The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

BMW is Preparing an M2 CSL to Take on Porsche’s Cayman GT4

By Miles Branman Published February 15, 2023

German automotive news site, Auto Bild, is reporting that BMW has given the green light to a higher performance version of its M2 sports car.

Having just spent a week behind the wheel of the standard M car, the thought of a more potent version is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. Though 365 horsepower may not sound like a lot in the era of Hellcats, it’s more than enough when tackling the winding roads and tight tracks that behoove a BMW. That’s why the rumored 50hp increase coming to the BMW M2 “CSL” would be so impressive.

Recommended Videos

The CSL name was first used on the 1975 3.0 CSL Coupe, which was built to pay homage to the Group 2 racecars. It has since been used on lightweight versions of the BMW M3, but this would be the first time the badge has appeared on a 2 Series (not surprising, considering the nameplate is relatively new).

Read More: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 First Drive

BMW’s proposed M2 CSL would be a track-honed, stripped down model for those who like a little extra fiber in their diets. The two-door coupe would be rear-wheel drive only, and there’s a good chance BMW will only offer it with a dual-clutch transmission. Though the standard M2 can be had with a six-speed manual, lap times will undoubtedly be quicker with the DCT setup.

In addition to the power bump, BMW plans to remove the M2’s sound-deadening material and the rear seats. For further weight savings, several M2 body panels will be constructed with carbon fiber instead of aluminum or steel. Aesthetically, look to the BMW M4 GTS for design hints. Things like a large rear wing, front splitter, and additional air inlets will likely compliment the M2’s flared bodywork.

Like the M4 GTS, turnaround time on the M2 CSL won’t take long. We can expect to see the limited production vehicle as soon as next year. The Frankfurt, New York, or LA Auto Shows are all good candidates for such a big reveal.

Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…

Auto

Genesis unveils its GMR-001 hypercar to compete in Le Mans

Le mans ready GMR-001 Hypercar from Genesis

genesis unveils its gmr 001 hypercar to compete in le mans 5216 genesismagmaracingdebutsfull scalegmr 001hypercarusheringinan

Last week, Genesis made quite a splash by unveiling its first full-scale GMR-001 hypercar in New York City. This brand new, low-slung beauty was showcased at the New York International Auto Show before heading off to compete in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans next year.

Before this, Genesis had shown off an earlier version of the race car through its racing team, Genesis Magma Racing a year ago. The new prototype is all set for LMDh endurance racing, which means it’ll be not only part of the FIA World Endurance Championship—where the iconic Le Mans race takes place—but also the IMSA SportsCar Championship, known for epic races like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Auto

The 2024 Range Rover Sport p400 SE: ‘Entry level’ yet feature packed

An 'entry-level' Range Rover is still pretty superb

Range Rover P400SE Sfront 3/4 View

The term “luxury SUV” is surprisingly broad. It can include everything from relatively affordable brands like Genesis all the way through to efforts from the likes of Rolls-Royce. Land Rover Range Rover, with its decades of history, long list of well-regarded clientele, and ultra-high-end touches, is definitely in the latter category. But even the most prestigious brands have “entry-level” models. In the Range Rover Sport’s case, that’s the P400 SE.

Despite it lacking the hefty V8 its big brothers tend to have, the 3.0-liter straight-six with its mild hybrid accompaniment still produces plenty of power. That power also comes along exactly when you want it, at almost any speed. I recently had an opportunity to see what the 2024 Range Rover P400 SE is like as a daily driver. Here’s why I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest.

Auto

F1 engineer reveals how he found a job and fulfillment with the Red Bull pit crew

Nicholas provides plenty of evidence that work in an F1 pit garage is a high-pressure job

Life in the Pitlane by Calum Nicholas bookcover shot against road with yellow centerlines.

Anyone who aspires to work for a Formula 1 racing team would do well to read Calum Nicholas's new book, Life in the Pitlane. Nicholas, a senior engineer who has been part of the F1 Red Bull Racing team since 2015. He is also a member of the pit crew that held the 1.82-second world record for the fastest Formula One pitstop from 2019 until 2023.
How Nicholas found a job with the Red Bull F1 pit crew

Nicholas details his journey as a young man growing up in England. He had an interest in cars, but lacked direction until he attended the Formula 1 2009 British Grand Prix at Silverstone with his mother. Prior to the race, they walked the pit lane, an experience Nicholas now describes as a "light-bulb moment."