The all-new BMW M2 is getting ready to be introduced to the world this October. The second generation of the compact sporting icon has been spied undergoing testing in standard form and with BMW M Performance parts attached and promises everything we expect from the model, including a circa-440-horsepower turbocharged inline-six and a manual gearbox. It will be the last of its kind as every M car to follow will be a hybrid of some sort, and even the M2 itself might not be entirely pure, as it may feature optional all-wheel drive.

But while we're yet to even see the regular model, it appears BMW has already started working on a more powerful variant slated to receive either the CS or CSL badge, the latter of which was considered for the previous-generation M2.

According to Autocar, prototypes for the new variant have already been spotted at BMW's headquarters in Munich, sporting more aggressive front and rear fascias visible even through the extensive camouflage. The prototypes also allegedly sport the M Performance rear spoiler, but not the trapezoidal-stacked exhausts, making use of a regular quartet instead.

Autocar says the M2 CS/CSL features an integrated rollover hoop, unlike the full roll cage from the previous-gen M2 CSL prototype.

The new M2 will be powered by none other than a turbocharged inline-six engine, more specifically, the S58 inline-six, which also propels the current M3 and M4. In stock form, the M2 is expected to produce 444 hp, the same as the F87 M2 CS, but the hardcore CS or CSL version will make up to 473 hp, a 29-hp improvement over the vanilla version.

While the regular M2 may have the option of m xDrive all-wheel drive, Autocar reports the CS/CSL will send all its power to the rear wheels via BMW's excellent eight-speed automatic transmission. No manual is mentioned, which was available in the old CS, suggesting this may be a CSL after all.

The new M2's braking system will be borrowed from the M3 and M4, but we expect an even more hardcore stopping option for the M2 CS/CSL.

More important than power here should be weight. The CS previously weighed a little less than the regular M2, but if the new derivative is to be designated as a CSL, it'd need to go on a stricter diet to shave off at least 150 lbs to justify the 'lightweight' part of its name.

However, it's still expected to be heavier than the current model due to the CLAR platform it shares with its bigger siblings.

The new M2 is expected to show face on October 11 in the USA, but given the CS/CSL is still in the early stages of development, it may only be revealed next year.

This would be a year late for BMW's 50th-anniversary celebrations, which have thus far given us an M4 CSL and M3 Touring but will also bring us the production BMW XM SUV, the M2, and an all-new BMW 3.0 CSL Homage.