New BMW M2 CS: just 28 units set aside for ‘auction’ in South Africa…

By: CAR magazine

BMW Group South Africa has announced just 28 units of the new M2 CS will be offered for sale locally, with all set to be sold via a dedicated “auction” event.

Gennaro Bonafede, head of BMW M South Africa, made the announcement during a Q&A session on Facebook.

Bonafede confirmed while 30 units had been set aside for South Africa, two would go into BMW SA’s press fleet. He also revealed there would be a mix of six-speed manual and seven-speed M-DCT variants.

Interestingly, he suggested BMW SA’s “top clients” would get first dibs on the special-edition models at a dedicated auction event likely to take place at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit at the end of 2020. This is in contrast to the usual method of allocating units to various dealerships.

Bonafede said the Munich-based firm’s local arm had some 300 people on the waiting list for the new M2 CS. He revealed four exterior colours would be offered locally, along with lightweight 19-inch Y-spoke forged wheels in either black or gold.

Revealed in November 2019, the BMW M2 CS is billed as a “limited-run” special edition positioned above the M2 Competition.

The M2 CS employs a 3,0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol developing 331 kW and 550 N.m (yes, the same peak outputs of the outgoing M4 Competition). That’s enough, says BMW, for a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4,0 seconds in the case of the dual-clutch model.

That claimed acceleration figure rises to 4,2 seconds with a six-speed manual gearbox specified. Regardless of the chosen transmission, the electronically governed top speed comes in at 280 km/h thanks to the standard fitment of the M Driver’s Package.

The M2 CS furthermore features a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic bonnet, complete with a central air vent the Munich-based firm says “increases downforce and improves engine cooling”. The roof, too, is fashioned from CFRP.

In addition, there’s a new front splitter, a Gurney spoiler lip and a rear diffuser (in exposed carbon-fibre). Standard specification includes Adaptive M suspension along with M Sport brakes with red-painted callipers. Carbon-ceramic brakes will be optional.

Inside, you’ll find “bucket-style” M Sport seats borrowed from the M4 CS, complete with integral head restraints featuring BMW M stripes. The seat backrests are finished in a mix of Merino leather and Alcantara with red contrast stitching.

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