The News for May 20th, 2022

Welcome to the Hooniverse News! As always, this is a weekly recap of the biggest stories in the automotive industry without the fluff or bull. This week: BMW brings back the legendary CSL name on a car that’s still ugly, Nissan reveals competitive pricing for the 2023 Z, Genesis GV60 shows us how luxury EVs are done for roughly $60k, Hoonigan shows off Ken Block’s wild ride for Pikes Peak, plus your news for the week.

BMW M4 CSL

BMW is celebrating 50 years of M by resurrecting one of its most famous nameplates – CSL. The Coupe Sport Light (or Competition Sport Light) name has only been used two other times in history: first with the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL in 1972 and then the E46 M3 CSL in 2003. For a third time, CSL returns. But this time it’s ugly.

And it’s a shame because BMW M went all out with the 2023 BMW M4 CSL. By “fusing old school racing passion with innovative technology”, they’ve created a wicked fast M4 that is officially the fastest production BMW around the Nordschleife. A time of 7:20.2 puts it in Porsche 911 (991) GT3 RS and Ferrari 488 GTB territory, according to FastestLaps. The M4 CSL’s technical highlights include 40 more horsepower over the M4 Comp for a total of 543 horsepower, RWD only, a weight reduction of 240 pounds, model-specific suspension, and ten-stage track-tuned traction control.

The lack of rear seats, a plethora of carbon fiber inside and out, forged light-alloy wheels and suspension components, and reduced sound insulation go a long way in reducing curb weight to 3,640 lbs. By modern BMW standards it earns the “lightweight” part of its name. With its impressive power having to move around slightly less weight, 0-60 mph happens in 3.6 seconds, 0-120 mph takes 10.5 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 191 mph, according to them.

Other upgrades include a CSL-specific front-end strut brace made of cast aluminum, sport exhaust with a titanium muffler, new engine mounts, M Carbon ceramic brakes, and significantly enhanced cooling with a high and low temperature circuit for various conditions. The car is purpose built for extreme driving conditions, whether it be on the Green Hell, fun mountain roads, or the 9 yard drive from the delivery truck to the covered trailer taking it to storage for the rest of its life.

It’s a special occasion any time a CSL comes along. The current crop of M cars is easily the most polarizing in the brand’s 50 years. Some designs were controversial over the years, but nothing comes close to the snout on the M3/M4 and whatever the hell they’re doing with other cars. But if its performance and driving characteristics live up to the legendary nameplate, this might all be worth it. We’ll just have to wait till the world’s press can get behind the wheel and make videos driving all three CSLs back to back to back. The M4 CSL will be a limited run of just 1,000 units globally. Pricing starts at $140,895 including destination.

[Source: BMW]

2023 Nissan Z starts at $41,015

The embargo lifted on drive impressions for the 2023 Nissan Z this week, and along with that came official US pricing. Nissan has priced it very competitively against much of its perceived competition with its MSRP starting at $41,015 with destination charges included.

That money gets you the Z Coupe Sport with either the 9-speed auto or 6-speed manual. It still comes with the 400 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and its killer looks. But stepping up to the Z Coupe Performance at $51,015 gets you a limited-slip differential, a front splitter and rear decklid spoiler, 19″ wheels, and leather seating among other interior features. Based on reviews I’ve seen so far, the Performance trim is what most driving enthusiasts will want unless the plan is to modify it anyway. Meanwhile, the Z Coupe Proto option is a launch-only option limited to 240 units for the US market at $54,015. It has a special plague as well exclusive interior and exterior features paying homage to the prototype that gave us a first glance at the car in 2020.

At this price, it basically undercuts its main rival, the GR Supra, by a few grand at every trim level. But comparing base for base, the Supra is a turbocharged four-cylinder. At the top end, the Supra is most likely a nicer place to spend time and is more powerful. Looking across the Pacific, the Mustang and Camaro offer a lot of performance for that kind of money. If you’re spending upwards of $54k on a Z or $55k on a Supra, the Mustang Mach 1 is only a grand more. But from the looks of it, the Nissan Z isn’t meant for people who compare specs and nothing else. It’s meant for those who want a true Z experience in 2022. And it seems Nissan has delivered.

[Source: Nissan]

Genesis GV60 priced from ~$60k

Genesis is beginning a slow rollout of their first EV, the GV60, in select markets in the US. California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York will get first dibs until the rest of the country eventually gets it. Sales have commenced with an MSRP of $59,985 including destination charges for the GV60 Advanced AWD and $68,985 for the GV60 Performance AWD.

Both specs are loaded and offer decent range for a luxury EV. The GV60 Advanced features a 74kW front/160kW rear electric motor setup for 314 horsepower. A 77.4 kWh battery allows a driving range of around 248 miles. A plethora of driver safety and assistance tech (basically everything they could throw at it), 20″ alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, full leather seating, adjustable ambient lighting, acoustic laminated side windows, a 12.3″ infotainment screen with navigation, a HUD, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, and a literal shit ton of other features come as standard. There’s even a new Face Connect system which uses the driver’s stupid ugly face as a key.

Step up to the GV60 Performance for $9k more and the front motor is upgraded to 160kW in addition to the rear motor for a total of 429 horsepower or 483 horsepower in Boost Mode. Driving range dips slightly to 235 miles but it benefits from electronically controlled suspension, limited slip differential, and monobloc front brakes. The interior is upgraded with Nappa leather seating surfaces, microfiber suede headliner and pillars, heated rear seats, and 21″ alloy wheels.

So what the Genesis GV60 lacks in class-leading range or face-melting performance, it makes up with an extensive list of comfort and tech features. But for me personally, it’s the one and only Genesis design I don’t love.

[Source: Genesis]

ICYMI: Hoonipigasus

This week our friends at Hoonigan unveiled a Porsche 911 that’s destined for Pikes Peak with some minor modifications. And one of the weirdest names imaginable. The “Hoonipigasus” will be piloted by none other than Ken Block during the legendary hill climb on June 26th. Jeff covered it briefly here, but if you want to read more, check out the Hoonigan blog right here.

[Source: Us, Hoonigan]

What’s your automotive news?

That’s all I’ve got for you this week, so now it’s your turn. If you saw anything, fixed something, broke everything, or otherwise did anything even remotely car related that you want to share with your fellow hoon, sound off in the comments.

Have a good weekend.