Toyota VIOS Sportivo

BANGKOK (DP) — Toyota Motor Thailand memperkenalkan Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo 2012 yang diproduksi hanya 4.200 unit.

Dengan sentuhan desaign dari TRD membuat saloon yang  populer di Tanah Air menjadi lebih sportif dan agresif. Terlihat pada bumper depan dan belakang serta body kit yang bernuansa racing.

Untuk menyempurnakan parasnya dibekali velg 15 inci terbaru model 5-spoke palang kembar. Pada bagian buritan juga dilengkapi ducktail layaknya mobil sport. Sedangkan emblem TRD Sportivo tertempel pada bagian buritan dan samping.

Tidak hanya eksterior yang mendapat sentuhan TRD namun juga pada bagin kokpit. Didalam kabin mengusung nuansa elegan dengan perpaduan warna hitam dan merah, mulai dari konsol tengah, trim dan kursi. Tidak ketinggalan pada karpet lantai juga bermblem TRD.

Pada jantung mekanis tetap mengoptimalkan mesin 1,5 liter bertenaga 108 hp serta torsi 141 Nm. 

 

MITSUBISHI GALLANT

US sourced version

The United States has had the sedan-only ninth-generation PS platform model since October 15, 2003. It was announced at the 2003 New York International Auto Show in April for the 2004 model year, following the exhibition of the SSS concept sedan at the North American International Auto Show three years before.^[19] The ninth-generation United States-sourced model is available for sale only in a few regional markets, namely the United States, Puerto Rico, Russia, Ukraine and Arabia. Russia began sourcing its Galants from the United States from 2006. The Arabian markets began sourcing its Galants from the United States from the 2007 model year. The Galant had also been available in Canada and Mexico until the 2010 and 2009 model years, respectively.

A size increase resulted in slightly more interior space and a weight gain of several hundred pounds. The 4-cylinder engine, while still 2.4 liters in displacement, upgraded from Mitsubishi's 4G64 design to the newer 4G69 design, resulting in a horsepower increase from 140 to 160. Likewise, theV6 jumped from a 3.0-liter with 190 hp (140 kW) to a 3.8 with 235. All North American Galants gained 4-wheel disc brakes but lost their rear stabilizer bar.

A Ralliart version joined for 2007, finally upgrading the V6 to a class-competitive 258 horsepower (192 kW) while also adding a firmer suspension, front strut tower bar, rear stabilizer bar, and 18-inch (460 mm) alloy wheels. For 2008, the trimming of models left the Ralliart as the only V6 model, and the Galant skips the 2008 model year in Canada, only to return in 2009 with the facelifted model.

  

2011 Mitsubishi Galant

The 2011 Galant is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in two trims, the ES and the SE.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 160-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2011 Galant is a carryover from 2010. 

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2011

What's New for 2011

Aside from the addition of the Fuse voice activation system and real-time traffic updates, the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sees only a shuffling of standard and optional features.

Introduction

The typical formula for a muscle car is performance on the cheap, as in a big, honking engine dropped into a low-price generic package. Based on what the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution does, we'd say the muscle formula is alive and well. Yet there's more to the Evolution than just straight-line performance.

Starting with the standard Lancer economy sedan, Mitsubishi goes to work by adding a turbocharged engine, a highly sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, chassis reinforcements, bigger brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and numerous aerodynamic and cosmetic enhancements. The transformation results in performance numbers that rival those from sports cars. In Edmunds testing of various Evolutions the past couple of years, we've consistently seen 0-60-mph sprints in about 5 seconds flat and slalom speeds near 70 mph -- pretty heady stuff.

Fortunately, this added athleticism doesn't significantly compromise the overall driving experience. Inside the cabin, driver and passengers are treated to a reasonably quiet environment, a decently comfortable ride and many standard and optional high-tech features. We also like the available, dual-clutch automated manual gearbox. With it, a driver can make lightning-quick gearchanges by tugging on the steering-column-mounted shift paddles or simply select full automatic mode for hassle-free driving. The Evo's all-wheel-drive system is there for both extra traction in inclement weather and significantly improved cornering no matter what the weather might be.

There are, however, a few items that count against the 2011 Evolution. The interior is nearly identical to the economical Lancer, with hard plastics and a lack of visual appeal befitting a car at this price. The steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, keeping many from finding an optimal driving position. And while the ride might not be overly stiff, it could still feel unyielding to the average driver. Furthermore, the Evo's small trunk puts a definite crimp in cargo capacity.

In the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's price range, you'll find competitors like the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Nissan 370Z and Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The Camaro and Mustang obviously provide more muscular bravado when fitted with their V8 engines, while the 370Z is more nimble due to its pure sports-car nature. But the Evolution's true rival is the WRX STI. The STI offers a slightly more refined interior and an available hatchback body style, but it's not quite as savvy on twisting back roads. Our choice here is the Mitsubishi Evo. For the modern interpretation of the classic muscle car, you need not look any further.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a high-performance compact sedan available in GSR and MR trim levels that correspond to the transmission choices. The GSR receives the five-speed manual while the MR gets the six-speed Sportronic transmission.

Standard equipment on the GSR includes 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a large rear spoiler, full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, Recaro sport bucket seats, the Fuse voice-activation system for some electronic features, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. The MR is similar but has BBS alloy wheels, a smaller rear lip spoiler, xenon headlamps and softer suspension calibrations.

Optional on the GSR is the Sight and Sound package, which adds xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry and a Rockford Fosgate sound system with 10-inch subwoofer, satellite radio and an in-dash six-CD changer. Also available is the Sun and Leather package that adds a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an upgraded center console with covered bins and added sound insulation.

Available on the MR trim is the Premium package, which includes the chrome exterior trim, Rockford Fosgate audio system, leather and suede seating surfaces, keyless ignition/entry and an upgraded center console. A Touring package is also available that adds the sunroof, heated mirrors, leather seats, heated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers, and added sound insulation.

Either trim level can also be had with a hard-drive-based navigation system that boasts real-time traffic and digital music storage.

Powertrains and Performance

Every 2011 Lancer Evolution is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The GSR comes only with a five-speed manual transmission, while the MR is equipped with Mitsubishi's excellent six-speed automated manual transmission with column-mounted shift paddles. Power is sent to all four wheels through an advanced all-wheel-drive system.

Acceleration for either Evo is impressive. In performance testing by Edmunds, a GSR required only 4.9 seconds to sprint from zero to 60 mph, while the MR did it in 5 flat. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for the GSR and 17/22/19 for the MR versions.

Safety

Standard safety features on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution include antilock brakes, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, stability control and a variety of advanced handling technologies.

The Evolution hasn't been crash tested, but the standard Mitsubishi Lancer on which it is based has been through the procedure. In government testing, its 2010 rating (which isn't comparable to more strenuous 2011 ratings) resulted in a top-rated five stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in frontal impact protection. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests, the regular Lancer earned the top rating of "Good."

Interior Design and Special Features

The Evo's interior is tame compared to its aggressive exterior styling. Recaro sport bucket seats, alloy foot pedals, fancier gauges and a different steering wheel are the only things that differentiate the spicy Evo from the commonplace Lancer GTS. Those Recaros are highly supportive and comfortable, but the driver seat's lack of a height adjustment and the steering wheel's tilt-only column make finding an ideal driving position difficult for many drivers, not just tall ones.

Most of the interior materials are the same as those on the regular Lancer, which is to say that they're fine for an economy car but disappointing for a vehicle costing about $35,000. The Evo's utility is actually less than the regular Lancer's, as the rear seats don't fold down and the battery and washer fluid reservoir have been relocated to the trunk for better weight distribution. Total trunk space is just 7 cubic feet, which is on par with tiny roadsters. Adding the optional stereo upgrade with the massive trunk-mounted subwoofer reduces that capacity even further.

On the plus side, most controls are within easy reach and simple in operation, and the standard Fuse voice activation system makes some audio and navigation functions a hands-free affair.

Driving Impressions

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a sports car in compact sedan clothing. The advanced all-wheel-drive system works behind the scenes to give the car very impressive handling and traction abilities. Spirited drivers will also appreciate the Evo's ultra-responsive steering and ample amount of road feedback.

For daily commutes, the Evo is less inspiring, mostly because the ride quality is rather stiff. That goes for the MR models as well, though their Bilstein dampers give them a touch more ride compliance. The excellent automated dual-clutch manual transmission makes the MR trims the clear choice for those who plan to commute in their Evos. Regardless of which model you choose, you'll have an immensely fun car with performance that's nearly impossible to beat for the price.

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GT 2012

Surely the name Eclipse was no stranger among sportcar enthusiast. Sport coupeMitsubishi alert this name was popular since the movie sequel "2 Fast 2 Furious" aired inthe 2000s. In addition to the roadster version of its main star, there is also a sports coupeversion of which entered mass production line. In 2012, Mitsubishi plans to launch a newgeneration, the Eclipse GT sports coupe version that is predicted to be 'companion' Evo(Mitsubishi Evolution) in the ranks of car performance.

Compared to its predecessor, there is little additional power source a power of 2 hp to 265 hp. The results of a new exhaust system applications. While driving stabilitytechnology supported Active Stability Control (ASC), which has become a standarddevice since its production in 2009. Performance 4-wheel suspension is supportedindependent suspension that can maintain ride comfort despite applying the dimensions of standard 18-inch wheels.

   

Safety features that have been fixed to the plate in four-wheel disc brakes are alreadyequipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).So also in the cabin, the safety features around 2 +2 seat configuration. About the price,is predicted not much different from the Evo. In Indonesia, the Evolution has officiallylaunched its brand holder agent. Seeing sportcar market that tends to evolve, it is not possible immediately to enliven the Eclipse GT sports car market country. Even thoughthe public via the importer. There was a dare? We'll wait!

   

MAZDA RX8

MAZDA RX-8. A SPORTS CAR LIKE NO OTHER.

Experience the Mazda RX-8 and you experience something totally unique: the marriage of sports-driving excitement with comfort and quality. It's the perfect example of Mazda's long heritage of bringing sheer delight to drivers around the world, and the full realization of the Zoom-Zoom spirit.

MAZDA MX5

YOUR ULTIMATE CONVERTIBLE DRIVING PARTNER

Satisfy you ultimate driving treat with Mazda MX-5. This car is the culmination of what a driving and motoring ought to be. Excitement and exhilaration are all embodied in this truly fascinating convertible car. Mazda MX-5 combines together a modern design with truly traditional sport car values. You can perfectly feel this combination when you sit at the vehicle. Not only that, you can also experience the synergy between yourself and the car. Mazda MX-5 truly envelopes you both physically and emotionally. This encapsulates a thrilling and exciting zoom-zoom drive with unforgettable experience, both you and Mazda MX-5.   

MAZDA 6

HIGH-SPEED CRUISING, 24 HOURS A DAY

Your life is exciting and fast, for 24 hours of every day. And Mazda6 is the perfect partner. Styled to look elegant and refined in every setting. Engineered to deliver genuine grand touring performance. Built to give you total satisfaction in all of life's scenes. It's the ultimate statement of sophisticated driving pleasure. It's Mazda6. And it's waiting for you.

"Zoom-Zoom Evolution" - this expression represents the commitment by every member of the development team to show the world a Zoom-Zoom that is further evolved from the first generation Mazda6. Working from this concept, an all-new Mazda6 fully embodies the progress of Mazda's product development philosophy.

MAZDA 2 SEDAN

THE MOST SPORTY AND STYLISH CITY CAR YOU CAN WEAR

Discover the excitement of Zoom-Zoom driving - the unique thrill of being in motion we all felt in childhood - with Mazda2 Sedan. Its fresh, distinctive good looks, sparkling performance and exceptional functionality take you places in unequalled comfort and style. With convenience and quality that's simply unmatched in this class.

On the road, Mazda2 Sedan' s superb handling and lively response open up a whole new world of driving pleasure. A unique experience that only comes from Mazda - a Zoom-Zoom experience. 

MAZDA 6 sport

Need an illustration of how important the 6 is to Mazda? Well, since the
original model was launched in 2002, nearly half a million have been sold in Europe, helping the Japanese firm to double its total sales on the continent.

Consequently, it’s important that Mazda gets the replacement right. The car is new from the ground up, and the designers were keen to retain its sporty appeal, while giving it a more premium edge. Judging by the results, they’ve managed that perfectly, and we think the looks are spot-on. There’s a hint of Lexus about the styling, but the prominent wheelarches, V-shaped grille and fuss-free nose give the 6 its own personality.

The rising waistline and raked windscreen present a near coupé-like appearance, while the shape is extremely smooth – a drag coefficient of only 0.27Cd is one of the best in the class. The LED rear lights echo the hatch’s predecessor, while our 2.5-litre Sport gets twin tailpipes, side skirts and a boot spoiler. In our opinion, it’s one of the best-looking models in the family market.

This positive first impression continues once behind the wheel. The dash layout is simple but stylish, and is the best offering from Mazda to date. Neat stereo controls are surrounded by metal trim, which boosts the quality feel, while the orange and blue-lit deep-set dials and three-spoke steering wheel add to the racy edge.

However, there are a few gripes. Some of the dash plastics aren’t quite as tactile as its rivals’, the ventilation controls are a little flimsy and the seats are narrow. That doesn’t stop it being comfortable, though, and rear passengers get the same spacious feel, even if the 6 can’t quite match either the Mondeo or Passat for legroom.

That’s not surprising, considering the Mazda is the shortest car here, but one advantage the 6 has is its clever fold-flat rear seats. These allow boot space to be boosted to a maximum of 1,702 litres, although the catches require a fair amount of force in order to release them.

The new range-topping 2.5-litre MZR engine replaces the old 2.3-litre unit. While it’s bigger, it’s cleaner and more economical, too, although most UK buyers will probably opt for the smaller 2.0-litre powerplant. The larger unit is super-smooth, though, and produces a pleasing exhaust note. However, on the move it feels a little slow to rev and isn’t as peppy as the less powerful Mondeo engine. You certainly have to work the gearbox a fair amount when pushing on, but thanks to a snappy change, this is rewarding rather than tiring.

Unfortunately, at motorway speeds, road and wind noise spoil the luxury feel. Cruising also highlights another flaw, as the steering requires constant adjustment and the 6 never quite settles down like the Mondeo or Passat. This is partly due to the very light wheel, which lacks feedback.

Thankfully, on more demanding roads the Mazda is agile, in a similar way to the firm’s MX-5 roadster. It turns in crisply and there’s plenty of grip, while body control is excellent. However it’s not as composed as the Mondeo, and ultimately the Ford is the better all-rounder.

But the Mazda makes up for this with generous amounts of standard kit, including a CD changer, half leather seats, xenon lights and Bluetooth phone connection. A price tag of £19,630 makes it an attractive package, too, although the economy minded will save money by opting for the diesel engine, which starts at £15,620
.

BMW 7 Series F01 by Mansory

After the BMW X6M and Rolls Royce Ghost, the Swiss tuner Mansory takes on another task to pimp-out another car from the BMW Group. This time, the model chosen was the short wheelbase F01 7 Series which goes under extensive exterior changes giving BMW’s flagship a new look.

Official details are yet to be released, but judging by these photos, the styling treatment includes a new front bumper with massive air intakes that incorporates vertical LED daytime lights and carbon fiber inserts.

The iconic BMW kidney grille also receives carbon fiber inserts giving the car a more unique “nose”. Furthermore, the tuner replaces the vertical orientation of the kidney grille bars to an horizontal approach.

At the back, there’s a new bumper with a rear diffuser and horizontal quad tail pipes plus discrete boot lid and roof spoilers. The new alloy wheels complete the exterior look.

Inside, the car gets the Mansory treatment as well. The steering wheel is being replaced by a new one and stitched leather wraps around the dashboard.

Expect more details to be released in the near future.

BMW HYBRID 3 2013

In early 2013, BMW will bring to market the first hybrid version of the popular 3 Series model. BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will debut next year in a concept form, similar to the 5 Series Hybrid which made an early appearance before going into production.

First test mules are starting to be spotted around Munich and at the famous Nurburgring race track and to differentiate themselves from the “regular” 3 Series prototypes, the 3er hybrids feature the mandatory hybrid stickers on windows or rear bumper. Hybrid stickers are a must in Germany during testing because if the car happened to get into an accident, the police and medical crew need to be aware of the dangers of electric power.

A new spy video of the 2012 BMW 3 Series shows up on Youtube. The video contains both exterior and interior footage of the new F30 3 Series Sedan. According to the spy photographers, the test mule in question is a diesel, with a Start/Stop system and is limited to 210 kph (130 mph) for test purposes.

The day this video was shot, BMW also tested the 3 Series while pulling a trailer (see the beginning of the video).

Like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Citroën and SsangYong were testing their newest cars in the Sierra Nevada (Spain) that day. This video also contains a test version of the Aston Martin DBS (evolution rather than revolution?) and two uncamouflaged Citroëns DS

BMW 2002 RETROSPECTIVE

I rarely turn down an opportunity to drive older cars, and when my buddy Matt brought his recently purchased BMW 2002 to breakfast Saturday morning I prevailed on him to toss me the keys.

Just to keep me honest, his daughter, Natalie Fenaroli, came along to supervise (a better driver than most of us – and fresh off testing/training in Formula Fords in New Zealand – http://fast33.com/). Actually she wanted to come along so she’d get to drive it home; she was gaming her father.

The BMW 2002 was the start of the American fascination with BMW. The late David E. Davis’ paean to the 2002 in Car and Driver set in motion the idea that the Bavarians were building world beater performance touring cars. And the 2002 was all David E. Davis said it was. I can remember lusting after one in the 1970s and then not being able to will myself to fork over the cash needed to purchase one (one of the dumbest decisions I ever made).

I approach driving old cars with some trepidation. I can tell you the tale of two Model As, one poorly maintained and a handful (mechanical brakes that needed adjustment) and the other better than new. So you have to be prepared to discount the rough edges of age to find the gem underneath.

Opening the door you get an idea quickly of why these cars are light – the door is thin, extremely so when compared to the chunky thick – safety – first versions that we live with now. The seat belts had no tensioner, and they had to be carefully reeled out. And don’t even think about airbags. One thing this 2002 was afflicted with however, were those nasty late ’70s 5 mph bumpers.

It had been awhile since I’d driven a car equipped with carburetors, and Natalie had to remind me what the starting sequence was; pump the accelerator twice – nice mechanical linkage to the throttle plate in the carb – and then crank the engine with the key twisted full right. If you let off the key, you had to start the sequence over (but pump the accelerator too much and you’ll flood the carb).

The car starts, and wonder of wonders, it’s equipped with a working AC unit. Nice cold air (at the expense of a few of the 2.0L four’s ponies). The other item this 2002 was afflicted with was an automatic transmission. But the cost of a 2002 with an auto is less than a similar example with a manual transmission – and this car was purchased with a daily commute in traffic as its mission in life.

The steering wheel is thin but transmits road feel to the hands in copious amounts. The steering is not power assisted, so it’s a bit heavy (especially if you’re used to the overboosted/anesthetized Lexus/Buick steering paradigm).

Underway and we’re in a pretty crowded area with lots of cars trying to find parking spaces, pedestrians, bicycles, and a busy street to turn onto. It’s now that you appreciate the acres of glass in the 2002. This is what a ‘greenhouse’ on a car should be. Tall windows, thin pillars and, as a result, wraparound vision.

The AC and automatic tranny soak up their fair share of horses and subsequently it would be hard to describe the acceleration as quick – but it’s perfectly capable of hanging with traffic. It’s when you slow down that you get jolted back to the ’70s. There is no power assist. So it’s all about how much leg muscle you can bring to the party. Once you’re aware that this isn’t a dainty little on/off switch, the brakes are actually a delight to use. Good pedal feedback and decent stopping distances.

The sensations of driving this car gave the impression of dealing with something that was simple and quite honest. Decent power (and even better if I’d have switched off the AC), excellent steering feel, good brakes, and an eagerness to go where pointed were what shown through in the short drive.

The icing on the cake would have been to drive the BMW 2002 back to back with say, a 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. That would have shown just how startling the car was to buyers of the era. The BMW 2002 was all that was good with cars in the late 1970s, at a time when cars were in transition thanks to air pollution and safety regulations.

When I pulled up to the stop outside of the restaurant we had breakfast at, set the brake and hit the emergency flasher button, I found Matt and described my impressions of the car. When I looked back at the car, Natalie had found her way into the driver’s seat and Matt was definitely going to be a passenger on the ride home.

BMW M3 E46 CSL

Could the E46 M3 CSL be the best car to come out of BMW M division? And can BMW build another one just as good?

CSL stands for “Coupe Sport Lightweight”, a moniker first given to the legendary race winning BMW 3.0 CSL. First appearing in 1972, the 3.0CSL homologation special model was very successful in racing, especially in the European Touring Car Championship and the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft, thus securing BMW’s position amongst motorsport giants.

The first BMW M3 CSL appeared in 2003 and wowed enthusiasts all around the world with its use of racing technologies applied to a street car. Among these technologies was a modified version of the usual 3,246-cc S54 inline-six that lacks a conventional mass airflow meter. Instead, intake air is calculated directly by the DME, making for a much quicker engine response. Further changes include modified camshafts and exhaust valves, plus a lightweight exhaust system constructed of thinner steel. The CSL-spec engine is rated at 360 hp at 7,900 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm.

The E46 M3 CSL is most notably distinguished from the standard E46 M3 by its various lightweight components. The signature differentiation is the Carbon Fiber reinforced roof panel (GFP) which weighs 13 pounds less than the conventional roof. The front bumper support is also constructed of GFP, as well as the unique “Single Air inlet” front bumper. At the rear, the lower rear valance is made of GFP, while the reshaped trunk lid is made of SMC (sheet molding compound). Fiberglass-reinforced plastic is used for the rear bumper supports and this material is also “sandwiched” with thermoplastics and foam to create the trunk floor and rear bulkhead. As a final weight-saving measure, the rear window glass is extra thin. BMW claimed that the M3 CSL weighed 3,054 pounds, or roughly 10 percent less than the normal model.

The M3 CSL is equipped exclusively with the SMG II transmission featuring a special launch control mode that automatically shifts at the optimum point for maximum acceleration. This is mated to the standard E46 M3 final drive and M locking differential. Also, the DSC system of the M3 CSL can be switched to an exclusive M Track Mode via the steering wheel-mounted button. This raises the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow for some degree of sideways fun.

The suspension of the M3 CSL is based on that of the standard E46 M3. However, it does incorporate a number of changes: shorter stiffer springs and shocks with different rates (for both rebound and compression), plus larger anti-roll bars in the front (30.8 mm) and rear (22.5 mm). In addition, the normal aluminum front control arms (shared with the standard E46 M3) are joined by aluminum rear suspension links with stiffer ball bushings. Rounding out the chassis upgrades is a quicker ratio steering rack (overall ratio: 14.5:1) and larger 13.7-inch cross-drilled front brake rotors. Finally, the M3 CSL rides on lightweight cross-spoke alloy wheels measuring 8.5×19-inches in front (0.5 inches wider than the normal M3) and 9.5×19-inches in the rear. These are shod with special Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires sized 235/35ZR19 (front) and 265/30ZR19 (rear).

Conventional tires mounted to the 19-inch forged M Double Spoke II wheels from the standard E46 M3 were also offered as a no-cost alternative.

Serving the lightweight purpose of the M3 CSL, the interior could be specified without climate control or a radio. However, both were made available at no additional cost.

A total of 1,358 CSLs were produced for European track junkies between June and December of 2003, in both left-hand drive (823 built) and right-hand drive (535 built).

With more and more BMW vehicles “gaining weight” as new generations come to market, could BMW M build another street car like the iconic M3 CSL? Well, at a smaller and exclusive scale, they recently have built an unique M3. The new E92 M3 GTS is a spiritual successor to the E46 M3 CSL.

Although the M3 GTS is slightly quicker in a straight line than the E46 CSL, the lap times around the Nurburgring are surprisingly close. According to FastLaps.com, the 450 hp GTS is faster than the 360 hp CSL by a mere 2 seconds. 7:50 vs 7:48.

What the E46 M3 CSL lacks in horsepower over the M3 GTS, it makes up for in sheer driving feel and balance. Some consider the E46 chassis to have been the best BMW has ever built, making the CSL one of the best performance BMW ever.