The Right Foot Ahead: How BMW's M2 CS Can Teach You the Art of Precision Driving As I stepped onto the VIR's Grand Course, I couldn't help but think about the BMW M2 CS's incredible performance. Starting at just shy of six figures, this 523-hp beast nearly claimed the title of quickest BMW in Lightning Lap history. But what makes it tick? And how can we, as drivers, tap into its full potential? The M2 CS's twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six sends 479 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels, and that thrust requires careful application. Wheelspin puts on a show, but tire smoke is just time lost. Carefully dial in the throttle, and the 285/30ZR-20 rear tires mostly behave themselves. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R rubber generates confidence-building front-end bite, giving the M2 CS just over 1.0 g of grip in Turn 1. But it's not just about raw power; ...
The Right Foot Ahead: How BMW’s M2 CS Can Teach You the Art of Precision Driving
As I stepped onto the VIR’s Grand Course, I couldn’t help but think about the BMW M2 CS’s incredible performance. Starting at just shy of six figures, this 523-hp beast nearly claimed the title of quickest BMW in Lightning Lap history. But what makes it tick? And how can we, as drivers, tap into its full potential?
The M2 CS’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six sends 479 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels, and that thrust requires careful application. Wheelspin puts on a show, but tire smoke is just time lost. Carefully dial in the throttle, and the 285/30ZR-20 rear tires mostly behave themselves. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R rubber generates confidence-building front-end bite, giving the M2 CS just over 1.0 g of grip in Turn 1.
But it’s not just about raw power; the M2 CS rewards precision and patience. Laura Hayes, the quickest woman ever to run the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, joined us for an hour of driving and provided invaluable guidance. Her focus on restraint rather than aggression helped us pinpoint where early upshifts would pay dividends. At the Turn 1 exit, through the agonizingly slow Turn 4, and over the downhill curbing in Roller Coaster, short shifting minimized slip and helped us find 1.3 seconds in the Infield.
The M2 CS’s handling is a masterclass in subtlety. Compared with the 453-hp M2 we ran previously, the CS opened an 8.2-second gap around VIR. It’s a testament to the M2’s ability to adapt to different driving styles and conditions. But make no mistake, this is a car that demands respect. Compared to the M5 CS, the M2 CS feels like a more agile and responsive sibling.
As we lapped the course, I couldn’t help but think about the lessons I learned from driving the M2 CS. It’s a car that teaches you the art of precision driving, where every fraction of a second counts. And it’s not just about the car itself; it’s about the driver. How you interact with the M2 CS will determine its true potential.
The M2 CS is a car that will appeal to both enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Its incredible performance and handling make it a joy to drive, but its subtlety and nuance mean it’s also a car that rewards patience and attention to detail.
In conclusion, the BMW M2 CS is a car that will leave you wanting more. Its incredible performance, combined with its subtlety and nuance, make it a true driving experience. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting out, the M2 CS is a car that will teach you the art of precision driving.
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