BMW M2 CS Racing: the M2 goes to war

While the BMW M2 CS looks impressive, the Racing version prepared by BMW M Motorsport is the dream of anyone who wants to pull on a racing suit, helmet and gloves and go all out on the track.

The long tradition of BMW M Motorsport vehicles aimed at customer racing has a new chapter with the new BMW M2 CS Racing. A car that, sooner or later, was bound to pass into the hands of the “wizards” at BMW M. And it has come sooner rather than later, although here we already previewed the first data and images when the development of this vehicle became known.

The goal, once again, is to offer a high-performance racing car without costs spiralling, for those drivers and teams who want affordable access to competition. So-called “customer racing”. And the BMW M2 CS was the perfect base.

An BMW M2 CS that “thinks” like an M4 GT4

Based on the BMW M2 CS, the M2 CS Racing receives various modifications to turn it into a true racing car. One of them is the electronic management, which comes from none other than the one used in the BMW M4 GT4.

The 6-cylinder, 3-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo engine here reaches a maximum output between 280 and 365 CV, with a maximum torque of 550 Nm, depending on the “Balance of Performance” BoB. The BoB is a system that limits performance by regulation, to level the playing field in competition.

“The BMW Motorsport engineers used many of the ideas from the development of the BMW M4 GT4 for its younger brother, the BMW M2 CS Racing, with which we will continue the success story of the BMW M Customer Racing vehicles.” Jens Marquardt, head of BMW Motorsport.

BMW Motorsport is already working to offer in the future an upgrade package that would reach 450 CV. The gearbox is a dual-clutch 7-speed unit, with specific racing software

Continuing with the chassis, the steering is also specific to competition. The ZF Sachs dampers are adjustable, as are the anti-roll bars. And there are three levels of stiffness for the springs.

The aluminium wheels, 10.5×18 inches, are fitted with Michelin 27&65-18 S9L slick tyres. As for the brake system, all four discs measure 380 mm in diameter. The front ones are gripped by 6-piston calipers, and the rear ones use the 4-piston calipers that the M2 CS fits as standard.

Racing-bred, but with driving aids

Newcomers to the world of competition will appreciate some aids, such as air conditioning. Or the ABS anti-lock braking system and DSC. The Drexler mechanical limited-slip differential, which features preload and a separate cooling system, also comes as standard. The driveshafts have been specially reinforced for this version.

As on the road version, the roof of the M2 CS Racing is made of carbon fibre. The rear spoiler is adjustable, quick-release fasteners are added for the bonnet and tailgate, and the roll cage is manufactured by BMW M Motorsport. In the cockpit, the competition seats are adjustable, and the steering column features a removable BMW Motorsport steering wheel.

BMW M2 Racing image gallery