The BMW 3.0 CSL is a car that stands for 'Coupe, Sport, Lightweight.' It was an established winner between 1973 and 1979 of the European Tour Car Championship. The car used thinner steel for the body and aluminum alloy doors, bonnets, and boot lids, making it extremely light for its time. The most iconic aspect of the car was its bash aerodynamics package that included large air vents, short fins that ran along the front fenders, and a spoiler that flowed from the edges of the roof to the end of the car.
The BMW 3.0 CSL was also known as the 'Batmobile' because of its distinctive appearance and performance. The car was designed by Paul Bracq, who also created the BMW 6 Series and the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. The car was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produced up to 206 horsepower in its road version and up to 800 horsepower in its racing version. The car had a top speed of over 200 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
The BMW 3.0 CSL was not only a successful race car but also a cultural phenomenon. The car inspired artists, musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers with its futuristic and elegant style. The car was featured in movies such as 'Ronin' and 'The Transporter,' and in music videos by artists such as David Bowie and Madonna. The car also influenced the design of other BMW models, such as the BMW M1, BMW M2 and the BMW Z8.