ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW BMW M2 CS

Something to raise the pulse is on the way from BMW, a special edition M2 CS, a car ideal for the road or indeed as a track car. With it will come sheer driving pleasure and it will set yet another benchmark in the compact high performance sports car segment; every inch a driver’s car. With it the prestigious lineage that began with the legendary BMW 2002 Turbo more than fifty years ago.

Right at the heart of this BMW is increased engine power, model-specific chassis tuning and a lightweight construction; comprising an array of carbon fibre reinforced plastic components and combined CO2 emissions of 226 g/km The six cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology now delivers an impressive 530bhp, that translates in to a 50bhp increase over the current-generation model and 650 Nm of torque. The M TwinPower Turbo technology comprises a pair of mono-scroll turbochargers, an indirect intercooler supplied by a low-temperature circuit, and an electronically controlled waste gate. The technology package also includes high precision injection, which operates with maximum pressure of 350 bar, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing. This power unit without question has been inspired by motorsport, it features an extremely rigid crankcase with a sleeve free, closed deck construction, a forged crankshaft with lightweight design, cylinder bores with a wire-arc sprayed iron coating and a 3D printed core for the cylinder head. The M-specific cooling system ensures the powertrain components maintain an optimal operating temperature even under heavy loads, while the oil circuit is adequately equipped to handle highly dynamic driving situations. In addition, a map-controlled oil pump ensures reliable oil supply even under extreme acceleration.

Getting power to the road or track; that is delivered through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic as standard. A Drivelogic button is integrated into the gear selector lever, making it possible to alter the transmission’s shift characteristics with a choice of three distinct levels. In addition to the gear selector lever, gearshift paddles on the steering wheel can be used for sequential interventions in the gear selection process at any time. The result is that this newcomer matches the performance capabilities of both the M3 Competition Saloon with M and the M4 Coupe; with rest to 100kph (62 mph) in a mere 3.8 seconds.

You certainly will not fail to recognise this member of the BMW family as a range of model specific design elements give it an unmistakeable road presence. Most prominent is a ducktail spoiler which has been seamlessly integrated into the carbon fibre boot lid, alongside exclusive forged M light-alloy wheels finished in Golden Bronze, a unique stripped back M kidney grille, a newly designed carbon rear diffuser and a matte black front splitter. The all-important stopping power, a M Compound braking system with red brake callipers is fitted as standard. Should you desire additional stopping power, the choice is the optional M Carbon ceramic brakes, which are also equipped with red brake callipers.

Moving to the interior, no surprise; it combines a performance-oriented cockpit with advanced digital technology and further model exclusive design elements. A standout feature is the centre console, which has been constructed entirely from CFRP. Similarly, the heated and weight-optimised bucket seats for the driver and front passenger are also made from carbon and can be electrically adjusted into a wide range of positions. Each has integral head restraints, an illuminated CS model badge and surfaces in full Merino leather. There is a heated M Alcantara steering wheel in a three spoke design, fitted as standard. It features a flat-bottomed rim, a red centre marker in the 12 o’clock position and two M buttons which provide quick access to individually configured vehicle setups. Elsewhere, CS lettering decorates the centre console, door sills and is illuminated within the door panels, this a unique feature of this car There is three-zone automatic air conditioning, a Harman Kardon surround sound system and BMW Live Cockpit Plus including BMW Maps navigation system. Alongside the head-up display, BMW Live Cockpit Professional also includes an augmented view mode on the control display and smartphone integration enables both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Providing partially automated driving and parking capabilities, a range of equipment. This newcomer from BMW delivers not just on performance but on technology and comfort aids which we now have come to expect from the modern car.

The M2 first arrived in the fast lane in 2016, then it unleashed 365bhp; the CS followed in 2019. During its 2016 debut season it had the role of Safety Car for Moto GP.

Ian Lynas