BMW M2 CS Roars

BMW M2 CS Highlights

The eagerly awaited BMW M2 CS has finally made its debut, raising the bar with a potent blend of power and design. This top-tier M2 variant, however, opts for an eight-speed automatic transmission exclusively. The decision emanates from the car’s enhanced power output, which surpasses the limits of BMW’s six-speed manual gearbox.

Power and Specs

Under the hood, the M2 CS houses a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, churning out a breathtaking 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the standard M2 delivers 473 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. This leap in performance enables the M2 CS to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, reaffirming its status as a high-performance machine, capable of touching speeds of up to 188 mph.

Why No Manual?

The decision to forego a manual transmission wasn’t taken lightly. BMW’s engineering team confirmed that their manual transmission can manage up to 473 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, which falls short for the M2 CS’s power levels. Offering a manual in this scenario would mean detuning the engine, which is not ideal for a car carrying the CS badge known for superior performance.

Driving Feel

The M2 CS offers a driving experience that’s nothing short of exhilarating. Although it might miss out on a stick shift, the automatic transmission allows drivers to focus entirely on the road ahead. Its agility, coupled with its power, makes it a beast on the track and a thrill on winding roads.

Comparison to Other Cars

This M2 variant aligns itself with cars like the BMW M4, which in its base model includes a manual to accompany 473 horsepower, but switches to an automatic for the M4 Competition with 503 horses under the hood. The M2 CS’s competitive stats make it a worthy opponent of older, more powerful manual cars like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and Lamborghini Murciélago that boast over 660 horsepower and manage a manual setup.

Special Editions

In a curious twist, the limited-edition BMW 3.0 CSL manages to offer a manual experience, despite outputting 552 horsepower. This comes down to its unique position as a rare, less frequently driven collector’s model, allowing for some flexibility in engineering constraints.

Future of Manuals

Despite the M2 CS’s automatic-only setup, BMW hasn’t completely turned its back on manual gearboxes. The demand for manual sports cars remains robust. Models like the Z4 roadster, along with options in the M3 and M4 lineup, continue to offer manual variants, keeping gear-shift enthusiasts hopeful and satisfied.

Related: BMW Just Saved This Manual Sports Car From Extinction