MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS will be hard-pressed to resist the temptations being thrown their way by BMW.
The line-up of highly engaging BMW M models will be further enhanced next year with the arrival of the exhilarating BMW M2 CS.
This limited-run, special-edition version of the venerated BMW M2 Competition – and the latest BMW CS model after the M3 CS and M4 CS – features a raft of enhancements inspired by motorsport to make it an even more focused proposition for both road and track driving.
An array of design elements made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) ensure the BMW M2 CS cuts an even sharper figure than the BMW M2 Competition.
They include a newly designed bonnet, a roof made entirely from CFRP (a first for the BMW M2), the new front splitter, the Gurney – a spoiler lip on the boot lid – and a rear diffuser in exposed carbon fibre.
Alongside its outstanding racetrack potential, the BMW M2 CS also makes a convincing case for everyday usability while providing distinctive looks thanks to its Misano Blue metallic paintwork.
The M TwinPower Turbo in-line engine develops 331kW, which is up 29kW on the BMW M2 Competition.
The engine’s power is transferred to the road or race track by Adaptive M suspension –previously reserved for M4 models – and Cup tyres.
Adaptive M suspension allows the driver to alter the damper settings through Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes.
While Comfort optimises ride comfort in daily use around town, Sport ensures particularly dynamic progress on twisty country roads. Sport+ (the firmest mode) minimises body movements and maximises dynamic sharpness for elevated track performance.
The experience of BMW M GmbH in race competition is clearly reflected in the standard-fitment M Sport brakes with red-painted brake calipers.
The brake system includes larger brake discs than the M compound brakes of the BMW M2 Competition (front axle: 400 mm diameter, rear axle: 380 mm diameter) and larger calipers (front axle: six-piston fixed callipers, rear axle: four-piston fixed calipers).
This set-up delivers exceptional braking performance with excellent stopping power in all conditions, strong fade resistance and considerable thermal stability.
Customers can also option BMW M Carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear. These are even lighter, can soak up the harshest punishment (in track use, for example) and also last longer (but probably not in track use, for example).
Credit for the car’s sharp and agile handling goes to elements such as the CFRP high-precision strut brace, which increases the rigidity of the front-end structure, and the extremely accurate DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system.
This offers generous levels of traction in wet conditions and when wheel slip becomes a factor, and prevents a sudden breakaway of traction mid-drift.
In addition, the Active M Differential – with its electronically-controlled multi-plate locking mechanism – responds with exceptional precision and speed to optimise traction and directional stability. In certain situations it even works proactively.
When all-out track driving is required, the selectable M Dynamic Mode (MDM) – a sub-function of DSC – allows a greater degree of wheel slip and increases the freedom available to drivers at the dynamic limit. More significant oversteer and understeer are possible, as are moderate, controlled drifts.
The BMW M2 CS is fitted with 19-inch Y-spoke forged wheels in High-gloss Black or, as an option, a matte gold finish.
The 19-inch wheels at the front weigh just nine kilograms, while the 19-inch rears tip the scales at 10 kilograms.
Shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres in 245/35 ZR 19 format and honed specially for the M2 CS, the front wheels meet the highest standards when it comes to lateral control, directional stability, steering feel and steering precision, while the 265/35 ZR 19 rear tyres optimise traction, lateral control and directional stability.
Owners looking to use their BMW M2 CS predominantly in everyday driving can specify Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres as a no-cost option. These generate additional grip on wet road surfaces.
The BMW M2 CS develops highly impressive performance figures.
When fitted with the optional seven-speed M double-clutch transmission (M DCT), it sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds. With the six-speed manual gearbox – offered for the first time in a BMW CS model and completely in tune with the desires of M2 target customers – the figure is 4.2 seconds.
The top speed of the M Driver’s Package-equipped special edition is capped electronically at 280 km/h.
The engine’s increased appetite for cooling air is reflected in the design of the bonnet, whose integrated air vent helps expel hot air more effectively. The exhaust system – which represents an upgrade on the BMW M2 Competition’s both visually and aurally – has a dual-branch design and sports quad tailpipes familiar to BMW M fans.
Two electrically controlled flaps ensure that the BMW M2 CS develops an engine note perfectly befitting of BMW M.
The cabin of the BMW M2 CS combines race-bred Alcantara and innovative lightweight design elements.
The centre console is made entirely of lightweight carbon fibre, and CFRP is also used for the door pulls and trim.
The ultra-light M Sport seats from the BMW M4 CS add another ergonomic and visual highlight.
With their bucket-style construction, these Merino leather and Alcantara covered seats with red contrast stitching represent a clear nod to the race track and ensure unshakable lateral support even in competitive track driving.
Specification and pricing details for the BMW M2 CS in Australia will be announced ahead of the local launch in 2020.