Prior to its premiere at the LA Auto Show in January 2020, the BMW M2 CS, a version of the BMW M2 Competition that is more track-oriented, was first made public online in November 2019. With 2,200 units planned for North America, Europe, Asia, and Mexico, production commenced in March 2020. According to data gathered from VIN numbers on Bimmerpost, only around 564 made it to the United States.
The M2 CS utilizes the same engine as the M2 Competition but with factory ECU management from the F82 M4 Competition package. This results in a more potent version of the S55 that is rated at 331 kW (444 hp) and 550 Nm (406 lbft) of torque (the same torque as the other M models fitted with the S55 engine). Vehicles with a six-speed manual transmission accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, while models with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission do so in 4.0 seconds.
Although ceramic brakes are an option, the rotors and calipers from the M Performance Brakes option from the M2 Competition are retained as standard. Standard features include an electronic locking differential and an adaptive M suspension. The transmission tunnel is composed of carbon fiber as an extra weight-saving measure, and the wheel hubs and control arms are made of forged aluminum. A carbon-fibre composite is used to make the hood, roof, and many aerodynamic components. Additionally brand-new, the active exhaust system distinguishes it from other M2 models, as do the distinctive wheel designs in high-gloss Jet black or matte gold finishes. Michelin Cup 2 tires are also an option.
The seats are made of leather and Alcantara with red contrast stitching, and the center console is likewise made of carbon fiber with Alcantara trim and an embroidered red “CS” insignia. The steering wheel also has contrast stitching on it. For a slight weight reduction, the rear AC vents and center armrest that come standard on the M2 and M2 Competition have been eliminated.
The M2 CS has received high praise from auto critics and was chosen as the Evo Car of the Year 2020 over a number of supercars made by Porsche and McLaren.
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Here Are Some Arguments In Favor Of The BMW M2 Competition Over The M2 CS
A select few people managed to obtain the final BMW M2 before it is discontinued after the fall of 2020.
BMWs are renowned for their comfort, technology, and pure driving enjoyment. But as far as true M enthusiasts are concerned, BMW has entirely lost the plot with more current vehicles and has subsequently turned into a churn. This is somewhat accurate; the F90 BMW M5 has lost a lot of its driving feel and is more of a 600-horsepower wafter than a genuine M vehicle.
Nevertheless, in the midst of everything, BMW unveiled the 2-series, a tiny sedan that replaced the 1-series and is less expensive than the midsize 3-series. People at M chose to treat it properly, and the M2 resulted from their decision. The M2 competition recently took its place, and it didn’t take long for the Comp to establish itself as a favorite among aficionados.
A select few people were able to purchase the M2 CS, a $25,000-premium farewell to this agile BMW, before it was discontinued after fall 2020. Many people questioned whether the M2 CS was worth the extra cost over the M2 Competition, despite the fact that there were only about 2,200 examples produced of this sort of limited-run variant. Okay, no.
In fact, the M2 Competition has consistently received higher ratings from reputable reviewers than the M2 CS, and we don’t disagree.
BMW M2 CS: The American market has reserved about 400 vehicles.
The lifespan of the BMW M2 CS will be relatively brief. The extremely restricted sports coupe will hit the market this year and make its debut in the European market in early November 2020. Up to 2021, the U.S. market will continue to receive new units.
The allocation figures for the U.S. market are, of course, the topic of everyone’s inquiries. While the precise number hasn’t been determined, a source close to the corporation claims that 400 units are likely to end up in the hands of American customers.
The initial projection for the M2 CS unit count was 500, but as always, production schedules are subject to change. The BMW M2 CS is not artificially constrained in any manner, and most production-related limitations will affect how many units may be produced at a time. The current production schedule for the BMW M2 CS calls for a total of 2,200 units.
The BMW 1M, which was initially expected to run in far smaller numbers than the approximately 6,000 vehicles built, experienced the exact same thing.
The BMW M2 CS will start at an expensive EUR95,000 in Europe. The BMW M2 CS has an MSRP of $83,600 in the US plus $995 for destination. Even yet, it’s anticipated that most markets would sell out soon despite the hefty price.
The track-oriented solutions implemented and the power increase for the BMW S55 straight-six engine up to 450 PS / 444 hp are what distinguish the M2 CS from the M2 Competition. The M2 CS adopts the entire BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line kit for its exterior, including gleaming black kidney grille and side window ornaments.
The BMW M2 CS also has a front splitter made of carbon fiber, a hood with a central air vent made of carbon fiber, and a sandwich-style roof made of CFRP. The rear diffuser, external mirror covers, and boot-mounted Gurney-style spoiler are all made of carbon fiber. Additional optimizations to the exhaust system included a quad architecture and engraved M emblems on each pipe.
Later this year, we should be able to drive an M2 CS for a thrilling experience.
More Limited Than We Thought, BMW M2
We discovered a few weeks ago that the current BMW M2’s demise has already begun. Only the European market’s production is expected to finish this fall, but it’s likely that the US and other markets won’t be far behind. Yes, this explains both the M2 and the more extreme M2 CS. The carmaker has not yet disclosed market allocation for the latter, whose deliveries are anticipated to begin later this year. The BMW M2 CS will only be produced in 2,200 total units, instantly elevating it to collectible status. So, how many are headed towards the US?
According to BMW Blog, it has heard from trustworthy sources that there will only be 400 units produced. It turns out that the initial US allocation was supposed to be 500 cars, but for some reason, that number has been altered. If you haven’t placed an order yet, it’s likely already too late. Nothing is official until BMW says it is.
The M2 CS generates a total of 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque thanks to its 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six S55 engine, which is also found under the hood of the previous-generation BMW M3 and M4. This is an increase of 39 horsepower over the M2 Competition. Either a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels. An adaptive M suspension, carbon fiber-reinforced exterior parts, 19-inch wheels finished in high-gloss jet black, and M compound brakes are a few additional standard features. However, in recent years, these CS models have also come to represent the conclusion of a production run, with the CS versions of the M3 and M4 signaling the end of their respective production cycles. The CS is all about light weight and a pure driving experience.
There aren’t many options, but you can add more powerful Michelin Cup 2 performance tires, gorgeous gold matt finish wheels, and bigger carbon-ceramic brakes. By using a number of carbon fiber body parts, including the top, hood, front and rear spoilers, rear diffuser, and side mirrors, BMW was able to reduce weight. At least $100,000 in price, before dealers raise the price even higher.
But if any of you are still holding out hope that BMW would reconsider and increase production in response to great demand (remember the 1 Series M Coupe? ), keep your hopes up. A brand-new BMW 2 Series is soon to arrive, which also heralds a new M2.
How competitive is the BMW M2 market?
“There aren’t many natural competitors for the BMW M2 Competition, a raw and compelling driver’s car. Although it is really quick, handles well, and sounds great, it is not as precise to drive as the top sports cars. Although the inside is beginning to feel old, it is still spacious and functional enough to be a better daily option than a two-seater.”
The M2’s pumped-up appearance, which is based on the BMW 2 Series Coupe, aims to remind any passing observers that this is an entirely different proposition, with enlarged wheel arches, a wider track, four exhausts, and larger intakes. The 2023 M2 will shortly take its place.
Mechanically, it heavily borrows on the M4, with numerous mechanical changes intended to improve its handling and performance. It was introduced in 2016, and in 2018 the M2 Competition took its place.
The older vehicle had a powerful 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 370PS, giving it excellent performance. But with a twin-turbocharged engine and insane 410PS, the M2 Competition truly feels like a M vehicle.
With a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission as an option, the M2 transmits its ample power output to the rear wheels like any conventional sports car would. The auto has a lot of benefits, with efficiency and refinement at the top of the list, but we’d choose the manual transmission.
Because the M2 has three pedals, it is a very engaging car to drive, which is essential for this kind of vehicle’s appeal. You can experience more of the engine’s powerful turn of speed with each downshift.
Comfort suffers when driving enjoyment is prioritized over other factors. The M2 produces a lot of road noise, and its firm ride and standard 19-inch alloy wheels make it so that, even at moderate speeds, you can feel every lump and bump.
Even so, it is practical enough to serve as your sole vehicle. There is enough for four people to sit down, and the boot is larger (but less attractively formed) than many hatchbacks. Comparatively to rivals like the Alpine A110, the cabin performs better when carrying a variety of everyday necessities (good luck fitting your passport in that).
The interior of the car is decked out in the racy trappings of carbon fiber, stripy M-badges, and heavily bolstered bucket seats, as you might anticipate from a vehicle with a starting price of roughly PS50,000. There are some shockingly flimsy plastics in several areas of the cabin, so it’s not as upscale inside as the Mercedes A 45 AMG or Porsche Cayman.
It appears that the funds intended for a lavish cabin have been allocated elsewhere. Specifically, the firecracker of an engine and a well tuned chassis, which on the correct road make it such an exhilarating driver’s car. Although there are a few optional additions that are worthwhile purchasing to make the ideal standard, the equipment is fairly ample.
The BMW M2, a compact and attractive coupe with a potent engine and perfectly tuned handling that makes it terrific fun to drive on road or track, feels like the original M3’s spiritual descendant. Even though it weighs more than other sports cars, the mix of a loud engine, sporty handling, and a manual gearbox is difficult to match.
Will the BMW M2 race become a timeless classic?
The truth is that I adored the previous BMW M2, particularly in Competition form. It’s an obvious example of a classic from the future, similar to a 2002 turbo from the 1970s. Such a vehicle should always be purchased outright and never leased.
I was worried that BMW would abandon the formula that gave it the winning combination of explosive speed, bubbling exhilaration, and progressive, simple handling. They haven’t, though. The six-speed manual is intended to pacify manual enthusiasts, and, quite frankly, the shift quality isn’t great. However, the majority of buyers will go for the 8-speed automatic transmission, which is wonderful and also offers a quicker track option.
It builds on what the outgoing M2 excelled at, removing its flaws and highlighting its strengths even more. Additionally, it will be the final flourish for pure combustion power.
Following my drive at the Salzburgring, BMW M head Frank Van Meel told the German publication BimmerToday that the new M2 would be the division’s final gasoline-only vehicle. Without a doubt, seize one while you can.