Entry-level Race Cars BMW M2 CS and M2 CS Racing Debut
BMW M2 CS Racing tested by professional racers at Nürburgring, set to make U.S. debut at L.A. Auto Show.
Few brands embody peak performance as well as BMW. BMW consistently provides for the masses vehicles that are enjoyable to both own and to drive. But more entertaining is the option for racing hopefuls to acquire “close-to-production customer racing vehicles.”
BMW has announced that the BMW M2 CS and BMW M2 CS Racing are now available for purchase. The pair of vehicles is possible through the efforts of BMW M GmbH and BMW M Motorsport.
“With the BMW M2 CS Racing, we are continuing the tradition of providing ambitious teams and drivers with an affordable gateway to racing – this time with a car that, with impressive performance data and the latest BMW Motorsport technology, meets all the requirements of a pedigree racing car, better than any previous entry-level model before it,” says Jens Marquardt, BMW Group Motorsport Director.
“Using the perfect base of the BMW M2 CS and in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH colleagues, BMW Motorsport engineers used many of the insights from the development of the BMW M4 GT4 to set totally new standards in the entry-level class with its little brother, the BMW M2 CS Racing. I am confident that we will continue the success story of BMW M Customer Racing vehicles with this car.”
BMW M2 CS Racing houses a strong powerplant.
The vehicle is powered by the S55 inline-six with BMW M TwinPower Turbo Technology, which achieves between 280-365 hp, depending on the Balance of Performance or Permit B classification. Torque rating for the vehicle is an impressive 406ft-lbs. Power is transferred by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, applied using specialist motorsport software.
“The collaborative development of the BMW M2 CS and the BMW M2 CS Racing highlights the close integration of BMW Motorsport and BMW M GmbH. Our expertise meets halfway between high-performance cars for the road and pedigree racing cars, namely in the growing club racing sector,” says Markus Flasch, President of BMW M GmbH “We are already taking account of this with various performance versions of the BMW M2 CS Racing, and we will be working in a similar direction for future BMW M special editions.”
Upgrade platforms will soon be available.
BMW shares that “several platforms around the world will be available to the new car apart from its main stomping grounds, the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring and the TC America. A Permit B version is planned for racing at the Nordschleife (GER) as part of the VLN”
BMW also claims to be working on “upgrade packages to increase performance to 450 hp.” Further details are expected to come at a later date.
“With this wide range of performance variants, and distribution through approved BMW M Motorsport dealers for the first time, we will be addressing an even wider target group in the future and tapping into a booming sector,” says Marquardt. “I’m delighted that we are also able to break into this market with the BMW M2 CS Racing and expand our customer racing offering. Customer racing at BMW has never been as diverse as it will be as of next season.”
BMW M2 CS brings several M4-derived features.
The BMW M2 CS road car is powered by a “dual-charged” inline-six-cylinder engine derived from the BMW M4 Competition. The engine is capable of 450 hp. Power is delivered via a 6-speed manual transmission. A 7-speed M dual-clutch gearbox is also available. Moreover, the vehicle uses adaptive M racing suspension previously reserved for the BMW M4 models. The M2 CS comes standard with M racing brakes and painted red calipers or optional M carbon-ceramic brakes.
The interior features the M racing seat from the BMW M4 CS, with Merino and Alcantara leather covers. The optional M sports steering wheel displays a red mark at the 12 o’clock position for aided handling.
Endurance tests conducted at the Nordschleife.
The BMW M2 CS Racing has reportedly undergone rigorous testing conducted at tracks such as Miramas in France and Portimão in Portugal. Further notes were taken at the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring. At the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, BMW Motorsport Junior Beitske Visser and test and development engineer for BMW M GmbH, Jörg Weidinger, completed the first endurance tests. Together, they provided essential input regarding how the car performs under racing conditions.
The BMW M GmbH special edition is set to make its U.S. debut later this month at the L.A. Auto Show. Delivery of the first BMW M2 CS Racing is slated for mid-2020 for roughly $105,000.
Technical Data on the BMW M2 CS Racing.
Engine
- Type: Six-cylinder in-line, four valves
- Technology: BMW M TwinPower Turbo Technology, direct injection, Valvetronic
- Capacity: 2,979 cc
- Performance: 280 – 365 hp via power stick (depending on Balance of Performance or Permit B classification)
- Torque: 406 ft-lbs
- Exhaust system: Motorsport-specific exhaust system with racing catalytic converters
Transmission
- 7-speed dual-clutch transmission applied with motorsport software
- Mechanical Drexler limited-slip differential with pre-load and separate cooling
- Specially manufactured driveshafts
- Wheel bearing modified for motorsport (rear axle)
- Modified engine mounting
Assistance Systems
- Stability systems modified specifically by BMW M Motorsport
- Detailed adjustments to applications through the use of numerous BMW works and customer racing drivers at different racetracks, with different tire types and in diverse external conditions
- Close collaboration with engineers from production development
Cockpit
- Standard air conditioning
- Adjustable Sabelt Taurus XL seat (FIA 8855-1999) with M2 CS Racing embroidery
- Schroth six-point safety harness (FIA 8853-2016)
- AIM MXG 1.2 Racing Dash logger with color display
- Centre console with illuminated switch panel
- Extended, adjustable steering columns with removable BMW Motorsport steering wheel with operating buttons and rocker switches
- Extra-large rear-view mirror for a better overview of the back
- Rear-view mirror can be adjusted electrically
Body
- Chassis with DMSB-certified welded safety roll cage (in line with FIA regulations), manufactured by BMW M Motorsport
- CFC roof like the BMW M2 CS
- Rear side-windows of Makrolon® with tank filler neck
- Front splitter
- Motorsport rear wing, adjustable
- Air jack system
- Bonnet and boot quick-release locks
- Weight-reduced motorsport wire harness
- Tow rings front and rear in line with regulations
- External charging port for battery
- Powerful additional light for 24-hour races (optional)
Chassis
- Three-level adjustable anti-roll bars front and rear
- Specially modified motorsport dampers (ZF Sachs) front and rear
- Springs available with three spring ratings each for front and rear axle (optional)
- Motorsport-specific steering connections
- Specially reworked spring dome on front axle for enhanced configuration options for the wheel camber
- Spherical front-axle and rear-axle suspension
- Chassis already prepared for spring deflection sensors
Wheels/Tires
- Cup version:
- 10.5×18 inch aluminum rims design 513M in matt black
- Tires: MICHELIN slick 27/65-18 S9L
- 5-hole mounting
- Studs on the wheel hub for easy fitting
Brakes
- 6-piston fixed yoke front, Alcon
- Brake disc diameter: 380 mm
- 4-piston fixed yoke rear, production M2 CS
- Brake disc diameter: 380 mm
- Twin-flow air brake cooling
Photos: BMW