The new BMW M2 will have ‘similar performance’ to the old M2 CS…

BMW has provided an update on the forthcoming, next-generation M2, as the car enters its final testing phase ahead of its debut this October and market launch in April next year. And, um, it’s made us properly sit up over breakfast this morning.

You see, the German company reckons that the "new production car boasts a similar performance level to the BMW M2 CS". You know, the car that takes the standard M2’s 404bhp and dials it up to… 444bhp.

Which begs two questions. Firstly, what on earth? And secondly, what exactly are they planning on doing when the time comes for the next M2 CS?

Plenty of food for thought there. Anyway, the new M2 is having its chassis and driving dynamics thoroughly tested at the Salzburgring in Austria, with its brake system and engines derived from the M3 and M4.

Customers will have the option of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox, with power going through the back wheels. Though that goes without saying.

Further to that, BMW says special options will include a carbon roof and bucket seats to reduce weight and "emphasise the racing look of the new BMW M2". But of course.

Like the sound of what's in store? Or will it suffer from the 2 Series' over-reliance on the 4 Series Coupe?