2022 BMW M8 CSL spotted: price, specs and release date
May 20, 2021 by
A track-focused CSL version of the BMW M8 looks to be testing at the Nurburgring. Read on for full details.
- BMW M8 CSL spotted
- Track-focused version of GT car
- Aerodynamic bodywork tweaks
- Giant rear wing
- Weight-saving measures likely
- Could see power boosted to 700hp
- May go on sale next year
Could a BMW M8 CSL be on the horizon? New prototype cars spotted at the Nurburgring race circuit certainly seem to suggest so…
If it happens, expect this Mercedes-AMG GT R and Porsche 911 GT3 alternative to go on sale in 2022.
2022 BMW M8 CSL design
BMW has reportedly claimed this prototype is merely to test some accessories for the M8, though changes are suspiciously drastic compared with the standard car…
Up front, this rumoured BMW M8 CSL has a meshless grille that could be to improve cooling, along with a more pronounced carbon-fibre splitter for improved downforce.
Changes down the side include slotted vents on the rear window, perhaps to provide some cooling into the cabin if there’s no air conditioning, along with some carbon-fibre side skirts.
This BMW M8 CSL prototype sits pretty low compared with the standard car too, so expect there to be some trick new suspension hiding underneath.
The back of the car is dominated by a huge rear wing, along with a revised diffuser that’s neatly covered up with camouflage. There’s a new light between the exhausts too, a bit like the one on the BMW M8 GTE race car.
2022 BMW M8 CSL interior
No images of the BMW M8 CSL’s interior have emerged, but you can expect it to be largely stripped back compared with the standard BMW M8.
This could include new carbon fibre trim elements, the option to delete infotainment and climate control, and perhaps even the removal of the rear seats. Black striping on the test car’s rear windscreen suggests BMW could be keen to disguise a few of these more radical changes, which could include a roll cage.
2022 BMW M8 CSL engine and performance upgrades
If this is indeed a BMW M8 CSL, you can be sure there’ll be some fettling to the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Power will be up from 625hp to potentially as much as 700hp.
It’ll likely use the same eight-speed automatic gearbox, albeit with some tweaks to improve its response time, and retain an all-wheel-drive setup. Suspension upgrades are almost certain, along with some chassis-stiffening measures and weight reduction.
2022 BMW M8 CSL price and release date
If this prototype proves to be a BMW M8 CSL, expect it to go on sale sometime next year.
Pricing will take a sharp rise over the current M8 Competition’s £126,450 going rate, perhaps much closer to £200,000.
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