BMW reveals scorching M2 CS

BMW has ripped the covers off the highest-performing version of its 2 Series coupe to date, with the reveal of the lightweight, dialled-up M2 CS set to rocket into Australian showrooms midway through next year.

If the CS name sounds familiar, it is because BMW previously applied the moniker to swansong versions of its M3 sedan and M4 coupe, which featured a similar emphasis on less weight and greater performance.

The changes over the ‘regular’ M2 Competition begin with the enhanced exterior styling, with a number of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts including for the new, vented bonnet, roof (a new feature for the M2), front splitter, boot lip spoiler and rear diffuser.

It rides on lightweight 19-inch Y-spoke forged alloy wheels finished in black, with a matte gold finish optionally available. Misano Blue has been chosen as the exclusive hue for the M2 CS.

The 19-inch hoops are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, while Pilot Super Sport tyres can be optioned for no extra cost and help provide greater traction in wet weather.

Spanner turners from BMW’s M division have managed to turn up the wick on the M2’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, which now pumps out 331kW/550Nm – an improvement of 29kW over the M2 Competition.

For the first time on a CS model, a six-speed manual transmission is offered alongside a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, with the former helping achieve a zero-to-100km/h sprint time of 4.2 seconds.

The dual-clutch version trims that time to 4.0s, while top speed is limited to 280km/h.

In order to liberate the extra performance, engineers have fitted an enhanced exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps, added an integrated air vent into the bonnet for greater cooling ability, and an additional cover for the oil sump, oil scavenge pump and oil return system, which help to maintain stable oil circulation in hard driving conditions.

A number of other high-performance features have been added to the CS, including adaptive M suspension with Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings; six-pot, 400mm front and four-pot, 380mm M Sport brakes with red callipers; a CFRP strut brace for increased front-end rigidity, an Active M Differential on the rear axle, and M Dynamic mode, which allows a greater level of wheel slip through the traction control system.

Alcantara is also found in the cabin with the centre console constructed entirely out of the material that is also used for the door trims.

Lightweight M Sport bucket seats borrowed from the M4 CS are used and are upholstered in Merino leather and Alcantara with red contrast stitching.

Local pricing and specification have not yet been announced by BMW Group Australia, however punters can expect the limited-run model to attract a generous premium over the $104,900 plus on-roads M2 Competition.

For reference, the M4 CS was $33,190 dearer than the M4 Competition when it was launched.