Hardcore BMW M2 CS revealed
Flagship two-door coupé launched, plus we’ve driven it
THIS is the BMW M2 CS, a limited run, track-focused version of the German firm’s small two-door coupé. It sits one rung up the ladder from the M2 Competition and is priced from £75,320, although BMW has not specified how many units will be made available in the UK.
Under the skin, the M2 CS sticks with the 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six from the Competition model, but it features a host of tweaks to increase power and improve on-track performance. That means its output rises from 406bhp to 444bhp, although torque remains at 550Nm. BMW says that the power hike enables the M2 CS to reach 0-62mph in four seconds when fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Opt for the six-speed manual, and that figure rises by two tenths to 4.2 seconds. Both versions are limited to 174mph.
Further M2 CS features include Adaptive M suspension, standard M Sport brakes with red-painted calipers and Michelin Cup tyres wrapped around unique 19-inch forged alloy wheels. M Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an optional extra.
To strip excess weight from the car, both the bonnet and roof are made from carbon fibre. A new front splitter, rear diffuser and boot lip spoiler have also been crafted from the lightweight material. BMW says that these enhancements have also improved the M2 CS’s aerodynamics and downforce at speed.
The Active M Differential also features a specifically-tuned DSC setting that BMW says allows a greater degree of wheelspin, so drivers can ‘explore the car’s dynamic limits’. BMW’s familiar Efficient, Sport and Sport+ driving modes remain, and these alter the car’s throttle response, steering weight and gearshift speed.
Inside, the cabin has been trimmed in a mix of carbon fibre and Alcantara trim, while a completely new carbon fibre centre console is claimed to be 50 per cent lighter than the one fitted to the regular model.
“To strip excess weight, the bonnet and roof are made from carbon fibre”