BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept, blending modernity with a retro feel

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept and BMW 3.0 CSL

BMW previously showcased a very special concept car at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach. This is the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R, with which the Bavarian brand celebrates the 40th anniversary of BMW in North America (its first sales company outside Europe) and also the successes achieved in the IMSA championship by the BMW 3.0 CSL in 1975.

The first victory came at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Many others followed, in addition to winning the manufacturers’ championship on its debut. It was decorated with the colours of BMW Motorsport and the inscription “Bavarian Motor Works” on the upper edge of the front and rear windscreens.

The design of the new BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R is very reminiscent of the original model, but with a modern design and equipped with cutting-edge technology. The lines flow from the front to the rear, where a large rear spoiler dominates.

As well as having meticulously refined aerodynamics in every detail, the silhouette is highly recognisable and takes us back to the past, when the “kidney” grilles at the front were much larger and the bonnet created a wide “V” from the grille to the headlights. It combines all the classic elements typical of BMW with a modern and avant-garde design.

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept

Its wide and extremely low stance, combined with the exclusive “Brilliant White” bodywork colour with slight metallic touches, further enhances the contours that highlight the car’s image.

The carbon fibre is also present on the lower side section housing the exhausts, on the front diffuser and on the rear one, thus showcasing the combination of materials to achieve a lightweight design ready for competition.

The colours of the BMW Motorsport stripes run across all the surfaces of the car. The number 25 is also present, referring to the extraordinary record set by the factory BMW 3.0 CSL in 1975.

The exterior is completed by the laser and LED headlights at the front, with a silhouette shaped like an “X” that recalls the lights used for endurance racing. The rear light design is an LED strip running along the spoiler to link the two lights and create a very striking edge. Another detail worth noting is the 21″ lightweight alloy wheels in matt gold with black inner bands.

In the interior, all attention has been focused on the driver. The helmet, the overalls and the seat take on great importance over any other element of the cabin. Information is projected onto the helmet visor, such as the car’s speed, the gear engaged and the engine revs. It acts as a virtual Head-Up Display.

Interior of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept

The overalls visually express the connection between car and driver when both hands are placed on the steering wheel. The seams integrated into the sleeves light up showing the flow of information from the steering column along the driver’s arms and up to the visor display.

The seat support, made of carbon fibre, offers maximum support to the driver in any driving situation. The six-point safety harness features the BMW Motorsport stripes. The roll cage, an essential element in a racing car, is integrated into the roof structure and the side sections.

In an interior made almost entirely of carbon fibre, wood is only found on the instrument panel. It recalls the 1975 model, but unlike the original BMW 3.0 CSL, where it was purely decorative, in the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept, additional illuminated information is displayed in the wood.

A small screen on the steering column gives the driver secondary information on lap times, total race time and the car’s current position. The rear has room for only two helmets, which are integrated into the centre tunnel and secured with a strap when not in use.

Source | BMW