“The place is the handbook?” That’s what most of us had been questioning when BMW unveiled the M2 CS. It’s a legitimate query, contemplating its “F87” predecessor got here with a stick. The brand new “G87” Competitors Sport, nonetheless, is barely accessible with an eight-speed computerized transmission. So what offers? Lengthy story brief: the engineers prioritized horsepower on the expense of the third pedal.
We requested M’s Head of R&D, Dirk Häcker, final weekend at Le Mans, why the M2 CS skips the handbook. It’s lacking as a result of it will probably’t deal with greater than 473 hp and 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) and nonetheless meet BMW’s necessities. The brand new hardcore model delivers a hefty 523 hp and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft), output ranges that may have exceeded the 6MT’s limits.
For the M2 CS, the corporate had to decide on between both unlocking the complete potential of the engine or limiting its capabilities to retain the three-pedal setup. BMW selected the previous. Why? In accordance with Häcker, the handbook wouldn’t have allowed the automobile to be highly effective sufficient to earn its CS badge and ship the monitor efficiency anticipated from a Competitors Sport mannequin.
When BMW up to date the usual M2 final yr, its inline-six engine gained 20 hp, reaching 473 hp, or the utmost the handbook might deal with. Nevertheless, torque remained unchanged at 550 Nm (405 lb-ft), as solely the Steptronic model was bumped to 600 Nm (442 lb-ft). Now we all know why.
At this level, you is likely to be pondering we forgot concerning the 3.0 CSL. In spite of everything, the M4 CSL-based particular version holds the title of BMW’s strongest six-cylinder manufacturing automobile. BMW tuned the twin-turbo 3.0-liter “S58” engine to 553 hp, but it retained the handbook transmission. Häcker defined that this was doable for a couple of causes:
“It’s almost the identical one [gearbox used by the M2 and 3.0 CSL]. The factor is, we’ve totally different necessities. I feel all people is aware of the three.0 CSL is a really uncommon, unique automobile. It is not going to be pushed day by day. Additionally, not the mileage. So, we had a particular dedication total to make use of it there, however it’s not an choice for a monitor instrument or one thing like that.”
As for what that “particular dedication” concerned, we are able to guess a couple of components. Value could have performed a task because the 3.0 CSL reportedly value round €750,000. Homologation guidelines possible additionally performed a task, as the fashionable Batmobile was a low-volume mannequin, restricted to only 50 models. However even in that automobile, engineers needed to scale back torque to 550 Nm (405 lb-ft), matching the handbook M2, M3, and M4.
Nonetheless, we should always be grateful for what we’ve. Mercedes and Audi have lengthy deserted the handbook gearbox. The M2 might retain its stick till the very finish, which is reportedly set for 2029. The M3 and M4 will bow out sooner, however these vehicles are possible going to maintain the handbook till manufacturing ends. The primary BMW to lose the handbook would be the Z4 M40i subsequent yr, when the roadster will be discontinued.
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