THE BMW M CSL PROTOTYPES.

Almost no-one knows the M3 CSL V8, which shouldn’t be confused with the BMW M3 GTR. The engine in the M3 CSL V8 was independently developed by BMW M. It’s a pre-trial carrier based on the S62 8-cylinder that was used in other BMW models. The goal was a high-rev engine with 4,0 litre capacity and 430 hp. Thus, based on a BMW M3 CSL donated to BMW M by the press department after the launch, it became a prototype with the S65VB40 engine and the denomination BMW M3 CSL V8. It remained a one-off. The insights gained flowed into the M family of engines, which consisted of the completely newly developed S85 (V10) and S65 (V8). The S65B40 engine went into production in 2007 for the BMW M3 (E90) with 420 hp available at 8,300 rpm.

Engine developers can never have enough power: As the way to more performance in naturally aspirated engines is often via more capacity, BMW M developed two ten-cylinder motors with capacities of 5.5 and 5.7 litres, from which came the 5.5 as a high-rev version. With 630 hp and peak revs of 8,750 rpm, the power developed in the prototype engines was immense. To mark its 25th anniversary, BMW M built the car from the M5 series as a lighter M5 CSL with a carbon roof, Recaro seats and no rear seats. Weight saving: about 150 kg. On top of that, the series sequential manual gearbox (SMG) was replaced by a double-clutch transmission (DCT). Besides the additional air inlet below the BMW kidney – where there was also an oil cooler for the transmission – another eye-catcher was the forged 18-inch wheels. After fine-tuning the suspension, the jubilee M5 CSL lapped the Nürburgring in an impressive 7 mins 50. Both the revised V10 engine and the M5 CSL remained one-offs.

In 2018, the BMW M2 Competition with 410 hp, 550 Nm torque and 280 km/h top speed threw down the gauntlet to the competition in its class. But the demand for still more speed was there – so the engineers at BMW M set to work. Based on the M2 Competition with elements from the M4 GTS, the M2 CSL had 450 hp and 550 Nm torque. As a two-seater, it had ideal weight reduction, with bucket seats, rollover bar, CFRP central console, carbon rear wing and carbon ceramic brakes. At the same time, an M2 CS was built with 450 hp and equipment somewhat more suitable for daily use. Both vehicles were presented internally – the Go was given to the M2 CS as the sportiest version for the successful series, while the BMW M2 CSL remained a one-off.