NOT too usually would we swap Sydney climate for Melbourne, however on this present day, boy was this author glad to flee Sydney’s rain for the sun-soaked Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and a date with BMW’s M2 CS.
We wouldn’t have lengthy with the M2 CS, solely a handful of laps in complete, so we would wish to make them rely (a full assessment will are available in time, however this story is about what it’s prefer to push this automotive to its limits on one of many world’s nice race tracks).
Strolling out into pit lane, we have been greeted with two choices; one with the M double-clutch automated gearbox and sticky Michelin Cup 2 tyres, the opposite with a six-speed guide gearbox.
Yours actually opted to drive the 6-speed guide model first and was pleasantly stunned with the fantastically exact motion of the guide shifter, and the lightness of the clutch pedal.
My fast thought, “this is really easy you could possibly drive this every single day, even in Sydney’s site visitors”.
Submitting out of pit lane onto the entrance straight and opening the faucets of the three.0-litre inline 6-cylinder turbo engine, you are feeling each little bit of the 331kW and 550Nm on supply earlier than grabbing the subsequent gear, and that feeling begins yet again.
Go for the M DCT automated and the one factor that adjustments is the moment change of every gear, which leaves us with fast and relentless as the primary two phrases so as to add to our M2 CS vocabulary.
Method a nook, and whether or not you heel and toe on the downshift or flick the left-hand paddle, the M2 CS decelerates powerfully with composure, as you eye the subsequent apex.
Begin turning the M Alcantara steering wheel and the M2 CS responds precisely and instantly (there’s that phrase once more), providing needle sharp turn-in and mid-corner grip.
That is partially because of the elective Michelin Cup 2 tyres, carbon fibre bolstered plastic (CFRP) weight optimised exterior components, and the particularly tuned adaptive M suspension.
Begin making use of some throttle and you are feeling simply how playful and adjustable the M2 CS is on the restrict. Cling the tail out in a lurid smoky slide, or have it dancing both aspect of the restrict of adhesion.
The M2 CS provides you a spread of choices on the way you need to take a nook by letting you place the M2 CS precisely the place you need. Add in exact and playful, to that vocabulary. It’s a correct package deal of driving enjoyable.
And simply as shortly as this text has come to an finish, so did our temporary however eye-opening encounter with the M2 CS. Two 3-lap blasts in every model was sufficient to go away us salivating for some extra time with what is bound to develop into a extremely sought-after machine.
With solely 86 2021 BMW M2 CS coming to Australia, and 45 per cent of the allocation being guide, demand will probably be excessive. A brief wheelbase mixed with these ranges of energy and grip supply a go-kart on steroids kind of expertise.
It places an enormous smile in your face and provides us our last and most defining phrase for our M2 CS vocabulary, need.
Our take a look at car was offered by BMW Australia as a part of a track-based launch occasion on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. To seek out out extra in regards to the 2021 BMW M2 CS, contact your native BMW vendor.
