BMW working on M4-powered M2 CS

BMW is secretly working on a new, hotter 'Clubsport' version ofits award-winning M2, to be called the M2 CS and powered by the mighty M4 engine, according to a new report.

Respected BMW blog, Bimmer, claims a source working close the German car-maker has leaked it information that confirms its high-performance division has already begun work on the flagship M2 but, according to the insider, the junior M car will not come with the M4's full 317kW/550Nm.

Instead, the M2 CS' S55 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo will come with around 300kW, which is still 28kW more than the M2's existing 272kW/465Nm turbo straight-six.

The difference in power is thought to have been necessary within the BMW marketing department to keep a performance gap between the M4 and M2, which claimed motoring.com.au's Australia's Best Driver's Car for 2016.

A faster BMW M2 has been long rumoured but, until now, it was thought the faster M2 would resurrect the 'CSL' tag.

In addition to the more powerful engine upgrade, the M2 CS will also come with a more track-focused chassis that's been developed, in part, on the Nurburgring.

Finally, the CS will gain an M4 GTS-style aero kit that will add a new front splitter, rear wing and an underbody diffuser.

The CS will also come equipped with more powerful carbon-ceramic brakes and a sports exhaust.

According to the German car fan site, the M2 CS is being readied for an on-sale date of sometime in 2018.

Recently, BMW used the 'CS' for a special softer version of the M4 GTS for the Spanish market. It's believed the CS name will play a greater role in future fast M cars.