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Auto Blog
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BMW M2 CS Skips Manual as Power Exceeds Gearbox Limits
Earning that CS badge has not come without a major sacrifice The ultimate iteration of the current BMW M2 was unveiled last month, but something was missing. We're referring to the M2 CS, of course, which boasts more power and even beefier bodywork than the normal M2. Sadly, the CS is restricted to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with no manual option available as in the regular M2. It turns out that the boosted six-cylinder engine in the CS is simply too powerful for BMW's six-speed manual. 0:05 / 0:09 Walmart is selling an 'amazing' $47 tire inflator for $25, and shoppers say it's 'portable and efficient' Watch More Manuals Reserved For Less Powerful M Cars 2026 BMW M2 CS 2026 BMW M2 CS Whereas the standard M2 develops 473 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter engine, the M2 CS dials that up to 523 hp and 479 lb-ft. At Le Mans last weekend, BMW Blog spoke to BMW M's head of R&D, Dirk Häcker, who confirmed that the manual gearbox can only handle up to 473 hp/405 lb-ft, while still being in line with the company's requirements. If BMW released the M2 CS with a manual, it would have had to reduce the engine's outputs to a point where it would not have been enough to justify the CS badge. It decided against going that route, which means the only alternative was the automatic. The larger M4 follows a similar recipe: In base 473-hp form, it has a manual, but the 503-hp M4 Competition only gets an automatic. It may not have a manual, but the M2 CS is so powerful that your focus is probably better spent on watching the road ahead than shifting gears. This compact coupe will hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and top out at 188 mph, its performance also aided by a weight reduction of nearly 100 pounds. Only One Manual M Car Has A More Powerful Engine Source: BMW The limited and staggeringly expensive BMW 3.0 CSL conflicts Häcker's statement somewhat, as it has a six-speed manual yet produced 552 hp. There's a good reason for this, though. 'It's nearly the same one [gearbox used by the M2 and 3.0CSL],' said Häcker. 'The thing is, we have different requirements. I think everybody knows the 3.0 CSL is a very rare, exclusive car. It will not be driven every day. Also, not the mileage. So, we had a special commitment overall to use [the manual] there, but it's not an option for a track tool or something like that.' Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Interestingly, the 3.0 CSL is more powerful but less torquey (406 lb-ft) than the M2 CS, so it appears BMW even had to make some compromises in this 50-unit exotic to make it work as a manual. Source: BMW Ultimately, BMW M surely has the expertise to develop a brawnier manual 'box that can handle the M2 CS' outputs. After all, much more powerful cars like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (668 hp) and Lamborghini Murciélago (661 hp) have manuals. But developing an all-new manual for a low-volume car like the M2 CS may not have been worth the investment for BMW at this stage. Although the ultimate M2 misses out on a manual, BMW is still keeping the stick-shift alive where it can. Thanks to strong demand, the Z4 roadster manual is sticking around for longer than anticipated. Together with the M2, M3, and M4, there are still (almost) a handful of new manual BMWs to keep purists happy. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Here's Why BMW Hasn't Pulled The Trigger On M2 xDrive... Yet
Rumors of an xDrive all-wheel-drive version of the BMW M2 first surfaced around two years ago, but so far, there has been no official confirmation from the automaker. The M2 is still only available with rear-wheel drive, unlike the larger M4 Coupe. However, an executive has told BMW Blog that the M2 xDrive is still an option, while also providing a logical reason for why the grippier AWD setup hasn't yet been introduced on the brand's smallest coupe. It all comes down to production timelines and how often new variants of high-performance M models are launched. Dirk Häcker, the head of research and development at BMW M, told BMW Blog that an M2 xDrive "could" still happen. He was specifically asked why the M3 and M4 have the optional xDrive system but the M2 does not, and responded with this: "I think the M3 and M4 CS are in a later stage. We introduced the M2 about two years ago, so we have started with rear-wheel drive. We now offer the M2 CS, and we have a lot of time to the EOP [end of production] of the car. So there could be also ideas to offer for the future of an xDrive system, but there is no final decision." BMW Blog's sources suggest the xDrive model will go into production from August 2026, alongside the current RWD model. While the possible M2 xDrive is expected to be slightly quicker in a straight line and around a track, the current M2 with RWD is unique in its segment. Audi and BMW don't make comparable small sports coupes, and their closest M2 rivals - the RS3 sedan and CLA 45 S Coupe - are exclusively available with AWD. Furthermore, the M2 is available with a six-speed manual, which both of these rivals lack. The M2 xDrive, if it does materialize, is expected to be sold exclusively with BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission. The six-cylinder engine is also unique to the M2. For now, M2 fans will have to settle for RWD, but the new M2 CS at least offers a hefty increase in power to 523 horses. One can only imagine how devastating the M2 CS would be with AWD, and we wouldn't rule out the possibility of such a model in the future. Ultimately, it looks like the best of the current M2 is yet to come. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Here's Why BMW Hasn't Pulled The Trigger On M2 xDrive... Yet
The Most Capable M2 Ever Could Still Be Coming Rumors of an xDrive all-wheel-drive version of the BMW M2 first surfaced around two years ago, but so far, there has been no official confirmation from the automaker. The M2 is still only available with rear-wheel drive, unlike the larger M4 Coupe. However, an executive has told BMW Blog that the M2 xDrive is still an option, while also providing a logical reason for why the grippier AWD setup hasn't yet been introduced on the brand's smallest coupe. It all comes down to production timelines and how often new variants of high-performance M models are launched. BMW M2 xDrive Still An Option Source: BMW Dirk Häcker, the head of research and development at BMW M, told BMW Blog that an M2 xDrive 'could' still happen. He was specifically asked why the M3 and M4 have the optional xDrive system but the M2 does not, and responded with this: 'I think the M3 and M4 CS are in a later stage. We introduced the M2 about two years ago, so we have started with rear-wheel drive. We now offer the M2 CS, and we have a lot of time to the EOP [end of production] of the car. So there could be also ideas to offer for the future of an xDrive system, but there is no final decision.' BMW Blog's sources suggest the xDrive model will go into production from August 2026, alongside the current RWD model. RWD M2 Unique In Its Segment While the possible M2 xDrive is expected to be slightly quicker in a straight line and around a track, the current M2 with RWD is unique in its segment. Audi and BMW don't make comparable small sports coupes, and their closest M2 rivals – the RS3 sedan and CLA 45 S Coupe – are exclusively available with AWD. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Furthermore, the M2 is available with a six-speed manual, which both of these rivals lack. The M2 xDrive, if it does materialize, is expected to be sold exclusively with BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission. The six-cylinder engine is also unique to the M2. For now, M2 fans will have to settle for RWD, but the new M2 CS at least offers a hefty increase in power to 523 horses. One can only imagine how devastating the M2 CS would be with AWD, and we wouldn't rule out the possibility of such a model in the future. Ultimately, it looks like the best of the current M2 is yet to come. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
