BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage reappears in Pebble Beach with new 'R' livery
BMW celebrates the 3.0 CSL's racing heritage with the Hommage R
One of motorsport's well-known and respected cars has practically been brought back to life after BMW revealed the 3.0 CSL Hommage R at the 2015 Concours d' Elegance. Made by the company to celebrate the 40th anniversary of BMW North America and the racing success of the original 3.0 CSL, the Hommage R shows BMW's commitment in developing a driver's car.
“Both inside and outside, the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R is primarily a reflection of its function. The exterior and interior design is based around the requirements of motor sport as far as the car and driver are concerned; aerodynamics and driving dynamics on the one hand, the most direct connection between driver and machine on the other. In my view, that’s something the Hommage car expresses in a very emotional way,” explains Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles.
Like the 3.0 CSL Hommage, the R uses an array of carbon fiber composites and materials that make the lightweight yet rigid.
Immediately apparent from the outside is Hommage R's noticeable design which is reminiscent of the original 3.0 CSL. According to BMW, the Hommage R is their interpretation of what the 3.0 CSL would look like today: stretched, updated and modernized for today's motoring standards and aesthetic taste.
Finished in BMW's distinct racing livery, the front end has a larger kidney grill than most standard BMW models. The flow of lines seen at the front fascia according to BMW allows the 3.0 CSL Hommage to show car's wide and powerful stance. Its sleek headlight design houses four individual lamps that utilize LED technology, a clear reverence to the original model. The infamous 'X' also made its way in the Hommage R and separates light functions as well as harken back to the X-shaped headlight taping used for endurance racing on the 3.0 CSL.
From the side, the shark-nose design is still present with the use of a front apron that compliments the large kidney grill. The long hood, strikingly-done silhouette, side-facing exhausts and 21-inch gold alloy wheels complete the exterior eye-candy of the Hommage R.
More motorsport-derived tech are seen at the back with the carbon fiber double diffuser and the prominent large wing. In addition, the contoured rear apron according to BMW was done in a way to shift the attention towards the large gold alloy wheels, showcasing the car's capability and power further. The taillight design on the other hand is simple and eye-catching as it appears to be integrated with the spoiler. Like the headlights, the rear lights also make use of LED lighting.
In typical BMW fashion, it has a driver-focused interior. The cabin appears to largely carry over from the standard 3.0 CSL Hommage but its bucket racing seats are finished in white. It has a unique wooden dashboard trim that illuminates and features the Laguna Seca Raceway's braking points used by BMW back in 1975. Instead of a traditional steering wheel, the concept racing car uses a futuristic steering wheel while the center console is devoid of any controls or other unnecessary equipment and buttons.
The exact engine of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R was not revealed but as the concept car comes with an eBoost charging indicator, it is highly likely that it uses the 'powerful' six-cylinder motor found on the 3.0 CSL Hommage.
