BMW M2 CS Rumored to Arrive in 2020
With BMW’s M2 Competition coming aboard to succeed the well-respected M2, shaving a quarter of a second off its 0-to-60 time in the process, we figured the brand would put the model on the back burner for a while. However, earlier this week an M2 test mule was spied on the Nürburgring by Motor1.
The outlet surmised that this was likely a prototype for a high performance CS or CLS variant, but we remained uncertain. For all we knew BMW was simply testing new pieces from its performance parts catalog and felt the need to disguise them with some body-colored tape. Then, a few days later, rumors emerged that a production date had already been set for the M2 CS.
Citing inside sources, BMWBlog claims the German automaker has already set its sights on March 2020 for an assembly kickoff. It also said the car seen in Nürburg was indeed a CS mule. Equipped with huge calipers, larger rotors, a new spoiler, front splitter, and some very lightweight-looking wheels, the model appears to be serious business.
Previous rumors suggested an M2 CS could be ready for America by 2020, with the rest of the world getting an even more hardcore CLS variant the following year. However, the blog made no mention of the CSL — suggesting that the CS could be all BMW has planned at the moment. Production is expected to be limited; we wouldn’t expect more than a couple thousand examples. Of course, nothing has been confirmed by the manufacturer, and a lot can happen in a year and a half.
[Image: BMW]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Haha I recently read a long thread on an M2 forum (shortened considerably by various deleted posts and bannings) where an M2 owner was rending himself because after waiting his whole life for his dream car (the M2) and finally purchasing a 2018 model, the next week BMW announced the M2 Competition. He seemed to feel he is entitled to BMW telling him their future product plans to ensure he gets the hottest model. I hope this d-bag knuckled under and took a loss on his M2 so he could upgrade to the M2 Competition!
All of the best BMWs have already been built, IMHO. My friend had a 2006 M5 that he'd bought because I'd purchased a 2007 CTS-V. That BMW had a bespoke 5.0L V-10 that churned out 100 more horsepower than my 6.0L V8 does ( with less torque, obviously ). The BMW was able to clear 200 MPH with a mere 100 HP advantage, whereas my car hits a wall at 163 MPH, apparently. That's aerodynamics and design for you! It would seem that those heady days of fantastic engines are gone at BMW - and more's the pity.