The Hardcore BMW M2 CS Will Reportedly Arrive In 2020

The rumors are true. An M2 CS is coming.

Just this week, our spy photographers spotted a BMW M2 test mule lapping the Nurburgring. The test mule is rumored to be a new variant of the M2, which will be even more hardcore than the recently revealed M2 Competition, likely called the CS or CSL. The M2 CS and CSL have been rumored for a while now, with the CS acting as a US-exclusive while the CSL is sold around the world. Sources at BMW Blog claim to know exactly what this rumored M2 will be as well as when we can expect the car to enter production.

BMW Blog says "what we can say with a high degree of confidence is that BMW M is indeed planning a more hardcore version of their M2 Competition model which is scheduled to arrive in 2020."

The outlet even claims that the car will go into production in March of 2020, giving it a one year run before the next generation M2 arrives.

Some BMW enthusiasts have been hoping for a revival of the CLS name, but BMW Blog says "many of the media, including us, have labeled the new M2 as the CSL model, in fact, the upcoming, limited super-sporty M2 will carry the M2 CS badge on its boot. This falls in line with the other CS models of the M family (M3 CS, M4 CS), so it comes as no surprise that the CS name was reserved for the M2 as well."

We would assume that the M2 CS would be a limited edition model, but BMW Blog doesn't seem to know what the production number might be. Depending on the source, this could be our confirmation that the M2 CS is on its way. Little else is known about the car, other than it will likely be lighter and produce more power than the M2 Competition. We don't know if it will be quite as extreme as the renderings by Monholo Oumar pictured here, but it should be a spectacular car nonetheless.

Will Audi’s Hardcore Lineup Finally Make A Home In The US?

Automaker’s latest entry may be a sign for the future.

Audi has created some incredible high-performance machines featuring the coveted “RS” badge, and in almost every single case these have remained forbidden fruit in the US. The German automaker plans to change that by bringing its latest pumped up sedan—the Audi RS3—across the Atlantic Ocean, and we're hopeful that this could be the start to a bright future for fast Audis in America.

It’s no secret that Audi is feeling the heat from the diesel scandal, which is an ongoing matter that happens to also include Volkswagen and Porsche. So while the majority of enthusiasts are thrilled to see the beastly sedan come to the US, it’s hard to look past the fact that Audi has its own agenda for the RS3. While the German automaker has hitherto deemed America a market unworthy of its presence, why has Audi now decided to serve up an RS model? One word: sales. Audi and Volkswagen, and even Porsche to some extent, will be feeling the sting from the emissions scandal. Dealers, beloved fans and average Joes alike are upset with these brands, and for good reason

None of the automakers have come out with a fix for its emissions-cheating cars yet, but Audi has found another way around the problem—offering a whole new set of cars to a different set of buyers. You have to be a power-craved lunatic to get behind the wheel of a RS-badged model as the high-performance vehicles are clearly aimed at enthusiasts. Reaching out to a new market would increase sales and bring in some positive publicity for the automaker—win, win. Another reason for bringing the RS3 over is because of the recent influx of small, high-performance cars.

Cars like the BMW M2, Ford Focus RS and Mercedes-AMG CLA45 could use some more competition, which is exactly what the RS3 plans to give them. In addition to being a worthy competitor for America’s small, high-performance models, this is most likely Audi’s attempt at seeing how profitable its lineup of RS models could be. Currently, there are only two RS models on sale in the US—the RS7 and RS5—while Britain is lucky enough to get six RS-branded models. If the RS3 sells like hotcakes, it would be safe to assume that Audi would reconsider bringing more RS-badged models over. It’s not the best time to be an Audi enthusiast, but the RS3 is the light at the end of the tunnel for the automaker. An extremely bright light.

Hardcore BMW X4 M SUV Spied At The Nurburgring

The M-powered X4 is expected to pack at least 450 horses under the hood.

BMW recently unveiled the new second-generation X4 to capitalize on the current coupe-style crossover craze, featuring refreshed styling, less weight, and an abundance of new tech. The range-topping M40i performance model packs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six delivering 360 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque - that’s enough power to enable the crossover to hit 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds and a 155-mph top speed. Its performance is respectable, but by no means potent. Good thing, then, that the hot BMW X4 M is coming.

Our spy photographers recently caught the high-performance SUV flexing its muscles at the Nurburgring, and while it’s covered in camouflage, there are plenty of styling cues suggesting we’re looking at the hardcore X4. At the front is a more aggressive front fascia with a restyled bumper, larger air intakes, and intercoolers for the turbochargers. Its larger wheels and tires, beefy brake calipers, and cross-drilled rotors are also easy to spot - clearly, this is not a standard BMW X4. Further highlighting the X4 M’s sporty credentials are quad exhaust tips, prominent lip spoilers at the rear, and signature BMW M mirrors. Of course, the full-fat X4 M won’t just have cosmetic changes.

Under the hood, the performance SUV is expected to pack the same 3.0-liter, twin-turbo inline-six engine as the M3 and M4, which will reportedly send at least 450 horsepower to all four wheels through an automatic transmission. 0-62 mph should take around four seconds in the hardcore X4. The new X4 is arriving in dealerships in July, so the M version should go on sale later this year.

New BMW X3 Transformed Into Hardcore Crossover

BMW have been expanding its M performance offerings to cover just about every model in its lineup. After testing the waters with the 355-hp, 368 lb-ft X3 M40i, a fully-fledged X3 M will be released at some point in 2019. But that’s next year. In the meantime, D?hler Design & Technik GmbH can offer you a 414-hp, 464 lb-ft X3 right now. The German tuner has been offering well-engineered performance upgrades for 20 years and its latest Competition Line Package focuses on the third-generation X3 range.

Could This Be The Hardcore BMW M4 CSL That We've Been Waiting For?

It looks like an even more extreme M4 GTS.

Back in 2016, BMW released a hardcore, track-oriented version of the M4 called the GTS. The production run was supposedly limited to 700 units, though some insiders believe more cars were built. Even so, the 493-horsepower GTS is the most powerful of the F8X cars, and commands a huge premium on the used market. Though the M4 GTS was seemingly the ultimate car in the F8X generation, BMW is now testing what appears to be an even more hardcore model on the infamous Nurburgring in Germany.

As our spy photos reveal, this test car has an even more extreme wing setup than the GTS with a track-oriented diffuser at the back. Up front, this test mule is even more aggressive than the GTS with a massive front spoiler with canards. BMW has also cut out some air vents above the front wheels and behind the front fenders to help manage airflow. The side sills are also massive, indicating that this car will manage the air quite well. There are no shots of the interior, though we can spot what appears to be a half roll cage, which was also found on the M4 GTS. We wouldn't be surprised if BMW also found a way to produce more power from the twin-turbo inline-six and remove weight.

The M4 GTS was a highly coveted car, but it looks like its time as the most hardcore M4 model may be over. This test mule could be our first look at the return of the CSL name, which would be big news for BMW fans.