The new compact sports car from BMW, the M2 CS, has not yet hit the market, but it has already achieved a record lap time at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
The record for the fastest lap by a compact vehicle was set on April 11, but it has only now been revealed by BMW M’s development engineer, Jörg Weidinger, who completed a lap of the 20.8 kilometers of the famous German circuit in 7:25.5 minutes, which is eight seconds less than the previous record held since last year by the Audi RS3.
Unveiled in May, the new BMW M2 CS is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine that produces 530 hp and 650 Nm of maximum torque, paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic, which channels power to the rear wheels.
These figures allow the M2 CS to claim a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 303 km/h.
Designed with performance in mind, the BMW M2 CS underwent a “diet,” weighing 30 kg less than its standard “brother,” benefiting from extensive use of carbon fiber components, such as the roof, hood, center console, and elements of the rear diffuser. The wheels, forged from lightweight alloy, are 19’’ at the front and 20’’ at the rear, complementing its sporty character.
The chassis has also been reconfigured with new settings for the dampers, springs, steering, and electronic control systems, allowing BMW’s sports division to announce that the M2 CS enables a more precise and engaging driving experience, both on the road and on the track.
The new BMW M2 CS is also equipped as standard with an M Active differential and an M Compound braking system, with an option for ceramic brakes.
BMW has already announced that the arrival of the first units of the new M2 CS to the national market is expected from the end of summer, although it has not yet revealed the price.