More power, bigger brakes, more carbon fibre, more aerodynamic enhancements, and lightweight seats are just a few upgrades BMW has given to its most fun car to come up with the new M2 CS.
The CS badge, which originally meant Coupe Sport, but in typical automotive nomenclature de-evolution, today just means the faster one (or maybe Clubsport depending on when and whom you ask), is the one BMW puts on some of the quickest M cars. The CS badge is normally used for the ultimate version of the M models, released in limited volumes or near the end of the run before a new model arrives.
In this case, it means that the M2 has been fitted with the 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six that previously resided in the M4 Competition. This gives the M2 CS 450 hp, marking a jump of 40 horses over the M2 Competition, and peak torque of 405 lb-ft of torque. Fitted with the six-speed manual, that means it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds or four seconds flat if you pick the seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This marks the first time that BMW has put a manual transmission in a modern CS car, and since it's quite a bit lighter than the DCT, it seems more fitting with the spirit of the model.
On the other hand, the CS is all about going quickly, so maybe the faster DCT is the right option. In any case, helping you go faster are 19-inch wheels wearing special Michelin tires and helping you to stop faster are larger M Sport brakes. If those aren't enough, M carbon-ceramic brakes are on the options list to slow you down in a hurry.
There's also an Adaptive M suspension, which wasn't previously available on the M2. It lets you pick from Comfort, Sport, and Sport + modes to tune the ride from "country roads take me home," to "let's get ready to run some hot laps." The power steering's been tweaked with "M-specific characteristics," and alters the power assist to suit each drive mode. BMW has also fitted a carbon strut brace like in the M2 Competition to make the car as stiff as possible.
The CS gets a roof panel made from carbon fibre that BMW says makes the car stiffer, with no visible joins for a sleeker look, and of course, it's lighter, but BMW also says it "has the additional effect of enhancing acoustics, both inside and outside the car." So it makes the car quieter. The hood is also a CS-specific piece, made from carbon fibre with a new central vent that helps the M4-borrowed cooling system to make sure all the temps stay cool on the track. More carbon bits come in the form of a new front splitter, a Gurney spoiler on the trunk, and a rear diffuser that look cool and supply more downforce.
Inside, the M2 CS gets special lightweight M Sport seats borrowed from the M4 CS, with Alcantara and CS badges throughout the cabin.
BMW points out that the specs are for the Euro version of the car, so they could change by the time it arrives here this spring. We'll get the final details, along with pricing, sometime closer to April.
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