2018 BMW M2 Facelift testing on track in South Africa

Two camouflaged BMW M2 sports coupes were spotted in South African lapping lapping Killarney race track. A local journalist who spotted the two cars told Wheels24: “I heard six-cylinders filling the air around Killarney, and went to take a closer look. I was chased away from pit lane by a laptop wielding engineer, so I made my way around to the back straight and captured two fly-bys before a marshal saw me and asked me to halt filming.”

If the first car was a 5 Series. the second model was without a doubt the upcoming 2018 BMW M2 facelift. The journalist even hints at the rumored M2 CS, but we can state that with certainty based on this video alone.

When the M2 facelift comes to market next year, we will likely see the introduction of a new front and rear-end design, mostly focused on the headlights and taillights. Chances are we’ll even get to see some more new tech thrown into the mix, as the M2 doesn’t get the full spectrum of Bavarian innovations at the moment.

BMW will be debuting a BMW M2 CS, which will be an even more powerful, more hardcore variant of the M2.

On the other hand, the M2 CS which is also scheduled for next year, is rumored to pack a detuned variant of the S55 engine in the current BMW M3/M4, the BMW M2 CS will develop around 400 hp. No word on torque but it could be around the same 406 lb-ft as in the M3/M4. As it currently stands, the BMW M2, with its 365 hp N55 engine, is about as fast as the BMW M4, with both cars being equipped with BMW’s DCT gearbox. The M4 Competition Package can get from 0-60 mph in around 3.8 seconds, whereas the M2 does the same spring in 4.0 seconds flat. That’s mighty close, so with the new engine and increased power, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the M2 eclipse the M4, in terms of performance.

The U.S. market is also getting a a new M2 product this year. Under the code ZL9, a 2017 BMW M2 M Performance Edition is being presented as a limited edition only for U.S. customers. The dealer bulletin says the special M2 is limited to 150 units and it has an MSRP of $61,695. All the units are only offered in Alpine White and will be equipped with the M Driver’s Package which brings the top speed to 168 mph.

Here is the short video:

 

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