BMW 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile' by Khyzyl Saleem
The BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile is one of the most iconic racing BMWs ever built, and digital artist Khyzyl Saleem reimagined it as a road-going machine in a series of stunning 3D renders. Originally launched in 1972 for the European Touring Car Championship, the 3.0 CSL earned its Batmobile nickname from its dramatic aero kit, and Saleem's redesign shows what that legend could look like reborn for the street.
What is the BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile?
The BMW 3.0 CSL was released in 1972 to compete in the European Touring Car Championship and quickly became one of the brand's most recognized and iconic models. The L in its name stands for leicht, German for light. The road homologation car was produced in limited numbers and is now highly sought after by collectors, while the race versions wore the wings and splitters that earned the model its enduring Batmobile nickname. As Top Gear highlights, it remains one of the most evocative shapes in BMW motorsport history.
How did Khyzyl Saleem redesign the BMW 3.0 CSL?
Khyzyl Saleem is a master of 3D work who has brought fresh life to countless car concepts. A fan of the IMSA edition affectionately called the Batmobile for its aero kit, he chose not to alter the car's silhouette. Instead, he upgraded it with a full wing and a wider body kit while retaining the iconic details that make the CSL instantly recognizable. According to autoevolution, the render adds flared arches, deep-dish BBS-style wheels and the race car's signature rear wing, making it look like street-legal perfection.
Why does the BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile still inspire designers?
The 3.0 CSL Batmobile sits at the crossroads of motorsport heritage and modern design, which is exactly why artists like Saleem keep returning to it. Its aggressive proportions and racing pedigree make it a perfect canvas for restomod-style reinvention, blending classic lines with contemporary aerodynamics and wheels.
Looking for a classic reimagined for today?
If the idea of a vintage icon rebuilt for the modern road excites you, TheArsenale curates exceptional restomods and reimagined classics, including the Nardone 928 Porsche restomod, the Project M Ferrari 308 GTS restomod and the all-electric Charge Electric Mustang.
The BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile shows how a racing legend can inspire timeless design. Explore more rare and reimagined machines in the TheArsenale Cars collection.
