Rumors of a more hardcore BMW M2 have been rife for a long time now. The automaker already sells hardcore versions of the M3 and M4, so it only makes sense for BMW to unleash a more powerful variant of the popular M2 coupe. Conflicted reports have suggested it will either adopt the CS (Competition Series) moniker used for the mid-level M3 and M4, bring back the legendary CSL nameplate, or simply be called the M2 Competition as a replacement for the standard car.
A leaked image has now been uploaded by a user on the Bimmerpost forum that seemingly identifies the more powerful M2 as the "Competition" edition. According to the user, the images are "actually in the log from the current M2," suggesting that BMW has been planning it for some time. No doubt some will argue that this is the M2 that should have launched in the first place, but BMW perhaps didn't have confidence in the car initially. The images reportedly show the M2 Competition's instrument cluster displaying a red start/stop button similar to the F90 M5 and the F80 M3 CS. Compared to the standard car, the hardcore BMW M2 Competition will be more powerful and better equipped.
Rumors suggest it will be limited to just 1,000 examples, each powered by a detuned version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine currently found under the hood of the current M3 and M4. Power output will reportedly be around 405 horsepower, making significantly more powerful than current M2's 365 hp without cannibalizing sales of the M3 and M4. It will be offered either with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Recently leaked images also showed off the hardcore M2's revised front fascia and new M side mirrors. It will be wider than the current M2 and benefit from suspension and handling upgrades to make it more track-focused.
In other words, BMW's most driver-focused car in years is about to get even better. Sources suggest the BMW M2 Competition will finally be revealed in April before going into production in July. Sales will hopefully get underway next fall.
