Photography courtesy BMW
The BMW M2 is one of the fastest production cars we’ve tested, quicker than a Supra and close to a Corvette Stingray. Now, it’s even faster, with the recently announced CS.
They upped the power of the S58 inline six by 50 horses, raising its overall output to 523. Torque increases by 36 lb.-ft., to 479. BMW advertises the new zero-to-60 time at 3.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the standard M2. Top speed is electronically limited to 188 mph. It appears that no manual is available for the M2 CS, with BMW only offering the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.
Then, BMW said the “intelligent lightweight design saves nearly 100 pounds.” What does that marketing speak mean? “Judacious use” of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for interior and exterior components, along with forged alloy wheels, help shed 97 pounds. The M2 CS is still no lightweight phenom, though, pushing the scales at 3770 pounds.
With more power and less weight comes, wisely, some chassis tuning. BMW lowered the CS chassis by 0.2 inches and tweaked just about the entire setup, including springs, dampers, DSC, M Dynamic mode, Adaptive M Suspension, M Servotronic steering M Sport differential and integrated braking. Speaking of brakes, if you want M Carbon ceramic ones, they are available for $8500 more. BMW adds that track tires are also available, at no cost, revealing they know where this M2 CS is meant to run free.
BMW intends to begin production of the BMW M2 CS at its San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico starting in August 2025, with deliveries beginning in Q3 2025. Pricing starts at $98,600, around $30,000 more than the standard M2.
Note: All photography is of the European BMW M2 CS version.
The G87 M2 is in danger of eclipsing the G82 M4 as BMWs top performance coupe. The most interesting thing to watch will be which car cannibalizes sales from the other one. It's kind of crazy that BMW has two cars in their lineup of such similar appeal and performance. I'm trying to think of another example of it and without resorting to picking SUVs or family sedans it's tough. Maybe when Ford had a Mustang and a Maverick in the same lineup?
The CS looks great. The trouble with all the special BMW M models is the price. $100k is knocking on a lot bigger competitors than the base version. A c8 z06 isn't that far off. And you could also do a lot to a base car for $30k. I guess its a lot easier to have a m2cs as your only car than a z06.
JG Pasterjak said:The G87 M2 is in danger of eclipsing the G82 M4 as BMWs top performance coupe. The most interesting thing to watch will be which car cannibalizes sales from the other one. It's kind of crazy that BMW has two cars in their lineup of such similar appeal and performance. I'm trying to think of another example of it and without resorting to picking SUVs or family sedans it's tough. Maybe when Ford had a Mustang and a Maverick in the same lineup?
i thought the M4 was all wheel drive only making it likely a bit more appealing for those folks that want a car to use year round.
Looks good! Which is more than a can say for most new BMWs. I still don't understand how it weighs that much. Like how much more does an M4 weigh?
And I had no idea BMW build cars in Mexico, wow!
To your question, doesn't the higher end Caymen stack up pretty closely to some "lower" 911s? I don't know the prices though (not my world).
ClearWaterMS said:JG Pasterjak said:The G87 M2 is in danger of eclipsing the G82 M4 as BMWs top performance coupe. The most interesting thing to watch will be which car cannibalizes sales from the other one. It's kind of crazy that BMW has two cars in their lineup of such similar appeal and performance. I'm trying to think of another example of it and without resorting to picking SUVs or family sedans it's tough. Maybe when Ford had a Mustang and a Maverick in the same lineup?
i thought the M4 was all wheel drive only making it likely a bit more appealing for those folks that want a car to use year round.
I thought that was the M5?
I haven't looked because it's not like I can afford a new BMW anyway.
I believe the M3/4 are now also AWD. And I don't know why I know that as they are way too expensive for me too.
CyberEric said:I believe the M3/4 are now also AWD. And I don't know why I know that as they are way too expensive for me too.
Went to their website, it looks like you can buy them in RWD or AWD. The regular M3 and M3 Comp in RWD, or the M3 Comp in AWD.
In reply to CyberEric :
My 23' Cayman GTS would be a good comparison.. better handling with mid engine- just under 400 Naturally aspiration horses makes all the difference
That is an incredibly capable car. It's interesting to compare it to a 911. It's a bit faster than a 2025 Carrera and just a hair behind the Carrera S, which is a whole lot more expensive!
dyintorace said:That is an incredibly capable car. It's interesting to compare it to a 911. It's a bit faster than a 2025 Carrera and just a hair behind the Carrera S, which is a whole lot more expensive!
Throw a $400 tune on the BMW and suck the headlights out of that Carrera S, too.
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