted a wood-like dashboard in a nod to the CSL's all-around wood trim throughout the cabin. The instrument cluster is significantly smaller than in other BMWs and only provides info of speed, revs, shift point, and current gear.

Additional racing features include a pair of bucket seats with bright-yellow accents and six-point harnesses. Behind the front seats there are two helmets integrated into the transmission tunnel. The door panels are as minimalist as they get and feature DTM-style pull straps as openers. The covers for the eBoost energy accumulators mounted in place of the rear seats, feature a special reflector technology with LED strips which creates a 3D effect on the covers.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the 3.0 CSL Hommange is equipped with a "powerful six-cylinder in-line engine with eBoost." In other words, the concept is a hybrid. Needless to say, it seems I was wrong when I speculated that BMW might go with the i8's->ke4622 drivetrain, which pairs the electric motor to a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder unit. At least the Hommage has a six-cylinder engine like the original 3.0 CSL had. And given BMW's current powerplant strategy, it's very likely it also displaces three liters. As far as output goes, I'm guessing it's close to 500 horsepower.

Conclusion

It's great to see BMW look back upon its glorious past for a futuristic concept seven years since it did the same with the M1 Hommage. Unfortunately, much like the M1 concept, the 3.0 CSL will probably remain just a study, with very few features to be used in future production cars. As cool as it might sound, a revival of the 3.0 CSL wouldn't make much sense, especially with the M4->ke4183 around as the brand's high-performance compact coupe.->ke141 Still, the 3.0 CSL Hommage is an impressive effort that pays tribute to an outstanding car on both the road and the track.