Although a Coupe Sport Lightweight version of the BMW M3 was set to launch in summer 2009 as a 2010 model, BMW has reportedly canceled those plans in order to focus on other projects. The M3 CSL promised to be an even faster and lighter version than BMW’s already potent M3.
Although the reason for the cancelation of the CSL program remains to be fully disclosed, Ludwig Willisch, head of BMW’s M Division told Car Magazine: “Based on current numbers, there is most likely insufficient demand for the M3 CSL.”
The M3 CSL was slated to lose 100kg and a boost in horsepower to 470.
But with the M3 CSL only slated for a production run of about 100 units, the most likely culprit behind the demise of the program is BMW’s accounting department. Car speculates that the funds reserved for the CSL project are now being shifted to M versions of BMW’s X-family of SUVs.
While the cancelation of the M3 CSL is a loss for gearheads everywhere, at least the funds are being used on other M vehicles – even if they are SUVs.
08/27, 1:02 PM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
Figures… To bad too. An even quicker version of the current gen M3 would have been pretty sweet. But I imagined it would have just been another overpriced BMW…
08/27, 1:04 PM
posted by:
Fletch
We don’t want M SUV’s. We do want a 1 series M, although we probably won’t see that becuase it will perform better than the M3.
No problem about the M3 CSL cancellation, enthusiasts can squeak 150lbs out of the car by A/C and rear seat delete and some other creative efforts.
08/27, 1:06 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Hmm… yet more money diverted to X-series SUV production. Isn’t BMW about 10 years behind the times to be ramping up SUV production now?
08/27, 1:11 PM
posted by:
ktulu
I thought da CTS was sopposed 2 B an M% killa
08/27, 1:16 PM
posted by:
drchiem
Wow, this is bad news for other sport cars. I can’t wait to test drive it….
08/27, 1:41 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
The M3 is too much car for most of the posers who buy it anyway.
08/27, 1:46 PM
posted by:
tob
BMW your wasting the money on the suX line. Why the hell would anyone buy one. How about spending money making the new M3 motor more fuel efficient. What a pig. I”ll be keeping my e46 for a while.
08/27, 2:05 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
I’m so upset…weeping…must find priest or therapist….
08/27, 3:54 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
so the M1 and now this- wow….. but on the brighter side……i found out kim kardashian is on dancing with the stars, big booooooooooooooooooooooooty - wait is that off topic ?
08/27, 4:29 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
They need to work up something wicked with the 1 series platform. You know, 7 speed M-DCT, and some more boost on the twin turbos.
08/27, 4:44 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
I agree that the CSL is a waste of resources, and should have been killed given the price point they wanted for the car which was absurd. But killing the M1 and pouring more R&D money into SUV’s isn’t very bright.
08/27, 5:25 PM
posted by:
GREYHOUND
I can’t wait!! I’m thinking of trading in my Plymouth Cricket and Oldsmobile Starfire for one of them.
08/28, 3:10 AM
posted by:
MasterYoda2005
I wonder if they just gave up on the idea when they realized that GM of all people could build a four door sedan that embarassed EVERY SINGLE M offering that they have…..oh and for less money too. HEHE….yeah makes me chuckle
Seriously I like BMW, but lest be honest the ONLY great car they build is the 3 Series. The 3 is the car every sport sedan has to measure up to, I can admit that but lets be serious for a second. We need to stop giving the brand all of these accolades for building ONE bad ass ride.
08/28, 4:38 AM
posted by:
audifan
high performance SUVs is not what we want, and the m3 would not improve too much on the already impressive performance of the m3 but would cost alot more,
08/28, 5:57 PM
posted by:
A4
NOOOO!
08/28, 6:00 PM
posted by:
A4
BMW deserves all of their accolades masteryoda… maybe the 3-series is hyped a bit much but their lineup is very strong and each model is respectively in the top 3 in their segment, if not #1, particularly as far as performance goes. And im an audi guy.
08/28, 6:40 PM
posted by:
Htay9000
Who the hell wants performance SUVs? They are an oxymoron. They look more like ego barges. BMW needs to stay investing on sports cars.
08/29, 9:44 AM
posted by:
bmwmpower
We can say this was a bad choice (I do agree it seems that it was), how BMW scrapped the M1, pouring money into SUVs, etc., but you also have to remember they’re making these decisions for a reason. They’re in the automotive business–not us. We’re just a bunch of testesterone-filled dudes switching between car and porn sites. I’m sure BMW knows what they’re doing. They have been for a long time.