BMW M2 CS / CSL: Here’s A Closer Look At The Prototype

We’ve managed to get some closeup shots of BMW‘s new M2 CS / CSL tester as it was getting refueled at a gas station in Sweden. We’ve updated our post accordingly, while also adding some new information we received on the powertrain. (Updated 3/13/2019)

The M2 Competition may be new to the market, having first been revealed in summer 2018, but BMW is already working on an even more focused version of the baby M car. The high-performance coupe is expected to be dubbed the M2 CS or M2 CSL.

We had our first glimpse at the car back in October 2018, but this latest prototype appears to have been outfitted with a number of parts which will make it to production. Most notably, these include a bespoke front splitter and a prominent trunklid lip spoiler, both of which are covered in camouflage.

There’s also a number of other parts that distinguish the M2 CS/CSL from the regular M2 Competition. For example, we can see large carbon ceramic brakes, a carbon fiber roof, aggressive rear diffuser, a new hood, and a set of 19-inch BMW M wheels.

While BMW hasn’t told us anything about the upcoming version of the M2, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect thanks to the M3 CS and M4 CS already on the market. Consequently, we know weight saving will be one of the key differentiating factors between the M2 CS and M2 Competition.

Then there’s the engine. In the M2 Competition, the M3/M4-sourced S55 twin turbo six-cylinder pumps out 405 hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque, roughly 20 horses less than in the base M3 and M4. For the CS, BMW is expected to tweak this powertrain and it could even surpass its bigger siblings for horsepower and torque. A recent rumor suggested it could deliver up to 445hp, with BMW offering both a six-speed manual and an optional dual-clutch transmission.

One might think that a 445hp M2 would cannibalize sales of the M3 and M4 but the vehicles are drastically different in size and targeted towards different buyers. What’s more, the current 3-Series range-toppers developed by M Division won’t remain on sale for much longer, allowing the M2 CS to be the firm’s most driver-focused sports car.

Photo credits: CarPix for CarScoops