BMW regularly presents limited special series of particularly dynamic vehicles so as to sharpen the brand core: Sheer Driving Pleasure. Meanwhile a look ahead to future developments is provided by eye-catching concept cars that reflect the essence of the brand’s pure DNA.
The public response to both is reflected in the result of this year’s readers’ vote organised by the magazine “Auto Bild Sportscars”. In two rating categories, readers voted BMW Group models “2015 Sports Car of the Year”: the “Serial Production Coupés” class was won by new BMW M4 GTS, while in the “Concept Cars” category, the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage was able to attract the majority of votes.
BMW M4 GTS continues its winning streak
By winning the “Serial Production Coupés” category, the BMW M4 GTS has built on the success of the BMW M4 Coupé and the BMW 435i Coupé, which were voted Sports Car of the Year in 2014 and 2013 respectively.
The BMW M4 GTS underpins its sports car status with a lap time of 7:28 minutes on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife. This performance is enabled by a three-way coilover suspension specially harmonised for the BMW M4 GTS, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres in the sizes 265/35 R19 at front and 285/30 R20 at rear, intelligent lightweight construction with the use of aluminium, carbon fibre, composite materials and high-strength steels and a high-performance in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology.
Due to the innovative water injection – used for the first time in a serial production vehicle – the engine delivers an output of 368 kW/500 hp and a torque of 600 Nm from a capacity of 3.0 litres (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; CO2-emissions combined: 199 g/km)*. This enables the BMW M4 GTS to accelerate in 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, reaching a top speed of 305 km/h (cut off).
BMW 3.0 CSL Homage wins the “Concept Cars” category
The victory of the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage was a premiere: it attracted the most votes in the “Concept Cars” category which was offered for the first time – and it won by a very clear margin. This concept study was presented at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este as the BMW design team’s tribute to the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL – the timeless, classic BMW coupé icon of the 1970s.
The BMW 3.0 CSL Homage translates the character of the original into the contemporary age, reinterpreting it in a new and exciting way. Cutting-edge materials were used to build this concept car, including carbon fibre (CFRP).
The high-tech material is used extensively in the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage, moving the philosophy of lightweight construction forward to the current state of the art. As in the 1970s original, the lines of the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage express pure dynamic performance: striking air deflectors, powerful wheel arches and a prominent roof and rear spoiler frame an elongated body.
The front air deflector serves to ventilate the engine compartment while the wings above the rear wheels ensure optimum air flow around the vehicle. Small camera rear mirrors further reduce aerodynamic drag. The large rear spoiler increases surface pressure on the powered rear axle, thereby improving power transmission. An Air Curtain and Air Breather guarantee optimum wheel arch ventilation and air extraction.
The 21-inch light alloy wheels in matt and high-gloss Bi-Color finish add a particularly striking touch. Air deflection blades in the wheel rim gaps additionally optimise aerodynamics.
Further top placements for BMW models
In addition to the category winners, there were other BMW models that gained podium positions. In the category “Serial Production Sedans”, the BMW M5 “30 Years of the M5” finished second, as did the BMW X6 M in the category “Serial Production SUVs”. The BMW M135i came third in the category “Serial Production Compact Cars”.
The “Auto Bild Sports Cars of the Year” readers’ vote was held this year for the 14th time. The title “Sports Car of the Year” is among the most important awards for sports-style vehicles in the automobile sector in Germany, and it is highly coveted among all vehicle manufacturers.
There were 142 models to choose from for the readers’ vote in 2015. Drawn from test and road reports of the last 12 months, the vehicles were classified in 18 categories – eight for serial production vehicles, eight for tuning vehicles and one category each for small-series vehicles and concept cars respectively. The awards were presented today at the Essen Motor Show Race Night.
The BMW placements at glance:
Serial Production Coupés, winner: BMW M4 GTS.
Concept Cars, winner: BMW 3.0 CSL Homage.
Serial Production Sedans, 2nd place: BMW M5 “30 Years of the M5”.
Serial Production SUVs, 2nd place: BMW X6 M.
Serial Production Compact Cars, 3rd place: BMW M135i.
