Latest news with #M2CS
Auto Blog
2 days 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
4 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
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BMW Launches Stunning M2 CS Built to Kill on Track
The ultimate driving machine for the track is here. BMW introduces the stunning M2 CS, a purpose-built weapon engineered to maximize speed and agility on race days. The new M2 CS is here The current BMW M2 is considered one of the best driver's cars on the planet and one of the best BMW M cars ever created, which is saying something. Now, BMW ratchets up the G87 second-generation M2 with the highly anticipated M2 CS. The first official M2 CS images recently dropped after its debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025, and they show us a more aggressive, track-ready M2 that promises to be even more rewarding than the already thrilling M2. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More The M2 CS gets a design worthy of its name 2026 BMW M2 CS — Source: BMW The CS gets some important aesthetic and functional changes that set it apart from the standard M2. In the past, all CS (Competition Sport) cars looked quite a bit different from stock, and based on these photos, we can see that the M2 CS gets new grille intakes and revisions to the lower bumper intakes. It looks like the vertical slats from the stock M2 are gone, while the rear receives a sizeable ducktail spoiler. 2026 BMW M2 CS The M2 CS also receives intricate matte bronze wheels, a BMW CS hallmark that's not available on the regular M2, with bold red brake calipers peeking through. The wheels will most likely be shod with grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, but there's also word that the M2 CS could get sport, track, and ultra-track tire choices. Both the bronze wheels and the brake calipers pop nicely against the model's rather conservative flat grey exterior paint known as Brooklyn Grey, although other paint choices will include Sapphire Black and M Portimao Blue. All three paint colors are currently also available on the 2025 BMW M2. Inside, the M2 CS gets more aggressive sport bucket seats and subtle red CS logos on the door card and center console. 2026 BMW M2 CS — Source: BMW 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. The M2 CS is rumored to get a serious power bump BMW hasn't revealed official output figures yet, but rumors from last year suggested the turbocharged straight-six under the hood could make as much as 518 horsepower, substantially more than the stock M2. Reports also indicate that the M2 CS will remain rear-wheel-drive, setting it apart from its larger, xDrive-equipped siblings. Perhaps the only bad news about the new M2 CS is that it could get flappy paddles only, meaning no manual transmission option. The eighth member of the CS clan 2026 BMW M2 CS — Source: BMW The CS badge stands for 'Competition Sport,' a moniker for BMW's specially formulated performance cars that exhibit technically innovative BMW components for enhanced power and handling. In total, there have been seven CS cars, starting with the 2017 BMW M4 F82 CS, but the true father of the CS cars was the 1988 E30 BMW M3 Evolution, a much-coveted collector's car that's tremendously valuable even today. The M2 CS will join this illustrious set, following in the footsteps of the 2020 BMW M2 CS F87 as well as the more recent M3 CS Touring and the M4 CS. 2026 BMW M2 CS — Source: BMW All BMW CS cars get increased engine power, more aggressive suspension, lightweight construction, and enhanced aerodynamics, without compromising driver and passenger comfort. The automaker will supposedly create a CS version of the current M5, too. Final thoughts BMW M CS cars are some of the best-performers the world has ever seen, and the M2 CS should prove to be a thrilling sports coupe to drive. If the rumors are true that it won't get a proper manual transmission, our hearts will be broken (a little). The 2025 BMW M2 in bone stock form is one of the best driver's cars available today, so to remove some of the engagement seems counterintuitive. That said, the additional power, lighter weight, better suspension, and more aggressive tire set should enhance the experience above the automatic version of the current base M2. About the Author Amos Kwon View Profile
Miami Herald
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
BMW Launches Stunning M2 CS Built to Kill on Track
The current BMW M2 is considered one of the best driver's cars on the planet and one of the best BMW M cars ever created, which is saying something. Now, BMW ratchets up the G87 second-generation M2 with the highly anticipated M2 CS. The first official M2 CS images recently dropped after its debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025, and they show us a more aggressive, track-ready M2 that promises to be even more rewarding than the already thrilling M2. The CS gets some important aesthetic and functional changes that set it apart from the standard M2. In the past, all CS (Competition Sport) cars looked quite a bit different from stock, and based on these photos, we can see that the M2 CS gets new grille intakes and revisions to the lower bumper intakes. It looks like the vertical slats from the stock M2 are gone, while the rear receives a sizeable ducktail spoiler. The M2 CS also receives intricate matte bronze wheels, a BMW CS hallmark that's not available on the regular M2, with bold red brake calipers peeking through. The wheels will most likely be shod with grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, but there's also word that the M2 CS could get sport, track, and ultra-track tire choices. Both the bronze wheels and the brake calipers pop nicely against the model's rather conservative flat grey exterior paint known as Brooklyn Grey, although other paint choices will include Sapphire Black and M Portimao Blue. All three paint colors are currently also available on the 2025 BMW M2. Inside, the M2 CS gets more aggressive sport bucket seats and subtle red CS logos on the door card and center console. BMW hasn't revealed official output figures yet, but rumors from last year suggested the turbocharged straight-six under the hood could make as much as 518 horsepower, substantially more than the stock M2. Reports also indicate that the M2 CS will remain rear-wheel-drive, setting it apart from its larger, xDrive-equipped siblings. Perhaps the only bad news about the new M2 CS is that it could get flappy paddles only, meaning no manual transmission option. The CS badge stands for "Competition Sport," a moniker for BMW's specially formulated performance cars that exhibit technically innovative BMW components for enhanced power and handling. In total, there have been seven CS cars, starting with the 2017 BMW M4 F82 CS, but the true father of the CS cars was the 1988 E30 BMW M3 Evolution, a much-coveted collector's car that's tremendously valuable even today. The M2 CS will join this illustrious set, following in the footsteps of the 2020 BMW M2 CS F87 as well as the more recent M3 CS Touring and the M4 CS. All BMW CS cars get increased engine power, more aggressive suspension, lightweight construction, and enhanced aerodynamics, without compromising driver and passenger comfort. The automaker will supposedly create a CS version of the current M5, too. BMW M CS cars are some of the best-performers the world has ever seen, and the M2 CS should prove to be a thrilling sports coupe to drive. If the rumors are true that it won't get a proper manual transmission, our hearts will be broken (a little). The 2025 BMW M2 in bone stock form is one of the best driver's cars available today, so to remove some of the engagement seems counterintuitive. That said, the additional power, lighter weight, better suspension, and more aggressive tire set should enhance the experience above the automatic version of the current base M2. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Is the $100,000 2026 BMW M2 CS Truly the Ultimate Performance Machine?
The fastest M2 yet builds on a legacy of excellence, but it'll cost you Ten years after the original BMW M2 debuted, the Bavarian automaker has introduced a model that wears similar badging but makes over 150 horsepower more. The second-ever M2 CS made a surprise debut at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025 ahead of a full reveal on May 27th. Like the original, it touts a turbocharged inline-six, rear-driven wheels, and the smallest footprint in the M Series lineup. However, there are numerous ways the beloved model has evolved, for better or for worse. The next chapter in arguably BMW's most compelling modern sports coupe has arrived. 2026 BMW M2 CS 2026 BMW M2 CS 2026 BMW M2 CS 2026 BMW M2 CS Where the M2 has been: A decade of driving thrills 2020 BMW M2 CS — Source: BMW BMW brought the M2 to market for two very good reasons. For one, the pocket rocket 1M Coupe had become an immediate enthusiast favorite. Critically well-received and beloved by customers, it was clear BMW had a market for a performance coupe that slotted below the ubiquitous M3. That same M3, by the way, that had ballooned in size and power far past its humble four-cylinder beginnings. The M2, then, became the little brother of the M3 sedan and, more specifically, the M4 coupe. Almost all hardware was shared between the larger M3 and M4 and the smaller M2, with one important exception: the engine. The original M2 launched with a high-strung version of an otherwise pedestrian engine: the N55. Unlike the S55 inline-six in the other cars, the N55 was a single turbocharged and open-deck design. It all changed three years into production when BMW introduced the M2 Competition. They chucked the N55 and threw the S55 under the hood, complete with the ultra-cool carbon fiber front strut brace. Suspension refinements (mostly to account for the slightly heavier S55), bigger front and rear brakes, and small aesthetic changes made the M2 Competition, arguably, the one to have. Until, of course, the first generation M2 CS came out. 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. 2020 BMW M2 CS The crown jewel of the first-generation M2 (chassis code F87) is the M2 CS. It borrowed from other contemporary CS models, donning splitters, spoilers, and a lightweight center console, all made from carbon fiber. It was the first time the M2 was available with a carbon fiber roof at all, and BMW dialed everything up: more power, sharper steering, and stiffer suspension to make it the Ultimate Driving Machine everyone knew the M2 wanted to be. Even at a starting price of $84,595, the one-year-only model quickly sold all 2,200 globally allocated units, and the M2 Competition's life cycle continued as normal until production ceased in 2021. Then, in 2022, BMW pulled the covers off the second generation of the M2, the G87. The G87 M2 kept its place in the lineup, but things were different In October 2022, BMW's recipe for the next M2 leaked out. Aesthetically, it wasn't an instant favorite. It was also quite a bit heavier than its predecessor — a topic I immediately took exception to, and you can read more about it over at BMWBlog. Unlike its forerunner, the M2 jumped right into the 'baby M4' lifestyle with the same S58 twin-turbo inline-six under the hood as the M3 and M4. The brakes are identical, and high-performance details like a carbon fiber roof and carbon bucket race seats are available, too. So, with more power, more weight, and more options, calling it more of a good thing, relative to the F87 M2 that came before it, could be considered a fair critique. Now, we're stepping up to what might again be the pinnacle of contemporary M2-ness: the 2026 M2 CS. 2026 BMW M2 CS — Source: BMW The 2026 BMW M2 CS: Faster, lighter, and pricier If you've been paying attention, you know the 2026 BMW M2 CS is going to be an incremental improvement over the standard M2 in every measurable way. You studious types have it right. The 2026 BMW M2 CS dials up power by 36 pound-feet of torque and 50 horsepower relative to the standard 2025 BMW M2, bringing totals to 479 pound-feet of torque and 523 horsepower. It sits 0.2 inches lower than the standard model and boasts model-specific suspension tuning. BMW replaced traditional components with lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts where possible, including the center console, and lighter wheels. The result is nearly 100 pounds of weight savings. The combined result is that the 2026 BMW M2 CS shaves two tenths of a second off BMW's estimated zero to 60 mph time, now achieving the dash in 3.7 seconds as it hurtles towards a 188-mph top speed. 2026 BMW M2 CS Just shy of $100,000: Does the 2026 BMW M2 CS deliver? The 2026 BMW M2 CS sounds like a lot of good — and it is — but there's a slight problem: its starting price of $99,775. $85,000 for a 2 Series was a bitter pill to swallow in 2020, and this one isn't much better. Now, in fairness, you are paying for the ultimate 2 Series, the most purpose-built track/street car BMW makes. However, there's a slight hiccup with that logic, too. For one, it's arguable that BMW already made the ultimate 2 Series. The last generation M2 CS was available with a manual transmission, but this one isn't. Special features like a vented CFRP hood and elegant carbon strut brace under the hood of the F87 are conspicuously absent from the car replacing it. The F87's carbon fiber roof had an incredible checkered-flag detail in the weave, which is also not the case here. Another potential problem is the rumored existence of a special, manual-equipped model that's on the way. Not to mention, there's always the chance BMW goes really crazy and gives people an M2 CSL to ride on the legacy of the M4 CSL and E46 M3 CSL. 2026 BMW M2 CS — Source: BMW Final thoughts In case you didn't know, I'm a fervent BMW enthusiast. Unfortunately, the condition is terminal, and it comes complementary with a pair of rose-colored glasses and a keen infatuation for the BMWs of summers passed. The 2026 BMW M2 CS has plenty of little details that make it special, like a CFRP trunk lid with an integrated ducktail spoiler and door panels that say 'CS.' The $100,000 question, and one that you, as a prospective buyer, have to make, is whether or not the G87 M2 CS is truly the once and future king of the 2 Series lineup.
