There's been a lot of talk about BMW working on a more powerful version of the M2, and rumors keep pouring. Word of a beefed-up M2 got out in 2015, speaking of the coupe being in line for a package similar to the M4 GTS, but with a "CSL" badge on its trunk lid. Now, a new report claims that the upcoming model could be named the CS and borrow its drivetrain from the BMW M4.

That's the word from German outlet Bimmer Today, which claims that BMW will launch a more powerful M2 Clubsport (CS) for the 2018 model year with a new version of the N55 twin-turbo inline-six that motivates the M3 and M4 instead of the current single-turbo six-cylinder unit. The new mill would bring a power bump compared to the current M2, but don't expect the new rating to be identical to that of the M4. In order to maintain a gap between the two performance coupes and prevent nameplate cannibalization, the M2 CS would arrive with some 400 horsepower. That's 35 horses more than the standard M2 and 25 horsepower less than the M4.

The report also claims that M2 CS could also receive suspension components from the M4, thus making it even more track-focused than the standard model. The recipe is similar to what Porsche did with the Cayman GT4, which features various chassis parts from the 911 GT3. Interestingly enough, the M2 is already a solid competitor for the Cayman GT4 if we ignore the radically different engine layouts and prices. Naturally, the M2 CS will also employ new lightweight measure, with curb weight likely to drop by around 100 pounds.

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Why it Matters?

The BMW M2 is already a fantastic car. Built in the vein of the original 1M Coupe, the M2 is only marginally slower than the M4 and its more compact proportions make it the better track toy. Its sticker is also far more attractive at only $51,700, compared to both the larger M4 Coupe ($66,200) and the awesome, yet very expensive Porsche Cayman GT4 ($84,600). A lighter and more powerful M2 would give BMW enthusiasts access to a tremendous vehicle, as well as bring new gearheads into the company's showrooms. With 400 horsepower and an M4 engine under the hood, the M2 CS will be quicker than anything else available in this niche, a benchmark even Porsche will find it difficult to beat with the Cayman. On the flipside, there have been way too many rumors about this M-badged compact and we won't know for sure what will happen until the folks over at BMW release further details. What we do know for a fact is that a beefier M2 is definitely underway, as the car has been spotted on the Nurburgring track more than once in 2016.

BMW M2 CSL

Read our full review on the BMW M2 CSL here.