Motor Australia – May 2019

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by 9.0-inch front and 19 by 10.0-inch

rear wearing rubber measuring 245/

and 265/35 respectively. Presumably

these are the widest sizes that can be

accommodated by the M2 platform

without serious modification. The tyres

themselves, however, will become sticky

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, enhancing

every aspect of the CS’s capabilities.

Stopping power in particular will

be improved thanks to the option of

carbon-ceramic brakes for the first

time on an M2. With monster 400mm

rotors and six-piston calipers up front,

supported by 380mm rear rotors and

four-piston calipers, it apes the specs of

the Competition’s impressive optional

M-Sport brakes but adds the heat

resistance of carbon composite and

reduces unsprung weight.

Further weight will possibly be

shed by adopting a carbon-fibre roof.

Prototypes have been spotted with

and without, which suggests it may not

be standard. If it does make the cut

it will save around 6kg (based on M

figure) and slightly lower the centre of

gravity. As can be seen in our exclusive

computer-generated images, other

exterior enhancements include a jutting

front splitter, mini ducktail rear spoiler

and heavily sculpted bonnet with power

bulge, all of which look extremely similar

to the parts already offered via the M

Performance Parts catalogue. While

subtle, the upgrades give the M2 CS

a bit of much-needed visual clout to

go with its undoubted performance. A

number of different wheel designs have

been spotted on prototypes, but word

is the production car will wear 763 M

forged Y-spokes that have become

something of a CS signature.

Another controversial CS signature

has been the lightweight interior,

consisting of a Spartan ‘lightweight’

centre console, single-zone climate

control and, in the M4 CS, natural fibre

BODYBUILDING

Cuterearlipspoilerbalancesthejuttingfrontsplitterand

will helppushthereartyresintothegroundathighspeed

KEEPONROLLING

WheelandtyresizessameasM2Competition,butwheels

will bea lighterCS-styleandtyresMichelinCup2s

CLEARTRANSMISSION

A choiceofgearboxeswillbeavailable:six-speedmanualor

seven-speeddual-clutch.HopefullyBMWOzoffersboth

➜

THE BMW 2 Series line-up is about to get quite

complicated. It was all planned: the next-

generation G42 2 Series would share the FAAR

platform with the upcoming F40 (yes, really) 1

Series. For the majority of models, that will indeed

be the case, with the 2 Series Gran Coupe using

three and four-cylinder engines in various states

of tune to power either the front or all four wheels.

However, that would leave a sizeable rear-driven

gap where the current 2 Series resides. Our best

information is that a new rear-drive M2 will appear

in late 2022, but whether it will use a new platform

or a version of that used by the Z4 and Supra is

still unclear.

WHERE ‘2’ FROM HERE?

ARTIST’S IMPRESSION