BMW M2 CSL rumoured to be lighter, faster, and more exclusive

BMW fans are at fever pitch over rumours of a planned BMW M2 CSL or GTS model that would wind the baby M car’s performance level into the stratosphere.

German magazine Auto Motor und Sport broke the news, reporting that the BMW board had made a decision to grant the more extreme M2 a production green light.

Speculation suggests the track-ready model will receive a bump in power to produce more than the current 272kW/465Nm.

The M2’s turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine is similar to that used in the BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe, which is tuned to pump out 317kW/550Nm.

In keeping with tradition, an M2 CSL is likely to receive weight reduction upgrades and modifications including carbon-fibre body panels and lightweight wheels, and the deletion of back seats and sound-deadening material.

Aerodynamic enhancements could incorporate a large rear spoiler at the rear and a splitter added to the front bumper. Suspension upgrades and carbon brakes are on the cards should the model come to pass.

BMW has prior form, having tricked up an M2 for MotoGP safety car duties last year (pictured below). A neatly integrated roll-cage in lieu of rear seats, and an interior smattered with the familiar orange-gold colour now associated with GTS models suggests the one-off car may harbour deeper development secrets.

Optional M Performance parts, if made standard, could add carbon-fibre side skirts and a rear diffuser, and more liberal use of Alcantara and carbon-fibre for the interior.

As with other CSL and GTS products, the special BMW M2 would likely be built in limited numbers, making it even more desirable and collectible than the current model.

Gearboxes are another talking point. The CSL variant could use the slick-shifting dual-clutch automatic of the M2, or it may go down the enthusiast path and utilise the manual transmission of the M2 Pure. So far in Oz, M2 leads all current BMWs for manual gearbox uptake.

Wheels contacted BMW for comment, though the local arm was not willing to divulge any new information.

“We are aware of the M2 CSL rumours and it once again proves the high level of interest surrounding the M Division currently.

“As a rule, we don’t comment on future product. At this stage it is speculation and there is nothing to add.”

Nevertheless, enthusiasts are frenzied over the gossip and it is unlikely this level of interest will go unnoticed by Beemer executives in Munich. It is understood that circumstances like this can lead to the creation of special vehicles which were not necessarily in the minds of decision makers beforehand.

A more hardcore M2 seems to represent the desires of BMW’s M Division, so whether it remains speculative or not is something we will watch with keen interest.

The already fearsome BMW M2 has proven a big hit Down Under. The initial allocation of 300 units and a further 100 cars have already sold out. BMW says new M2 buyers will have to wait to take delivery until at least March 2017. This local appetite for M Division products should put Australia in good stead for receiving a more potent version if it eventuates.

Expect pricing to be significantly north of the $89,900 currently asked for the M2 Pure. It may cost as much as double if the $295,000 price tag of the new BMW M4 GTS is a guide. A standard BMW M4 costs $149,900.