This classic BMW 3.0 CSL IMSA, nicknamed the 'Batmobile', should have been the new Batmobile!

The 3.0 CSL IMSA ‘Batmobile’ is one of the most iconic racing cars ever built by BMW and these renderings by artist Khyzyl Saleem show us what one could look like if it was converted for road use. Now, we have already had our first glimpse at the new Batmobile that will star in 'The Batman' reboot starring Robert Pattinson and although we like the look of it we wish they could have used this in the upcoming flick instead. It was even nicknamed the 'Batmobile' when it was introduced in the Seventies!

Based on the road-legal BMW E9 3.0 CS/CSi, the 3.0 CSL established itself as a very successful out-and-out race car. The ‘L’ in its name came from ‘leicht’ which is German for ‘light’. BMW only ever manufactured 5 examples with each outfitted with wings and splitters, hence the ‘Batmobile’ nickname. The road-going version had a far more restrained look - but this one knocks it out of the park...

It retains most of the aerodynamics parts as the race car but ditches the racing livery. Just look at that bumper and splitter package that sits millimeters off the road. It also has a set of modern LED headlights to make the car a little more appropriate for road use.

Saleem took the race car’s body and turned it into something that looks destined for the next outing of the Caped Crusader...

It retains the most striking aspects of the Batmobile - those flared front and rear wheel arches - and this street version also adds in a set of aftermarket BBS-style wheels with a deep dish design.

In comparison this one makes the flagship BMW M8 Competition look very tame...

Around the back, it sports the same massive wing of the race car as well as a set of tow hooks and distinctive taillights. Did you know that the rear wing was not installed by BMW on the road-going versions because back then body elements such as these were illegal on Germany’s roads. So, factory workers placed the wing in the boot and the owners had to mount it themselves after they bought the cars from the dealer! Sadly, BMW won't be putting this 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile' rendering into production. We can just see that look of disappointment on Batman's face. Maybe Alfred can have a word...