Monday, January 30, 2012

Think of it as an E46 M3 with Bulimia

Time to warm up that new Stig!


There was a simple story. When Series 3 of Top Gear began in 2003, the original, black-colored, Stig was killed in action. When he performed his ultimate challenge at HMS Invicible using the old Top Gear Jaguar, he was supposed to do 100mph at the runway of the HMS Invincible and stop but The Stig went too fast and then The Stig got drowned himself to death. On the second episode of Top Gear Series 3, Jeremy Clarkson introduced the new Stig in white color and the first car to put this new Stig to the test is none other than the 2003 BMW M3 CSL. Before that, Jeremy Clarkson test drove the BMW M3 CSL at the Isle of Man. After the test drive, the white Stig lapped the BMW M3 CSL round the Top Gear Test Track in 1 minute and 28 seconds, that's quicker than the original BMW M3. So, what's it all about this lightweight M3 E46?

A duel between the two M3 CSL models

Launched in 2003 and limited to 1,400 units produced, the M3 CSL made to be even more quicker than the standard M3 thanks to its lightweight technologies inherited from the Formula One racing applications. As a matter of fact, the M3 CSL weights 100kg less than the standard E46 M3, that's a good mark for that. 

Like what Jeremy Clarkson said, think of it as an M3 with Bulimia because this sports coupe threw up a hundred kilograms to make it as firm and slim as a bulimic woman. 

The M3 CSL comes also with a tuned suspension, brakes, tightened steering ratio, roof that is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, SMG II manual transmission, and an improved 3.2L engine that has 17HP more than the standard M3. 

This variant is somewhat more of a track-day car rather than an everyday grand tourer...

The M3 CSL finds it's driving heaven

...and here on Gran Turismo 5, it does just the way we want. We may want to throw up more weight to keep the M3 CSL lighter and more agile on city streets and racetracks of our desire because this M3 CSL is all about being competitive. Also, you may want to recreate the Top Gear Power Lap Time using the M3 CSL and oh, make it as faster as you can if you want to show off with your online friends.

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