BMW has brought the lightweight M3 CSL concept car from the 2001 Frankfurt show into a production reality. The CSL weighs in at 243 pounds lighter than a tradition M3 through the use of exotic materials, like carbon fiber and sheet molding compound (SMC). The roof, front air dam, rear diffuser are all made of a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic. The hood is aluminum, decklid SMC, and rear glass is extra thin. Digging deeper into the car, engineers shaved ounces through clever means, like using a paper honeycomb "sandwich" panel for the trunk floor. The weight savings is complimented by a prodigious power gain to 360 horses. Handling is significantly advanced through wider track, modified suspension geometry, and 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. Factor in an SMG transmission with track mode, and this is BMW's ultimate driving machine.
