M2

Make
BMW
Segment
Coupe

When images of the upcoming BMW M2 update leaked, it was hard not to be disappointed. The cosmetic changes are so minor you'd be hard pressed to spot the difference. There were no performance upgrades either, meaning we have to wait until next year for the M2 CS to arrive. Rumor also has it that a hardcore M2 CSL is in the pipeline. Happily, however, if you're looking for a more potent M2 but don't want to wait for the M2 CS or CSL, German tuner Lightweight Performance has the solution.

Dubbed the M2 CSR (short for Carbon Sport Race), Lightweight has swapped the standard M2's engine with the same 3.0-liter S55 six-cylinder engine that powers the M3 and M4, adding a similar water injection system to the M4 GTS. Lightweight also altered the S55's turbochargers, improved the air intake, and fitted a new exhaust system. Initially, this transplant meant that the M2 CSR produced 610 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. However, after initial test runs Lightweight found that the M2's lighter chassis couldn't handle the excess power, so the tuner downgraded the power to 590 hp and 544 lb-ft of torque. That's still a substantial upgrade over the stock 365-hp M2, though.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via BMW's standard six-speed manual transmission, or an optional seven-speed automatic. Being tuned by a company called Lightweight, you would expect the M3 CSR to be significantly lighter than the standard version. Thankfully, it lives up to those expectations, weighing in at just 1,371 kg thanks to an abundance of carbon fiber components, making it 195 kg lighter than the standard M2. Like the M4 GTS, the roof is made of carbon fiber, as is the hood, trunk lid, doors, front spoiler, rear wing and engine cover. The interior has also been coated in carbon fiber and fitted with sport seats and a rollcage, while carbon ceramic brakes help shed further weight.

Pricing for the M2 CSR hasn't been announced, but considering how much extra power you're getting, it certainly won't be cheap. If you're growing tired of waiting for the M2 CS and CSL, the Lightweight BMW M2 CSR looks like a worthy substitute.