BMW Cancels E92 M3 CSL

We've got some bad news for lovers of BMW performance machinery as the boss of BMW's M division, Ludwig Willisch, has recently revealed that plans for the Über M3 CSL have been shelved. As is often the case with niche vehicles, it's a numbers game, and with only 1400 odd E46 M3 CSL's produced, BMW is citing insufficient demand as the reason for the decision.

Expected in 2009, the CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) would have shed 100kgs through the use of lightweight materials and boasted around 350kWs, thanks to revisions to the top-end of the 4.0-litre V8. Obligatory visual updates would have rounded out the package.

Rather than toiling on the M3 CSL, BMW's M division will turn its attention to improving the performance credentials of the X5 and X6 crossovers, as more demand is expected for these models.

It's just a shame that a spruced up SUV is more in demand than a lighter and more powerful version of one of the world's best performance coupes.

[Source: Car Magazine]