BMW M5 CSL

As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations surrounding 25 years of BMW's M5 sedan, a lot of news has been coming out. Some old stuff we haven't heard of before and some new stuff as well. Or new thing, that is - a special M5 CSL created by BMW.

The BMW M5 is an iconic car in the industry, and it has been heralded as the performance benchmark in the luxury segment for years.

That bar was only increased for the latest generation car, which uses a 5.0L V-10 making 507 horsepower. BMW has set out to top it though with this special edition car. The vehicle isn't officially referred to as a CSL, but BMW's M division head of development Albert Biermann said it was the "M5 CSL we never built," so that's the name that has stuck.

For increased performance, the M5 CSL opts for a sure way of achieving that: increased power and lower weight. Biermann said that BMW's modifications, which take the engine to 5.5 liters, have increased power to 580 horsepower and 400 pound-feet. of torque.

Other changes include include the seven-speed dual-clutch Getrag transmission from the M3, a carbon fiber roof, carbon fiber seats and a removed rear seat (!).

The changes help the car shed 11o pounds in weight which, along with the power increases, help the car lap the Nurburgring around 20 seconds faster than the current car. Interested? It is just a one-off unfortunately. Who knows though, maybe BMW will make a similar special edition M5 in the future.