BMW will be introducing a very special version of its critically acclaimed M2 in the near future. We reported on this back in 2017, but there have been some developments.

The BMW M2 CS will follow a similar strategy to the M4 CS – it will be a hardened, more powerful and lighter track-focused machine. It is said to be revealed later this year with the production run beginning in 2020.

This artist's impression of the M2, supplied exclusively to Cars.co.za, shows an M2 with the same treatment as an M4 CS. Bits to be added to the M2 CS are a lightweight carbon-fibre reinforced plastic bonnet and rear diffuser. It’s also likely to get a fixed rear spoiler and a new front splitter. Brakes and suspension will no doubt get an upgrade and the wheels will be especially lightweight. From what we’ve seen with the M4 CS, it will also get a set of super-sticky Michelin tyres to help improve traction.

According to various reports, BMW hasdispensed with the upgraded 235i/240i engine that resides in the current M2, and will transplantthe M engine from the M3/M4 into the M2 CS. It could be slightly detuned so as not to step on the toes of the bigger brother, but for those who know their engine codes, this is the S55 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder motor which will be producing around 330 kW and 550 Nm.

The most interesting rumour around the running gear surrounds the gearbox. Rumours of the manual gearbox's demise have been greatly exaggerated as it appears theM2 CS will be offered with a6-speed manual. There should also be the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.A manual-equippedM2 CS makes perfect sense as a pure driver’s car and, in the opinion of various aficionados, will cement the M2 as the best current M car in the BMW lineup. Being a CS model, there will be a limited production run.

As for the expected time of arrival, BMWBlog suggests that production begins in March 2020, but it wouldn't surprise us to see a reveal at either the Frankfurt Motor Show or the Los Angeles Motor Show before the end of 2019.

BMW M2 CS Testing at the Nurburgring

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