The M2 has been billed as the best driver's car BMW has built since the E46 M3, yet enthusiasts are still craving a faster, lighter and more hardcore variant. Though BMW has yet to officially acknowledge its existence, spy photos and videos have shown that a hardcore M2 CS is in the works with more power, a sharper chassis and a lighter body. Reports have suggested we can expect the M2 CS to pack over 400 horsepower, but now UK-based Car Magazine has revealed the performance specifications ahead of its reveal.

According to Car Magazine, the M2 CS packs 402 hp and 370 lb-ft torque, representing a 37 hp and 27 lb-ft increase from the standard M2. Power will be sourced by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six, as opposed to the standard M2's turbocharged N55 unit. Rumor has it the engine lurking under the hood is a detuned version of the S55 unit found in the M3 and M4 models, but Car Magazine didn't confirm this. Sources indicate the M2 CS will sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds, bringing it close to M3 and M4 performance territory. Elsewhere, the brakes, wheels and suspension have been beefed up to cope with the M2 CS's performance boost.

The hardcore M2 CS is also said to be 25 kg lighter thanks to an aluminium roof, carbon panels, thinner glass and bespoke sports seats. All the evidence suggests that BMW's best pure performance car is about to get better. The BMW M2 CS is expected to launch in Q2 2018, suggesting that a world debut could happen at the Geneva Motor Show.