Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

BMW’s 3.0 CSL Hommage R Concept scrubs the ugly off and sports a new paint job

Miles Branman
By

When BMW introduced its 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, it was met with a mixed reaction. From some angles, the design was aggressive and sleek, and from others, it looked like BMW has taken inspiration from a rodent.

The German automaker seems ready to redeem itself though, as it has introduced the 3.0 CSL Hommage R at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance. In many ways, it’s the same bodywork as the vehicle that debuted in May, but the new BMW Racing paint scheme, lower, wider stance, and gold wheels drastically improve the once questionable looks.

BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk said: “With the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R we’re aiming to show how much closer the driver and car can grow in the future.”

Besides the striking exterior, many of the 3.0 CSL Hommage R’s coolest innovations are revealed inside the cabin. The steering wheel display offers the driver details about the current track and his or her race position, the driver’s helmet can show speed and engine information, while special piping in the driver’s suit sleeves illuminates when both the driver’s hands are on the wheel. If you plan on racing your conceptual race car at night, that could be useful.

Related

The 3.0 CSL Hommage/R harkens back to the early 1970’s 3.0 CSL and its component racing version. BMW claims this Hommage will remain a concept, but expect visual cues from the CSL to find their way into future production vehicles. Let’s hope that excludes the buck-toothed grille.

Reportedly, BMW’s M division, headed by Frank van Meel, plans to combat Mercedes-AMG’s Black Series models with further lightened, better-handling M cars, inspired by the work done on the 3.0 CSL Hommage/R. Conveniently, the M4 GTS ‘Concept,’ which accompanied the Hommage to Pebble Beach, is the first fruit of that effort.

The 3.0 CSL Hommage is the third Hommage BMW of the past decade, which includes the M1 Hommage and the 328 Hommage. Its bodywork is made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic and it’s powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six engine and electric motor.

Hooydonk added: “Our Hommage cars not only demonstrate how proud we are of our heritage but also how important the past can be in determining the future.”

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Miles Branman
Miles Branman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more