BMW, together with the recent introduction of the range-topping M2 CS, has unveiled the M2 CS Racing that’s equipped with the latest BMW Motorsport technology. The donor car is of course the M2 CS, but its electronics are taken straight off the M4 GT4, enabling various performance levels to be programmed and retrieved depending on the stipulated Balance of Performance.
While on the subject of performance, power comes from the same S55 3.0 litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine as the M2 Competition and M2 CS, but tuned to produce between 280 hp and 365 hp (the M2 CS makes 450 hp), depending on Permit B classifications.
BMW Motorsport is currently working on an upgrade package to bump output up to 450 hp. Maximum torque is 550 Nm, all of which gets channeled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with specialised motorsport software. Also on are adjustable anti-roll bars front and rear, ZF Sachs motorsport dampers, revised suspension, and spring deflection sensors.
Other race-grade items include motorsport-specific exhaust system with racing catalytic converters, a Drexler mechanical limited slip differential with pre-load and separate cooling, bespoke drive shafts, carbon-fibre roof, modified wheel bearing for the rear axle, upgraded engine mountings, and motorsport-specific driving aids such as ABS and DSC. BMW guarantees that the driving aids will allow newcomers to safely handle the car.
Elsewhere, it gets front splitters, adjustable motorsport rear wing, an air jack system, quick release locks for the boot and bonnet, weight-reduced motorsport wire harness, front and rear tow rings, external charging port for the battery, and an optional lighting system for 24-hour races. It sits on 18-inch 513M matte black wheels wrapped with racing slick Michelin rubbers, whereas stopping power is provided by six-pot calipers up front and four-pot clampers at the back.
Unseen upgrades include larger FT3 safety fuel tank (84 litres, fuelling is possible from both sides of the car) and reinforced vent line. An even bigger 120-litre fuel tank made for endurance races will be available at the end of 2020.
For the cabin, there’s a DMSB-certified welded safety roll cage manufactured by BMW M Motorsport (FIA regulations compliant), adjustable Sabelt Taurus XL seat with M2 CS Racing embroidery, Schroth six-point safety harness, data logger with colour display, and adjustable steering columns with removable BMW Motorsport steering wheel.
There’s also an electrically adjustable rear-view mirror that’s enlarged for a better view, and air conditioning is standard. Options include Recaro GT race bucket seats, a passenger bucket seat, drinking system for the driver, and weight box – all items are FIA compliant as well.
The club racer can be purchased from 95,000 euros (RM434k), with first deliveries scheduled for mid-2020. The M2 CS Racing is eligible to take part in The VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring and the touring car race series (TC America) in the United States. A Permit B version is planned for racing at the Nordschleife (GER) as part of the VLN.
BMW Group Motorsport director, Jens Marquardt said: “With this wide range of performance variants, and distribution through approved BMW M Motorsport dealers for the first time, we will be addressing an even wider target group in the future and tapping into a booming sector. I’m delighted that we are also able to break into this market with the BMW M2 CS Racing and expand our customer racing offering. Customer racing at BMW has never been as diverse as it will be as of next season.”
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