(December 17, 2019) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW M GmbH has  announced the next step in the evolution of the BMW M2, the M2 CS. The new high-performance coupe blends racetrack optimization with everyday usability to create the most capable version of M’s smallest model. Power and torque are rated at 444 hp and 406 lb-ft (preliminary), an increase of 39 hp over the M2 Competition.

Newly available, select CFRP body panels and components help reduce weight, lower the center of gravity and improve aerodynamics. Exclusive Carbon Fiber and Alcantara interior trim help set this M2 apart from all previous versions.

The M2 CS will be available for only one model year only with U.S. Market launch in second half of 2020.

The new M2 CS has been developed side by side with the new M2 CS Racing model, which will be offered by BMW Motorsport as a new entry model into customer racing. BMW M GmbH and BMW Motorsport worked closely together to take the learnings from the M2 street car and from the M4 GT4 customer program and apply them to the new M2 CS Racing model. A level of cooperation which we will see repeated with select limited edition M models in the future.

The heart of the new BMW M2 CS is an uprated S55 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Producing 444 hp at 6,250 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque between 2,350 – 5,500 rpm (preliminary), the power plant allows the M2 CS to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds when equipped with the 7-speed dual clutch (DCT) transmission and in 4.0 seconds when equipped with the 6-speed manual.

The wide, flat torque curve, the linear build-up of power and a 7,600 rpm redline mean that the engine is ready to deliver an exhilarating experience at a moment’s notice. Two, quick-spooling mon-scroll turbochargers, High precision direct injection, Valvetronic variable valve timing and Double-Vanos fully variable cam timing deliver lighting fast responses of power to the driver’s throttle inputs.

The S55 engine block is of a closed-deck design to deal with high cylinder pressures. Cylinder walls are coated with a wire-arc sprayed-on coating instead of liners to help reduce weight.

The exhaust gases are routed through a, unique to the M2 CS, dual-branch exhaust system with electronically-controlled exhaust valves and two, twin-exhaust pipes with engraved ///M logos. The exhaust sound can be controlled via the M Engine Dynamics control switch in the center console.

Cooling is provided by a central radiator, two smaller side radiators, an oil cooler, two scavenging pumps in the oil sump pan along with a sump baffle to help control oil movement under all circumstances. An oil return system near the turbochargers help keep the flow of oil steady during extreme acceleration and braking. DCT-equipped cars also receive a separate transmission oil cooler.

The new BMW M2 CS comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, which is notable for its compact design and light weight. The use of a carbon-fiber friction lining enhances the manual shift feel. The BMW M2 CS is equipped with rev-matching technology which blips the throttle on downshifts and lowers the engine’s revs on upshifts, making gear changes even smoother. This lends the car additional stability during hard driving on the track. Rev-matching is deactivated when DSC is switched off.

The seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT with Drivelogic) is available as an option. This system effectively combines two gearboxes, each with its own clutch, and enables either extremely fast gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power or ultra-smooth shifts. The driver can change gears either in automated or manual mode by using the gearshift lever on the center console or shift paddles on the M leather steering wheel. In both automatic and manual modes, Drivelogic provides the driver with a choice between three preconfigured driving programs: COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+.

Base price of the  M2 CS is $84,595 including destination charge.