One of the benefits of being a European automaker is the ability to have longstanding relationships with venues that offer dramatic and picturesque backdrops for unveiling new concepts of vehicles. Such has been the case for BMW for some time now and wit the backdrop of the Villa d’Este the new concept is actually a tribute car paying homage to the BMW 3.0 CSL from the 1970s.
This car shows up with a low profile, wide body racing coupe look that was able to dominate many of the racing circuits in the 70s and BMW is hoping to bring back some of that nostalgia as well as enjoying the great feeling of driving an updated, modernized, racing machine that has a look from yesteryear. With many of their US competitors doing the same thing, having a throwback style equipped with modern technology, BMW felt it was time to get on board and this coupe is the way to make it happen.
The CSL, which stands for Coupe, Sport, Lightweight, is a redesigned BMW E9 3.0 that has shed as many as 440 pounds with the use of carbon-reinforced body panels. The body of this radical looking car shows up with a great deal of functionality to the parts and appearance. Every angle, curve, bend, vent or port was designed to add to airflow, downforce, or aerodynamics to allow this car to be one that will perform exceptionally well and give proper homage to the name it carries.
The fun and functionality continues to the inside of the car that shows up with a steering contraption that looks like it came right out of a Sci-Fi movie and is meant to steer a space cruiser into battle. Many sports cars and racing machines of the 70s were fitted with this type of steering wheel, adding to the nostalgia aboard this great looking car.
Because this car is still so early in the concept and development phases, there is no word yet on the full package of equipment or what engine will power this radical racer, but with a body like that, and a steering system that can easily be one to get excited about, you can be sure the BMW 3.0 CSL will continue to grab our attention and be a model that will offer a continued discussion about the resurgence of body shapes with modern technological influences.
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