Following M3 and M4, the smaller M2 also gets the CS treatment. Output of the twin-turbo straight-six is boosted to 530 horsepower and 479 pound-foot, 70 hp and 73 lbft more than the standard M2 and merely 20 ponies shy of the M3 and M4 CS. As the maximum torque far exceeds the 406 lbft capacity of the 6-speed manual, the CS is mandatorily served with ZF 8-speed automatic, which is probably the only drawback (except price) to keen drivers. On the plus side, it remains to be rear-drive only.



Although the car weighs a substantial 1700kg, it is 25kg lighter than the regular M2 fitted with automatic box. This must thanks to the standard carbon-fiber roof and boot lid - the latter is integrated with a much more prominent ducktail spoiler - as well as lighter forged alloy wheels and standard CFRP M bucket seats. As a result, 0-60 mph srpint is shortened by two-tenths to 3.7 seconds, while top speed is lifted from 177 to 188 mph.



Changes to the chassis are more subtle. The suspension is dropped by only 8mm accompanied with bespoke springs, dampers and roll bar setting. All electronic aids have been recalibrated to suit, of course, but fundamentally the suspension, differential as well as tires and brakes are unchanged, which shows how highly specced the standard car already is.

Unfortunately, the CS badge is never meant to be a bargain. Though cheaper than its larger cousins, it is now a £87K car. Hard to believe it is a baby BMW.