Quote:
Originally Posted by Law
I'm well-aware of what I posted, and it doesn't change what I said one bit as the road going versions of the 3.0 CSL (3.2L models) from JUL 1973 onwards were delivered with the bodywork to comply with homologation rules (just not physically installed from the factory due to road regulations).
It's pretty well-documented from all the witnesses and commentary from that era that the E9 CSL became known in popular automotive culture as the "Batmobile" due to its aero.
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Yup.
"Why is the later 3.0 CSL sometimes referred to as the "Batmobile"?
In addition to the standard front airdam and rear spoiler, 3.2-liter CSL models could be fitted with a removable "racing kit" consisting of an air guide mounted above the rear window and an enlarged rear spoiler, both designed to increase downforce on the competition machines. The addition of these rather striking appendages resulted in the nickname "Batmobile". Because these items were required on the road version for homologation purpose but could not be installed at the factory due to a conflict with various European laws, they were supplied as the removable kit."
(source: here)
"The BMW 3.0 was powered by a 3.0 liter six-cylinder engine that produced 180 horsepower. Displacement size was increased to 3.2-liters beginning in 1973, though it still retained the '3.0 CSL' name. Neerpasch and Braqungart improved the vehicles downforce by adding a deep front air dam, increased the fenders, and added a trunk-lip spoiler. A very large rear wing earned it the nickname, the 'Batmobile' The cars did not leave the factory with the wing since they were illegal for road use. The company sold the vehicles with these accessories enclosed in the trunk of the car. They were not installed on the vehicle as they left the factory, but left up to the customer to assemble. In this fashion, the company was able to side-step the homologation process."
(source: here)
The removable "racing kit":
