The BMW M2 is becoming the foundation for a new tribute to one of BMW M’s earliest performance cars. Italian coachbuilder Riverti Automobili is transforming the current-generation M2, known internally as the G87, into a modern interpretation of the 3.0 CSL for its first model.

BMW M Traces Its Roots to the 3.0 CSL

The BMW M1 was the first car officially sold as an M model, but BMW M’s history began earlier. BMW M was established in May 1972, and its first project was the 3.0 CSL.

Although the 3.0 CSL was not badged or named as an M car, it became the starting point for BMW’s motorsport division. The company’s lineup has since expanded well beyond coupes and sedans to include crossovers.

The G87 M2 Competition can be viewed in many ways as a spiritual successor to the E30 M3. The E30 M3 eventually took over racing duties from the M635CSi, which itself followed the 3.0 CSL.

Riverti Takes on a 3.0 CSL Tribute

BMW has created several Hommage concepts celebrating its performance-car history, although most never reached production. One exception was the extremely limited 3.0 CSL produced in 2023, with just 50 examples made and based on the G82 M4.

Riverti Automobili is now attempting its own interpretation. The Italian coachbuilder plans to turn the current-generation G87 M2 into a 3.0 CSL tribute as the company’s first model.

The young brand has already released a teaser that appears to show what could be the finished product.

The BMW M2 Shares Similar Dimensions

The E9 Coupe that provided the foundation for the original 3.0 CSL was considered a fairly large two-door in its era. By modern standards, however, it is relatively compact and is even smaller than today’s 3 Series and 4 Series.

In terms of size, the E9 is closer to the modern 2 Series Coupe and M2, making the M2 a suitable basis for Riverti’s tribute project.

• 3.0 CSL: 183.5 inches long, 68.1 inches wide and 53.9 inches tall, with a 103.3-inch wheelbase.
• BMW M2: 180 inches long, 74.3 inches wide and 55.2 inches tall, with a 108.1-inch wheelbase.

The similarities in overall dimensions could help Riverti recreate the proportions of the classic car.

Classic BMW Design Elements Return

The teaser already reveals several styling elements inspired by the original 3.0 CSL. From the side, the car features box-flare arches and a large rear wing.

The front end uses four round headlights and an upswept headlight housing that echo the CSL. The design of the grille has not yet been revealed.

At the rear, the tribute draws inspiration from another classic BMW. Its square taillights recall the 2002 Turbo, which also raced in DRM, the precursor to the series now known as DTM.

The large scallops on the quarter panel provide another reference to the Group 5 2002 Turbo.

How Much Power Will the Riverti Build Make?

Power output remains unknown because the Riverti model has not yet been named. However, the car could use the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six S58 engine already found in the M2.

That engine currently produces 473 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the original 3.0 CSL’s 203 horsepower and 215 lb-ft.

There is also room for additional performance. The M2 CS produces 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft, leaving potential for further tuning.

Another possibility would be pairing the twin-turbocharged inline-six with a manual transmission. Such a setup would provide another connection to the 2002 Turbo and 3.0 CSL race cars that competed on racetracks in the 1970s.