Devon, Author at Autos Grind

BMW has officially wrapped up production of the G87 M2 CS, with the final unit rolling off the assembly line on July 29, 2026. In total, 2,882 examples of this track-focused coupe were built, marking a 21 percent jump over the 2,381 units produced for the previous F87 generation. That growth signals just how much demand has grown for BMW's most hardcore version of the M2. A Standout Color Choice What makes this production run particularly interesting is the color breakdown among American buyers. Roughly half of all US-bound M2 CS models left the factory finished in Velvet Blue, a deep, saturated shade that has become something of a signature hue for BMW's M division in recent years. The popularity of this single color says a lot about how buyers view the M2 CS, not just as a performance machine but as a statement piece meant to stand out. Velvet Blue isn't a totally new color for BMW, but its dominance on the M2 CS specifically highlights how enthusiasts gravitate toward bold, distinctive shades when spending nearly six figures on a car built for the track and street alike. Other color options were available, including more traditional shades like black, white, and gray, but none came close to matching the demand for this particular blue. Why the M2 CS Matters The G87 M2 CS represents the pinnacle of the current M2 lineup. Under the hood sits the S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six, the same engine architecture found in the M3 and M4 Competition models, but tuned here to produce 523 horsepower. That's a notable bump over the standard M2's output, giving the CS variant a genuine edge in both straight-line speed and overall drivability. BMW offered the M2 CS with both a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic, a rare move in today's market where manual gearboxes are becoming increasingly scarce. This flexibility likely helped broaden its appeal, attracting both purists who wanted to row their own gears and buyers who preferred the quicker shifts of the automatic for maximum performance. Beyond the engine, the CS package brought a host of upgrades designed to sharpen the car's track capability. Lightweight carbon fiber components, a more aggressive aerodynamic package, and specially tuned suspension and braking systems all worked together to make the M2 CS one of the most capable compact performance cars BMW has ever built. Comparing Generations The jump from 2,381 units in the F87 generation to 2,882 in the G87 generation isn't just a minor uptick, it reflects real growth in demand for these limited, high-performance variants. BMW has clearly recognized that enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium for exclusivity paired with genuine performance upgrades, not just cosmetic changes. This increase also suggests that BMW may have slightly expanded allocation for the US market, historically one of the brand's strongest regions for M cars. American buyers have shown a consistent appetite for special edition M vehicles, and the finish line numbers for the M2 CS back that up. What This Means for Collectors With production now closed, the G87 M2 CS joins a growing list of limited-run BMW M cars that are likely to hold their value well, if not appreciate, in the coming years. Limited production numbers combined with the car's performance credentials make it an attractive option for collectors looking to add a modern classic to their garage. The fact that half of the US allocation came in one specific color could also play into future resale value. Cars finished in less common colors might carry a slight premium for buyers seeking exclusivity within an already limited production run, while Velvet Blue examples could become the de facto face of this generation of M2 CS. Looking Ahead As BMW moves forward, the end of M2 CS production naturally raises questions about what comes next for the M2 lineup. Given the brand's history of pushing electrification into its performance models, future high-performance variants could look very different from the gas-powered, manual-transmission-friendly M2 CS enthusiasts have come to love. For now, though, the G87 M2 CS closes out its run as a fitting tribute to old-school performance values, wrapped in a color that clearly resonated with American buyers. Whether parked in a garage or taken out to the track, these final examples represent a high point for BMW's compact M car lineup, and one that's likely to be remembered fondly by enthusiasts for years to come.

BMW M2 CS: Velvet Blue Wins Over US Buyers

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