BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage and Zagato Mostro headline 2015 Villa d’Este
BMW’s striking 3.0 CSL Hommage, Zagato’s carbon-bodied Mostro and Bentley’s EXP 10 Speed 6 drew crowds at the 2015 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, alongside concepts from Lamborghini and SCG.
BMW used the 2015 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este to reveal the 3.0 CSL Hommage, a concept that reimagines the 1970s ‘Batmobile’ for a modern audience. The annual event on the shores of Lake Como, known for rare classics and headline-grabbing one-offs, also saw the debut of Zagato’s Mostro, Bentley’s EXP 10 Speed 6, and concepts from Lamborghini and Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.
BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage: Lightweight tribute
The 3.0 CSL Hommage pays respect to BMW’s original Coupé Sport Leichtbau, a car that defined the marque’s motorsport ambitions in the 1970s. The new concept uses carbon fibre and aluminium to achieve a dramatic reduction in weight, echoing the ethos of the original. Its exaggerated wheel arches, broad stance and distinctive aerodynamic elements recall the ‘Batmobile’ that became a touring car legend. While BMW did not confirm any production plans, the Hommage is a pure design exercise, intended to showcase the brand’s design and engineering heritage.
The concept’s proportions are extreme even by modern standards, with a low front end and muscular rear. While technical details were limited, the focus remained on materials and visual impact rather than outright performance figures. BMW’s presence at Villa d’Este continues a tradition of unveiling one-off or limited-run concepts at the event.
Zagato Mostro: Maserati-powered special
Zagato returned to Villa d’Este with the Mostro, a carbon-bodied coupé built to celebrate Maserati’s centenary. The car draws inspiration from the 1957 Maserati 450 S Coupé ‘Monster’ raced at Le Mans. Under the long bonnet sits a Maserati-sourced V8, while the chassis is a mix of carbon fibre and steel. Only five examples were planned, each hand-built for collectors. The Mostro’s design is classic Zagato: long nose, short tail and a teardrop-shaped glasshouse.
Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 and other concepts
Bentley’s EXP 10 Speed 6, first seen at the Geneva Motor Show, made its Villa d’Este debut. The company confirmed plans to put the car into production, targeting a new segment below the Continental GT. The concept’s design focused on a lighter, more agile Bentley, though technical details remained under wraps. The EXP 10 Speed 6 signals a shift towards more dynamic models for the brand.
Lamborghini displayed the Asterion LPI 910-4, a hybrid concept pairing a V10 with three electric motors. While still officially a concept, the Asterion previewed Lamborghini’s approach to hybrid technology, joining rivals Ferrari, Porsche and McLaren in the high-performance hybrid sector. Also present was the SCG003 Stradale from Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, a road-legal version of the team’s racing prototype, powered by a 530hp V6 and weighing just 1,350kg.
- BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage: Modern tribute to the 1970s touring car icon
- Zagato Mostro: Carbon-bodied, Maserati-powered coupé, five units only
- Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6: Sleeker, lighter direction for Bentley, production confirmed
- Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4: 910hp hybrid concept, V10 and three electric motors
- SCG003 Stradale: Lightweight, road-legal supercar from Glickenhaus
Concepts and classics share the spotlight
While the event is best known for its pre-war and mid-century classics, the 2015 edition underlined Villa d’Este’s role as a showcase for modern design and engineering. The presence of multiple concepts from leading manufacturers, alongside bespoke specials from coachbuilders, highlighted the continued relevance of the concours format in the industry calendar.
For a look back at previous years’ highlights, seeConcorso Deleganza Villa Deste 2014 Live Images.
