BMW M2 CS revealed

BMW has saved its best for last, bidding farewell to the giant-killing, ABDC-winning BMW M2 Coupe with a lighter, more powerful and more intense version in the form of the 2020 BMW M2 CS.

Making its public debut at the 2019 LA motor show on November 20, the compact rear-wheel drive coupe is powered by a 331kW/550Nm version of BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder S55 engine.

The extra horsepower – 29kW more than the M2 Competition – drives through either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) or, in a first for the modern-era BMW CS model, a six-speed manual gearbox.

How fast? The 0-100km/h sprint is a claimed four seconds flat for the auto and 4.2 seconds for the manual, while top speed is 250km/h but can be increased to 280km/h via the optional M Driver's Package.

The mad M2 is a "race car with licence plates" according to BMW M boss Markus Flasch.

The most hard-core road-legal BMW M2 produced so far will be limited to just 2200 vehicles globally, and BMW Australia has confirmed it will bring "as many as we can" Down Under from mid-2020.

Although BMW Australia has a very high take-up rate for M cars in Australia, its eventual allocation of M2 CS vehicles is sure to sell out Down Under, where the manual model will be standard and an automatic transmission optional.

Demand for the BMW M2 CS is already strong, with Aussie customers plonking down cash to secure their cars, sight unseen.

"We've already had orders placed at dealers," BMW Australia product communications manager Nick Raman told carsales.com.au.

"It’s a huge opportunity. The M2 CS is race-bred, it enhances our BMW M line-up and it follows on from the popular M3 and M4 CS models."

BMW Australia hasn't confirmed pricing or spec for the BMW M2 CS but Raman noted that it would "...very well specified for Australia" with only a couple of optional extras, such as the M Driver's Package and ceramic brakes, both aimed at customers heading to the racetrack.

Adaptive M suspension is fitted to the M2 for the first time, ensuring the hottest example of BMW’s entry-level M model blends "racetrack optimisation with everyday usability," according to the Munich company.

Reducing weight are a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof and bonnet, while the front splitter, rear spoiler and diffuser, twin-stalk exterior mirrors and even the dashboard have an exposed carbon-fibre weave.

The BMW M2 CS will be the final and finest example of the existing 2 Series Coupe before it’s replaced by an all-new rear-drive model, unlike the new front/all-wheel drive 1 Series hatch and 2 Series Gran Coupe sedan, which won’t spawn M models.

Propelled by BMW's 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine codenamed S55 and shared with the BMW M4 Competition, the BMW M2 CS bangs out 331kW or 444hp at 6250rpm with maximum torque of 550Nm over 2350-5500rpm.

It makes use of two mono-scroll turbos, while cooling is handled by many radiators – a large central unit and twin side radiators – plus an oil-cooler, two scavenging pumps in the oil sump pan and a sump baffle to help control oil movement during hard cornering and braking.

Direct fuel-injection, 'valvetronic' variable valve timing and double-VANOS fully variable cam timing round out the cylinder-head trickery. In combination with a wire-arc spray-on coating on the cylinder walls (instead of liners to help reduce weight), the engine has been tuned to spin freely to a heady 7600rpm redline.

Thermal dynamics in the engine have been improved via the new carbon-fibre bonnet that has an air-vent that expels hot air, while at the back an upgraded dual-branch exhaust system with electrically-controlled flaps gives the M2 CS a more expressive voice.

As well as an oil return system to keep everything lubricated during heavy braking/acceleration, DCT models get a separate oil-cooler for the transmission too.

BMW M2 CS models with manual gearboxes get automatic rev-matching, but it can be deactivated when stability control is switched off. The manual gearbox also gets carbon-fibre friction lining to 'enhance' shift feel, says BMW.

The active M differential is standard on all BMW M2 CS models and comprises an electronically controlled multi-plate locking differential designed to reduce wheel spin during cornering. It can vary the locking effect between 0-100 per cent, depending on engine torque, wheel speed, yaw rate, steering angle and accelerator position.

The M2 CS features unique 19-inch forged, lightweight alloy wheels with a high-gloss black finish (matte-gold will be optional) weighing just 9kg at the front 10kg at the rear. Tyres

The standard tyres are high-performance non run-flat Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 measuring 245/35 ZR19 at the front and 265/35 ZR19 at the rear, but longer-wearing Pilot Super Sports will be offered as a no-cost option in Australia.

Deceleration is handled by M compound vented brake rotors measuring 400mm at the front and 380mm at the rear, with fixed six-piston callipers up front and four-pot callipers at the rear painted red for a bit of visual flair.

The smallest BMW CS model is also the first M2 to be offered with an M carbon ceramic brake option designed to withstand the heat of repeated heavy braking on race tracks. This brake package is also lighter, reducing unsprung weight, which should improve initial turn-in.

Chassis updates include a CFRP front brace that weighs around 1.5kg and connects the front strut towers to the bulkhead, which is said to improve front-end stiffness and steering response.

Suspension architecture carries over from the BMW M2 Competition released in mid-2018, comprising aluminium components for both the double wishbone front-end set-up and the five-link rear-end, which employs forged aluminium parts.

This is also the first M2 to get adaptive M suspension, with three damper settings available at the push of a button: comfort, sport and sport+ modes. The steering assistance also varies depending on the mode.

Leather, Alcantara and CFRP is the order of the day inside the BMW M2 CS, the latter of which is claimed to shave almost three kilos from the cabin.

The suede-like material covers the M Sport steering wheel, armrests, dashboard and M Competition seats, which also get a BMW M Motorsport stripe embroidered on the head restraints.

The rear seats get CS logos and there are M and CS logos peppered throughout the cabin, including on the dashboard and pedals, scuff plates and instrument panel.

Red contrast stitching breaks up the black Merino leather and Alcantara upholstery, as does a large race stripe at the 12 o'clock mark on the steering wheel.

There are four exterior colours available: Misano Blue Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Hockenheim Silver Metallic and Alpine White.