BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R concept breaks cover

Its cabin boasts special racing features as well as a race suit that can display information to the driver, with speed and engine information transmitted through the helmet and special piping in the sleeves that illuminates when both hands are on the wheel.

“We’re aiming to show how much closer the driver and car can grow," explained BMW Group design boss Adrian van Hooydonk.

The original concept revisited BMW’s early-1970s 3.0 CSL, racing versions of which were nicknamed 'Batmobile' thanks to their radical aero bodykits. It was the third BMW Hommage car to be revealed at Villa d’Este, after the M1 Hommage (2008) and the 328 Hommage (2011).

Despite BMW’s assertions to the contrary, we understand that the concept points towards the company’s production future – specifically more extreme, lightweight machines from the M division. These would go head-to-head with Mercedes-AMG’s Black Series models.

New M boss Frank van Meel told Autocar magazine: ”The 3.0 CSL Hommage is a show car to test out some design features. We’re looking into a response to it, but for us it’s always to get the feedback. It’s not an overall concept we are thinking to make.”

The newcomer is marginally bigger than the M6. Beneath the bonnet is a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine teamed with an ‘e-boost’ electric motor. Power goes to the rear wheels.

Generous use of lightweight materials such as carbon fibre-reinforced plastic keeps the weight down, and dramatic styling details include broad air intakes, a front splitter, fixed rear wing, roof spoiler and massive side exhausts, while flared arches cover impressive 21-inch alloys.

References to the classic 3.0 CSL include a distinctive roofline, and the original 3.0 CSL Hommage also featured wooden cabin detailing as a nod to the material extensively used in the 1970s car’s interior.

Design chief Karim Habib said of the family resemblance: “The BMW 3.0 CSL is a style icon. Its combination of racing genes and elegance generates an engaging aesthetic that wins hearts even today. The 3.0 CSL Hommage celebrates many of those characteristic features but without copying them.”

Hooydonk said: “Our Hommage cars demonstrate how proud we are of our heritage and also how important the past can be in determining the future.”