Latest news with #BMWM2CS

Miami Herald
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
SPIED: Mercedes-AMG's 550-HP CLA Shooting Brake Will Torment Its Tires
There's no doubt that the vast majority of retail car buyers choose crossovers or SUVs, but not everyone seeking practicality wants a raised ride height, and some automakers are satisfying their desires with new wagons. Mercedes is one of them, preparing a new take on its CLA Shooting Brake, and new spy shots from our photographers in Europe suggest that the AMG variant will be quite the beast. We'll get into the design momentarily, but first, take a look at the tires - our spies say the rubber on this AMG CLA prototype only had "a few" fast laps of the Nürburgring, yet the tread is heavily worn. The sidewalls also appear to have taken some abuse. This indicates either too much weight, an unrefined stability control system delivering too much power in low-traction scenarios, or both. The BMW M2 CS, currently the fastest compact car on the Nürburgring, delivers 523 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged straight-six. Being a heavier electric car than any M2 or RS 3, the AMG CLA EQ will reportedly get as much as 550 hp, shared across front and rear axles. These specifications are yet to be confirmed, but they sound right for a high-performance EV. Like the sedan our spies shot last month, the AMG wagon is getting an adaptive rear spoiler, here situated at the top of the tailgate. This is expected to be manually operable, potentially allowing owners to show off by deploying the spoiler even when parked. Mismatched wheels front and rear are not unsuaul for a prototype, but it's worth noting that the front design looks specific to electric AMGs with its flat-faced rim borders. The last update we got from our spies said that the electric motor on the front axle would be idle in most scenarios to maximize range, likely disconnecting at highway speeds and in certain modes. Total range is expected to be over 430 miles, but those who buy a car with an AMG badge may have other priorities, and we suspect that there will be a mode to enable drifting. After all, previous CLA and A-Class cars from the AMG division have had the ability. Hopefully, we'll get confirmation on these details and more soon; production bodywork suggests the CLA AMG EQ will be revealed by the end of the year. Whether the shooting brake will be available in the U.S. remains to be seen, but the non-AMG CLA Shooting Brake has already been revealed, following the launch of the sedan in March. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


The Sun
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
BMW M2 CS sets record-breaking lap at Nurburgring
THE new BMW M2 CS has redefined expectations in the compact sports car segment with a record-breaking lap at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. On 11 April 2025, BMW M development engineer Jorg Weidinger piloted the latest generation of the M2 CS around the legendary 20.823km circuit in just 7 minutes and 25.5 seconds. This performance shaved a full eight seconds off the previous record in the compact category and improved upon Weidinger's own best time in the previous M2 model by 13 seconds. This achievement not only places the M2 CS at the forefront of its class but also adds another milestone to BMW M's storied legacy of performance excellence on one of the world's most demanding circuits. The Nurburgring, often dubbed the 'Green Hell', is considered the ultimate proving ground for high-performance vehicles, with over 70 corners testing a car's dynamics, stability, and engineering prowess. Each record attempt is closely supervised and verified by independent testing authorities, ensuring all vehicles remain in production-spec condition. Weidinger's new lap time surpasses the benchmark previously held by the BMW M4 CS, M4 CSL, and M3 CS–three mid-size models that had all previously dipped below the 7:30-minute barrier. Among them, the M4 CSL remains the fastest production car in BMW Group history, with an officially notarised time of 7:18.137 minutes. The record at the Nordschleife highlights not only the M2 CS's capabilities but also underscores BMW M's deep-rooted connection with the Nürburgring, a partnership now spanning over 25 years. The manufacturer maintains a permanent presence at the circuit through the BMW M Power Grandstand, the BMW M Bridge, and the M Driving Experience. The adjacent BMW M Test Centre is where future M models are refined and put through rigorous testing prior to entering series production. This extensive integration ensures that every BMW M vehicle benefits from direct feedback gained on the Nordschleife. In racing, BMW M Motorsport has also found remarkable success at the venue, with 21 overall wins at the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race. At the core of the new BMW M2 CS's performance is a heavily upgraded powertrain and an engineering focus on lightweight construction. Its 3.0-litre straight-six engine, fitted with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, delivers 530hp and 650Nm of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The result is a compact sports coupé that responds with razor-sharp precision and ferocious acceleration. Underpinning this dynamic prowess is a suite of motorsport-derived technologies, including model-specific engine mounts, adaptive M suspension, and a high-performance M compound braking system. The car's agility is further enhanced by a 30-kilogram weight reduction, achieved through the extensive use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in both exterior and interior components. Adding to its track-ready appeal, the BMW M2 CS comes fitted with forged M light-alloy wheels as standard. These details contribute to a heightened driving experience aimed at purists and enthusiasts seeking maximum performance in a compact form. Manufactured at BMW Group's state-of-the-art facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, the M2 CS will be released as a limited edition model, with global market entry expected by late summer 2025. In Germany, it is priced at €115,000, which is approximately RM585,000. Its arrival is poised to make a considerable impact among collectors and high-performance driving aficionados alike. With its blend of raw power, advanced technology, and Nürburgring-certified credentials, the BMW M2 CS cements its place as a new benchmark in the segment, reaffirming BMW M's reputation for engineering excellence and performance dominance on both road and racetrack.


NDTV
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Tata Scarlet Sub-4m SUV Under Works, Could Rival Mahindra Bolero
Tata Motors India has been planning to diversify its product offering in the country. Recently, the brand launched the Tata Altroz and Tata strengthening its Indian portfolio. According to Autocar India, Tata is now planning to introduce a new nameplate in India, codenamed Scarlet. This is one of the seven new nameplates the brand plans to launch by 2030. Also Read: BMW M2 CS Sets Record At Nurburgring, Check Timing Here While the Indian car manufacturer remains tight-lipped about its sub-4 m SUV, the Tata Scarlet, it is reportedly based on a monocoque platform, supporting both internal combustion and electric powertrains. It can either utilize the brand's 1.5-liter NA petrol, Nexon's 1.2-liter turbo petrol, or Curvv's 1.2-liter direct injection turbo petrol engine. It might also get a diesel engine as well. Like the Tata may equip the Scarlet SUV with an AWD setup, using a front and a rear motor on the axle. However, the pricing may also push Scarlet to ditch the AWD format. Also Read: Mahindra SUV Concept Teased Ahead Of August 15 Debut Tata is expected to place the Scarlet SUV quite close to the Nexon ICE and Nexon EV. While the design of the Scarlet SUV is expected to be quite bold, boxy, and more aggressive than the Nexon's design appeal. Though the brand has not provided much data yet, it is also expected to rival the Mahindra Bolero. Apart from the Scarlet SUV, the brand is also working on diversifying its product portfolio. Reports suggest that Tata is also working on two new sub-4 m SUVs codenamed- Terra and Kuno. Though Tata has kept the details about its 7 new nameplates under cover, it has confirmed the plans to introduce the new cars by 2030.


NDTV
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
BMW M2 CS Sets Record At Nurburgring, Check Timing Here
The BMW M2 CS is now the fastest compact car, as it has set a record at Nurburgring on 11 April 2025. Driven by BMW M development engineer Jorg Weidinger, it completed the 20.823-kilometre Nurburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:25.5 minutes, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds. 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 minutes. Two years later, he beat this time by 13 seconds, breaking the class record of 7:30 minutes for the first time. With the newly set best time of 7:25.5 minutes, the BMW M2 CS demonstrates its outstanding performance as well as the innovative power and engineering skills of BMW M GmbH. BMW M2 CS sets record 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 Group production car. The official, notarised time is 7:18.137 minutes. Also Read: Mahindra SUV Concept Teased Ahead Of August 15 Debut 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 minutes. Two years later, he beat this time by 13 seconds, breaking the class record of 7:30 minutes for the first time. With the newly set best time of 7:25.5 minutes, the BMW M2 CS demonstrates its outstanding performance as well as the innovative power and engineering skills of BMW M GmbH. The BMW M2 CS is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine, which is capable of churning out a peak power and torque output of 530 hp and 650 Nm. However, the model that set the record had some performance mods featuring engine mounts, an adaptive M suspension, an M compound brake system, and more. These modifications dropped the overall weight of the car by 30 kg, compared to the standard M2 model.

IOL News
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
New BMW M2 CS smashes Nurburgring record for compact cars
Jörg Weidinger drove the BMW M2 CS to a new Nurburgring record for compact cars. They call it the 'Green Hell', with 20.832 kilometres of undulating tar, known for its significant elevation changes and a bumpy surface. Achieving a new record time at Germany's Nürburgring-Nordschleife is a notable achievement, and BMW has done just that in the compact class of cars, with its new M2 CS. With BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger behind the wheel, the BMW M2 CS has knocked the Audi RS3 off its throne as the fastest compact car on the 'Ring. With a time of 7:25.5 minutes, Weidinger beat the Audi's previous record by eight seconds. "The BMW M2 CS has achieved a significant milestone with its lap time of 7:25.5 minutes on the Nordschleife, showcasing the potential for combining performance, technology and exceptional driving dynamics into a single vehicle," BMW M boss Franciscus van Meel exclaimed. 'We are proud that the M2 CS has once again set a new benchmark in the compact car class with this lap time.' The M2 CS is not the fastest BMW around the 'Ring however. That honour belongs to the M4 CSL, which lapped the gruelling circuit in 7:18.137s.