After leaking online yesterday, the BMW M2 CS has now been revealed in full. It’s a good old-fashioned run-out special, with more power, a sharper chassis and extra equipment.
The 450hp CS boosts the muscle of the 3.0-litre straight-six by 40hp, although maximum torque stays the same. The gains come from freer-flowing exhausts with a new dual-branch design.
Adaptive M suspension with Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings is standard. M Sport brakes are also included, with 400mm discs and six-pot calipers at the front, plus 380mm discs with four-pots behind. Buyers can choose from six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmissions.
BMW M2 CS: saving weight
Just because there’s no ‘L’ for ‘Light’ on the end of the CS badge, it doesn’t mean BMW hasn’t cut kilos. The CS adds a vented carbon bonnet that weighs half as much and increases front-axle downforce.
The carbon roof also saves weight, partly because there are no joins, which means less need for soundproofing. It also adds rigidity and lowers the centre of gravity.
Forged 19-inch wheels reduce the unsprung rotating mass, too. They’re optionally available in gold (pictured).
BMW M2 CS: going faster
How about performance? The raw numbers are 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds for the dual-clutch auto, or 4.2 seconds for the manual. That’s 0.2 seconds quicker than the current M2 Competition.
Top speed, should you opt for the Driver’s Package, is 174mph. You get Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres if you upgrade, too, although Super Sports are a no-cost option for more everyday usability.
What tells you that you’ve bought the ultimate M2, though? Those big wheels are a start, along with carbon flourishes on the boot lip, wing mirrors, diffuser, splitter and, of course, the roof. More aggressive exhaust tips complete the exterior package.
On the inside, there are swathes of Alcantara trim and ‘CS’ is stitched into the dashboard. M Sport seats from the M4 CS are fitted, too.
BMW M2 CS: how much?
It’s easy to get confused by BMW’s incrementally increasing badges: Competition, CS, CSL, GTS, and so on. The M2 CS, however, has a genuine motorsport connection. A new club racing series featuring the car kicks off in 2020.
How much will the road car cost? Safe to say, it’s a reasonably expensive set of upgrades, at £75,320 on the road. You do get an awful lot as standard, though. Adaptive LED lights and the Harman/Kardon sound system are included, alongside the upgrades.
