The
new BMW M2 CS sets a new benchmark on the legendary Nordschleife racetrack of
the Nürburgring on 11 April 2025. Driven by BMW M development engineer Jörg
Weidinger, it completed the 12.9-mile Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in
7:25.5, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds. This
record-setting BMW M2 CS not only raises the bar in the compact car class, but
also further solidifies BMW M's reputation as a manufacturer of
high-performance vehicles that excel both on the road and on the racetrack.
"The BMW M2 CS has achieved a significant milestone with its lap time of
7:25.5 on the Nordschleife, showcasing the potential for combining performance,
technology, and exceptional driving dynamics into a single vehicle,"
stated Franciscus van Meel, the Managing Director of BMW M GmbH. 'We are proud
that the M2 CS has once again set a new benchmark in the compact car class with
this lap time.'
The continuation of a success story.
The previous best time for a BMW M2 model was set by Weidinger in April 2023,
when he completed the course in 7:38.7. Two years later, he beat this time by
13 seconds, breaking the class record of 7:30 for the first time. With the
newly set best time of 7:25.5, the BMW M2 CS demonstrates its outstanding
performance as well as the innovative power and engineering skills of BMW M
GmbH.
Previous record runs on the Nordschleife by the BMW M4 CS, the BMW M4 CSL, and
the BMW M3 CS, all mid-range vehicles, achieved times under 7:30 minutes. The
BMW M4 CSL also holds the best lap time ever recorded for a BMW production car,
with an official, notarized time of 7:18.137.
The "Green Hell" myth: The Nordschleife as a touchstone.
Often referred to as the 'Green Hell', the Nordschleife racetrack is considered
one of the most demanding and challenging racetracks in the world. Measuring
12.9 miles in length with over 70 turns, it places the highest demands on
drivers and vehicles alike. A fast lap on this track proves a vehicle's
performance and handling capabilities. The Nordschleife lap times are the gold
standard for measuring a vehicle's sporting performance and driving dynamics.
Record runs are monitored by a neutral testing organization, and the vehicles
are checked to ensure they are in standard condition. This detailed inspection
ensures that the record runs are carried out using production vehicles.
The Nürburgring - Home of BMW M.
BMW M and the Nürburgring have been in partnership for over a quarter of a
century. From the BMW M Power Grandstand and BMW M Bridge to the BMW M Driving
Experience and BMW M Test Center, not to mention test drives on the
Nordschleife for M vehicles en route to series production, the partnership
between BMW M and the Nürburgring has been a resounding success for over 25
years. The Nordschleife serves as a test bench for every M model. The BMW M
Test Center is equipped with cutting-edge workshop facilities that allow BMW M
to put vehicles through rigorous testing on the Nordschleife track even before
they reach production, as well as to develop new models.
BMW M Motorsport racing cars have achieved numerous successes in various racing
series, including 21 overall victories in the Nürburgring 24-hour race. The M
Power showroom, which was redesigned in 2021, is another flagship of the
cooperation. The Nürburgring's position as the home of BMW M has been further
strengthened since then.
The new BMW M2 CS: More power, improved driving dynamics and consistent
lightweight construction.
The new BMW M2 CS is a testament to BMW M GmbH's ongoing commitment to setting
the standard in the compact high-performance sports car segment. Its
combination of performance, lightweight construction, and innovative technology
makes the BMW M2 CS a vehicle that gets drivers and enthusiasts' hearts racing.
The BMW M2 CS increases driving pleasure in the premium segment with its
enhanced performance and outstanding agility. The advanced inline 6-cylinder
engine featuring BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers an impressive output
of 523 hp and a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft. Model-specific engine mounts, an
Adaptive M suspension, and an M compound brake system all contribute to its
sporty performance. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via an 8-speed M
Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The BMW M2 CS is the lightest model of
the current M2 generation thanks to targeted lightweight construction,
including a large number of exterior and interior components made of carbon
fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), which reduces its weight by around 100 lbs.
This makes a decisive contribution to its outstanding driving dynamics. The BMW
M2 CS comes with forged M alloy wheels as standard. Manufactured at the BMW
Group plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, the BMW M2 CS is a limited edition
model with a market launch planned for late summer 2025, priced at $98,600 plus
destination and handling.
source: https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=4633&mid=
by
- Jay Hanson
- Alexander Schmuck
