In the late ’70s and ’80s, BMW built a reputation on lightweight cars with benchmark handling. So much so that 40 years later, the 3-Series, responsible for the majority of the strength behind the brand’s ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ tagline, is still the sedan brands look to as a target. With that said, the 3-Series (along with the rest of the lineup) ballooned over the years and the 2-series is now the defacto small, nimble car in the Bimmer line up. It’s even praised as a taste of BMWs of old. BMW Blog has reported that a hardcore, lightened M2 CS is on the way in 2020, which just begs the question: why did this type of car ever disappear from the lineup to begin with?

Every CS or CSL model BMW has put on the road is a raging success and is an instant legend. I’m not saying BMW should start slapping 1,000,000 CS and CSL badges on all their cars just for the sake of it. I’m saying the lightweight ethos should have a stronger presence in every BMW. It’s almost a cliche at this point to say BMW lost its way, but it’s a common enough opinion for a reason. It shouldn’t be a special occasion when BMW releases a light car. It should be expected.

The highest trim M2 right now is the M2 Competiton, sporting 405 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Now, in CS-tradition, increasing power won’t be the focus — it’ll be shedding weight. Expect a small power bump in horsepower (the M2 Competition already has 40hp more than the standard M2) but look for how many pounds BMW shaves off. The M2 competition is already a fantastic car; it doesn’t need the extra power with only 3,600lbs to lug around. Losing a bit of that weight, however, gives us a reason to start already looking forward to 2020.