The 2026 BMW M2 CS Just Decimated The Audi RS3's Nürburgring Record
There's been a bit of back and forth between Audi and BMW at the Nürburgring of late. In 2021, the 8Y Audi RS3 set a time around the Nordschleife of 7:40.748, earning it the title of the fastest compact car on the 'Ring. In 2023, the G87 BMW M2 stole the record with a time of 7:38.706 on the 12.944-mile route, so last year, the revised 2025 RS3 went back to the Nordschleife. It smashed the Bimmer's time by over five seconds, posting a time of 7:33.123, and the Bavarians simply couldn't let that slide.
"You beat us by five seconds? Fine - we'll beat you by eight," said BMW. It took a special model to achieve, but the 2026 M2 CS has now reset the record at 7:25.5, achieving the first sub-7:30 time for a compact car. You can watch that astonishing lap at the bottom of this article.
This lap time is some 13 seconds quicker than the one set by the normal M2 back in April 2023, but all that matters to BMW is that all its current CS models have dipped below 7:30, including the M4 CS, M3 CS (sedan, a time with the wagon has not been posted), and M4 CSL. For the record, the latter is the quickest BMW Group production car with a time of 7:18.137.
With over 70 bends, changing camber profiles, and varying surfaces on the track, one cannot simply attribute the record to more power, but also to enhanced suspension and grippier rubber. Still, there's no doubt that a jump from 473 horsepower to 523 helped. The only drawback? All that power means the M2 CS isn't available with a manual transmission. Then again, no Audi is.
The M2 CS is some 66 lbs lighter than the car upon which it is based, and it's got 129 horsepower more than the RS3. For Audi to reclaim the record would likely require a very focused and heavily upgraded car, and as a four-door hatch/sedan, the RS3 might be a tough sell with more track focus. Then again, it's not unlike Ingolstadt to celebrate the end of an era, and with the five-cylinder engine now only available in the RS3 after the TT RS departed, it's not unimaginable to think that a limited-run RS3 with no rear seats, a bigger turbo, and some specially developed rubber could be created to say goodbye to an icon.
There are rumblings that the TT will return at some stage, and its smaller footprint could give the M2 CS something to worry about, but that will take a couple of years to come to fruition, if it ever does, so BMW's record will likely be safe for a long time to come.
The 2026 BMW M2 CS Just Decimated The Audi RS3's Nürburgring Record first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 3, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
32 minutes ago
- Forbes
FC Barcelona To Receive This Offer From European Giant For Ter Stegen
FC Barcelona is set to receive an offer from a European giant - and that which knocked it out of the ... More Champions League last season - for Marc-Andre ter Stegen according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources. FC Barcelona is set to receive an offer from a European giant - and that which knocked it out of the Champions League last season - for Marc-Andre ter Stegen according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources. Though he started 2024/2025 as his team's captain and number one shotstopper, a pretty much campaign-ending injury knocked the German down the pecking order in Catalonia. Wojciech Szczesny was brought out of retirement to cover for the skipper and did a pretty outstanding job as Barca won all three titles on offer in Spain. After Barca shipped seven goals to Inter Milan, however, which saw them lose 7-6 on aggregate in the UCL finals, the quest for a new goalkeeper began. Barca didn't cast its net far and simply looked across the city to Espanyol. Activating breakout star Joan Garcia's $29.5 million (€25 million) and swiftly announcing the 24-year-old. Ter Stegen has since been the subject of endless reports with regards to being forced out of the club. While Sporting Director Deco said that he doesn't owe the veteran an explanation, he will reportedly have talks to clear up his future with head coach Hansi Flick before preseason training starts on July 13. Before that, though, Ter Stegen could have already been shipped off to another club. There has already been interest in him from Saudi Arabia and Galatasaray, but it is Inter Milan that is now thinking of lodging an offer in the coming days. Galatasaray has reportedly switched its focus to the Italians' goalkeeper Yan Sommer, who has just one year left on his contract at the San Siro, and that has forced the UCL runners-up recently knocked out of the Club World Cup by Fluminense to look for a replacement. Ter Stegen went from 'untouchable' to surplus to requirements at FC Barcelona Whether he moves on in the near future or sees out his contract which runs until 2028, Ter Stegen has gone from an 'untouchable' captain at FC Barcelona to a figure that is surplus to requirements while having become angered as what he perceives to be a media campaign against him aimed at forcing his exit.
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Inter Milan & Napoli ‘Unlikely' To Trigger €52M Release Clause For Fiorentina Star
Inter Milan and Napoli are unlikely to trigger the €52 million release clause of Fiorentina striker Moise Kean this summer. This according to today's print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. Advertisement The future of Fiorentina striker Moise Kean has been a subject of speculation this summer. The Italian international scored 25 goals and made three assists in all competitions for La Viola. He really made good on the promise that he had long shown playing for Juventus, Everton, and PSG. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that there would be transfer interest in Kean this summer. Inter & Napoli Unlikely To Trigger Moise Kean Release Clause FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 18: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Bologna at Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 18, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by) Inter Milan have reportedly earmarked Kean as a potential replacement in the event of a surprise departure by Marcus Thuram. Meanwhile, Napoli are also eyeing the 25-year-old up. Advertisement The Partenopei are therefore working to strengthen their Serie A title-winning squad this summer. A backup to Romelu Lukaku in attack would be one of the priorities. The fact that Moise Kean has a €52 million release clause at Fiorentina could make him more attainable. However, according to the Gazzetta, it would be unlikely that either Inter or Napoli would offer that much in order to trigger the clause.
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Equipment manufacturer turns heads with next-gen work vehicles boasting incredible performance: 'It is an ideal tool'
In a huge move for the industrial and construction industries, Spanish equipment manufacturer AUSA has introduced its first-ever electric rough-terrain forklift, per Electrek. Unveiled at the recent Bauma construction fair in Germany, the C151E is designed to bring the well-known benefits of electric vehicles into demanding job sites and represents a significant innovation in heavy‑duty material handling. AUSA shared in a video all the specs of the C151E, including a 3,000-pound loading capacity, battery with up to 18.6 kilowatt-hours, digital display with diagnostics, all-in-one joystick, zero carbon pollution, and it's nearly silent. AUSA said in a press release that the forklift is designed specifically for worksites with low pollution, like greenhouses and enclosed spaces. Electrek reported that the forklift also charges incredibly quickly: "Even if you drive the battery to nearly nothing, the AUSA can be charged up during a lunch break or shift change and ready to work again as soon as you reach for it." There is a growing trend of electrifying necessary equipment in manufacturing industries. Another European Union company announced an all-new electric line of construction equipment in 2024. Australia and China are also seeing similar innovations. Forklifts are indispensable across countless sectors, from agriculture and recycling to logistics and construction. Introducing electric models such as the C151E means smoother, more efficient operations and a great way to cut costs. "It is an ideal tool for working in emission-free spaces such as greenhouses, municipal night works, enclosed spaces, etc.," AUSA said, according to Electrek. Companies can expand their use, because electric assets are allowed where internal combustion isn't. "You can earn more work, get a higher utilization rate, and maximize not only your fuel savings, but generate income you couldn't generate without it," Electrek explained. Beyond financial savings, without tailpipe pollution, the forklift is also beneficial to the environment as well as the health of those operating it. Traditional diesel and gas-powered forklifts can negatively impact air quality and worker health, especially in enclosed spaces like warehouses, because of the release of carbon monoxide as well as known carcinogens. Thanks to innovations like the C151E, it's now easier than ever for companies to cut costs, protect worker health, and get the job done — without all the noise and fumes. It's a win for business and a win for the environment. If you're thinking about switching to electric yard tools, which of these factors would be most persuasive for you? Better for the environment Cheaper to fuel and maintain More enjoyable to use Produce better results Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
