It may be way too early to speculate on special editions of the new BMW M2, especially since U.S. deliveries of the M2 won't even start for a couple of months. However, a report from BMWBLOG reveals a possible M2 variant that is too tantalizing not to discuss.
One of their sources claims that BMW M is already planning a CSL version of BMW's newest M car. The last CSL was the E46 M3 CSL that was produced in 2003 and 2004. If you recall, none were sent to U.S. buyers. Of course, there’s no guarantee that if BMW builds an M2 CSL we will see any here, but since the U.S. is slated to receive more M4 GTS’s than anyone else, we would hold out hope that at least a few M2 CSLs would come our way. If BMW builds one.
Speaking of the M4 GTS, that car is probably the best reason for believing a hot, track-prepped M2 might be in the works. The M4 GTS with its roll cage, fire extinguisher, special wheels, paint, seats, harness, suspension, aero including a big wing, lower weight due to more carbon-fiber, and water injection is the performance driving enthusiast’s dream.
With its lighter weight and smaller stance, the M2 is arguably a better candidate for a CSL/GTS than even the M4. The M2’s turbocharged three-liter inline six that starts with 365 horsepower could be bumped to 400, still providing some separation from the M4’s standard 425 horses. Adding a carbon-fiber roof, hood, trunk lid, lighter wheels and brakes, and a stripped interior could vastly improve the M2’s power-to-weight ratio.
Much of the engineering to create an M2 CSL has already been done, if you look at the BMW M2 Official MotoGP Safety Car. It’s not that far of a stretch from the MotoGP car to a road-legal M2 CSL. Take off the roof light bar and you’re almost there. And then there is the M235i Racing that is a 2 Series Coupe specifically prepped for racing. In fact, if the M2 MotoGP Safety Car and the M235i Racing got together and had a baby, it would be an M2 CSL. All it would take is BMW’s blessing.
Come on, BMW. Bless it.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
