The BMW M2 CS continues to be an open secret. While the Bavarians have yet to officially acknowledge the supped-up M2, several magazines and sources have reported on its existence. Late last year, we exclusively reported that production is apparently scheduled for March 2020 and as expected, it will be a limited run.
While many of the media, including us, have labeled the new M2 as the CSL model, in fact, the upcoming, limited super-sporty M2 will carry the M2 CS badge on its boot. This falls in line with the other CS models of the M family – M3 CS, M4 CS – so it comes as no surprise that the CS name was reserved for the M2 as well.
The March 2020 production will give the M2 CS about a year run before the M2 is being replaced by the next generation. In a way, the limited run is similar to what the 1M Coupe was in 2011. Whether the unit numbers are limited artificially or by the plant output, is unknown at this time, but nonetheless, it won’t be easy to get your hands on one of them.
Just like the M2 Competition, the CS model will make use of the S55 engine, but with slightly more power.
The biggest question will be just how much more power the M2 CS will get. The M2 Competition’s S55 engine develops 405 HP and that’s not even close to the real potential that mill has. On the CS the levels could go up to 415 HP but that’s not important. The focus will be on the handling and weight, not the added power, as BMW proved that’s the least of one’s worries when pushing a car to the limit.
Just like any proper sportscar, the M2 CS will likely bring a tuned up suspension and steering rack, more powerful brakes and some aero bits as well. Inside we will likely see some trims and seats specific to the M2 CS model.
With BMW M expanding its lineup horizontally in the last decade, it is now time for special edition models to be built upon the base M cars. And apparently that’s exactly the plan put together by the new BMW M CEO Markus Flasch who took over from Frank Van Meel in late 2018.
