The New BMW M2 CS (G87) Is Sure To Be A Track Day Success
The new BMW M2 CS (G87) is the latest limited-edition Club Sport variant of BMW’s smallest M car, and it’s built with track performance in mind. Unveiled in mid-2025, this fighty M2 CS takes the already impressive second-generation M2 and turns it into a road-legal track weapon. BMW has effectively addressed the base M2’s only real gripe – weight – while adding serious motorsport hardware. The result? A more powerful, lighter, and sharper coupé that’s as comfortable on a race circuit as it is on the street.
From Goodwood Debut to Nürburgring Dominance
BMW’s new M2 CS making its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025, showing off its aggressive track-focused design. At the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the M2 CS roared up the famous hillclimb and made its UK debut in front of thrilled enthusiasts. Under the hood lies a tuned 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 (codenamed S58) that now punches out 533 PS (about 523 horsepower) and 650 Nm of torque, a healthy jump of ~50 hp and 100 Nm over the standard M2. In fact, the M2 CS matches the output of its bigger sibling, the M3 Competition, but in a smaller, more focused package. All that power still goes to the rear wheels, launching this compact coupe from 0–60 mph in roughly the mid-3-second range (around 3.7 s officially) on its way to a ~188 mph top speed.
On track, the M2 CS is already making a name for itself. A camouflaged prototype set a blistering 7:25.5 lap time around the Nürburgring Nordschleife – officially snagging the lap record for a compact production car. That time is about 13 seconds quicker than a base M2 managed, and even a full 8 seconds faster than the previous record set by Audi’s RS3. Clearly, the CS formula works: this is the most serious M2 yet in terms of performance.
The new BMW M2 CS at Goodwood | BMW UK
Take a deep dive with Charlie Martin into this showcase of engineering excellence, exploring everything from its twin-turbo inline-six powerplant and finely tuned chassis to its lightweight construction and race-bred design.
Featuring bolder styling, enhanced agility, and an uncompromising focus on performance, the M2 CS embodies the very essence of BMW M – pushed right to the limit.
More Power, Less Weight, All Business
The heart of the M2 CS is an uprated version of the M2’s engine. With about 523 hp on tap and a massive 479 lb-ft of torque available across a broad rev range, the CS packs an enormous punch in a small two-door body. That jump in torque was so substantial that BMW elected not to offer a manual transmission – the 6-speed stick from the base M2 simply couldn’t reliably handle the extra twist. So it’s an 8-speed automatic only in the CS, with lightning-quick paddle shifts to keep you in the powerband. While purists might miss rowing their own gears, the trade-off is a stronger drivetrain that can fully exploit the boosted engine without worry.
BMW didn’t stop at just adding power; they also trimmed the fat. Thanks to intelligent lightweight design, the M2 CS sheds roughly 30 kg (~66 lbs) compared to the standard M2. Key components like the roof panel and the boot lid are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) to save weight up high and improve rigidity. Even the aerodynamic bits serve double duty: the new CFRP ducktail spoiler on the trunk and a larger front splitter aren’t just for show – they add downforce and stability at speed, while being lighter than standard parts. The result is the lightest and most focused M2 of this generation, giving it a more agile feel and better balance on track.
Track-Tuned Chassis, Suspension and Brakes
Where the standard M2 sometimes felt like a lively street car, the M2 CS is dialed in for the track. BMW’s engineers have given the CS a track-tuned adaptive M suspension with model-specific spring and damper settings. Ride height is slightly lower (the chassis sits a few millimeters closer to the ground), and the adaptive dampers stiffen up to keep the car flat and planted during aggressive cornering. The steering and Active M differential have been recalibrated as well, aiming for sharper turn-in and more precise control at the limit. In other words, the CS takes the solid foundation of the base M2 and cranks the dial toward a true club-sport feel – more feedback, more grip, more confidence.
Braking is another area where the M2 CS is ready for abuse. It comes standard with big M Compound brakes (red calipers and two-piece rotors) that can withstand track-day punishment. For the truly hardcore (or those who love bragging rights), carbon-ceramic brakes are available as an option, offering even higher heat tolerance and weight savings. Most owners probably won’t need the ceramics unless they’re doing heavy circuit use, but it’s great to have a factory option that serious. The CS also wears exclusive forged alloy wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) in a striking matte Gold Bronze finish. Those wheels come wrapped in track-focused Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires from the factory – 275/35 ZR19 at the front and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear. These sticky tires are a big upgrade in grip over the standard M2’s street rubber, underscoring that the CS means business.
To keep everything cool under hard driving, the M2 CS also benefits from motorsport-derived tweaks to its powertrain and cooling systems. An M-specific cooling system with additional radiators ensures the engine, turbo intercoolers, and transmission stay at optimal temperatures during extended lapping sessions. The oil system uses a trick map-controlled pump to maintain oil pressure through high-g-force corners and hard acceleration, so you won’t starve the engine of lubricant even with sticky tires and big aero pushing the car. All of these enhancements mean that straight from the factory, the M2 CS is built to handle track-day abuse that might have the standard M2 begging for mercy after a few laps.
Aggressive Aero and Exclusive Design Details
Visually, the M2 CS makes its intent clear. It takes the broad-shouldered, chunky stance of the G87 M2 and turns the aggression up a notch with functional aero details and carbon fiber accents. Up front, you can’t miss the deeper front splitter (finished in matte black) and the enlarged air intakes feeding the radiators and brakes. The kidney grilles are trimmed in gloss black with revised inlets, unique to the CS, to help gulp in more air. In profile, the glossy carbon-fiber roof not only looks cool but also lowers the center of gravity (and as a bonus, it’ll never rust!). Out back, the star of the show is the integrated carbon fiber ducktail spoiler on the boot lid. This pronounced lip spoiler harks back to legendary models like the M3 CSL, and it generates useful rear downforce at speed while reducing lift. Just below, a CS-specific rear diffuser (also CFRP) frames the signature quad exhaust pipes, which on the CS are finished in menacing matte black.
BMW offers the M2 CS in a handful of bold colors: Sapphire Black, Brooklyn Grey, Portimao Blue, and a vivid BMW Individual Velvet Blue exclusive. No matter the paint, all CS models get the same bronze wheels and red-outlined M2 CS badges, adding a dash of flair. Little touches like the red accents on the badges and the aggressive aero kit give the CS a distinct identity – it’s clearly not a standard M2, and those in the know will recognize it instantly as something special. It’s the kind of car that looks right at home on a track – low, wide, and purposeful – yet still turns heads on the street for those lucky enough to spot one.
Interior: Race-Ready Features with Everyday Usability
Slide inside the M2 CS, and you’ll find an interior that blends everyday comfort with racetrack intentions. The basic layout will be familiar to M2 owners – it’s not a stripped-out race car cockpit, but there are key upgrades. The first things you notice are the M Carbon bucket seats, which come standard on the CS. These seats are similar to those in the M4 CSL, with aggressive bolstering, a one-piece carbon fiber shell back, and an illuminated “CS” logo. They not only save weight, but also do a fantastic job of holding you in place during high-speed corners. In a nod to serious track enthusiasts, the integrated headrests are removable to accommodate multi-point racing harnesses. BMW has designed these seats with 6-point harness provisions in mind – a detail our GSM Performance customers will appreciate, as it means you can easily install proper racing belts for track days without resorting to custom seat solutions.
Despite the track-focused seats, BMW didn’t strip out creature comforts. The buckets are heated and electrically adjustable, and trimmed in a mix of Merino leather and Alcantara, so they’re still suitable for road use. You also get dual-zone climate control, a Harman Kardon sound system, and the full BMW Live Cockpit Professional digital display setup – yes, the M2 CS will still pair with your phone and show Apple CarPlay on the dash. It’s a dual-nature cabin: racing flair thanks to touches like the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock stripe and carbon fiber trim, but also daily-driver friendly with its tech and amenities. Other CS-specific details include unique illuminated door sills and trim with the “CS” logo, M tricolor seatbelts, and plenty of exposed carbon on the center console and dash. It’s a place that makes you feel ready to attack a circuit, yet it won’t punish you on the commute home.
A Turn-Key Track Car That Begs for Personalization
The BMW M2 CS is essentially a turn-key track day car – you can drive it straight from the showroom to your nearest circuit and thoroughly enjoy it. BMW has given enthusiasts almost everything they could ask for: more power, less weight, track-tuned suspension, big brakes, aero, and supportive seats. For many drivers, that factory package will be more than enough. But if you’re like many of us at GSM Performance, you know the tinkering and tuning is half the fun. And the M2 CS, true to its club-sport spirit, invites further personalization by its owner.
For one, those amazing carbon bucket seats can still be swapped out if desired – some hardcore racers might install an even more customized aftermarket racing seat (perhaps one with FIA homologation) or a different harness setup to meet specific track regulations. The good news is the M2 CS makes this easier by already having the necessary provisions (removable headrests and pass-throughs) for harness belts. Many owners will likely stick with the stock seats but add 6-point racing harnesses for track days – something we can definitely help with, as proper harnesses and mounting solutions are a common upgrade we provide to track enthusiasts.
Additionally, while the M2 CS comes with an improved cooling system and strengthened components, truly dedicated track rats might still consider installing a roll cage or roll bar for extra safety, or even upgrading to racing brake pads and fluid for endurance events. The beauty of the CS is that it doesn’t need much in the way of upgrades – it’s superb out of the box – but it provides a robust platform for them. Want to log lap times and G-forces? The car already includes an M Laptimer and Drift Analyzer built into the infotainment, but you can easily mount additional data loggers or cameras thanks to the interior’s thoughtful layout. Thinking of squeezing out even more speed? The engine is essentially a detuned version of what’s in the M3/M4 Competition, so with the right software tune (once you’re out of warranty, of course), we expect the S58 can unleash even more horsepower. The chassis is capable enough to handle it.
In short, the M2 CS delivers the goods for track aficionados while still leaving room for that personal touch. It’s the kind of car that an enthusiast can drive to the track, hammer on all day, and drive back with a grin – and then spend the evening in the garage tweaking and customizing it further. For our customers who live and breathe performance upgrades, the M2 CS is a dream: a factory-built track star that’s also a fantastic starting point for your own builds.
Final Thoughts: A Future Classic in the Making?
BMW has nailed the formula with the new M2 CS, creating a sharper and more focused version of the M2 that builds on the standard car’s strengths while addressing its minor weaknesses. Straight from the factory, it comes packed with serious track capability, making it an appealing option for enthusiasts who want a car that’s both fun on the road and ready for the circuit without needing immediate upgrades. With its limited production and heritage linked to models like the 1M Coupé and the previous-generation M2 CS, it’s set to be a highly desirable addition to BMW’s performance lineup.
On paper, the M2 CS impresses with around 520–530 horsepower, a 0–60 mph time in the low 3-second range, and Nürburgring-proven performance. But it’s the driving experience that really sets it apart – the turbocharged straight-six soundtrack, balanced chassis, and sheer enjoyment it delivers on twisty roads and racetracks make it one of BMW’s best modern driver’s cars.
For the GSM Performance community, the 2025 M2 CS is exactly the kind of machine that inspires passion. It’s a car that begs to be pushed to the limit on track days and then fine-tuned in the garage with personal touches like upgraded seats, harnesses, and other performance gear. We know many owners will relish the chance to make it their own, blending BMW’s factory engineering with aftermarket enhancements.
Once deliveries begin, expect to see the M2 CS dominating at track events, setting competitive lap times in the hands of skilled enthusiasts. BMW has created a car that bridges the gap between a capable road car and a true race machine, giving owners the perfect platform to chase personal bests and maybe even podium finishes.