BMW has all the time been good about supporting customer-led racing efforts. Fashions just like the BMW M235i Racing, BMW M240i Racing, and BMW M2 CS Racing made the proper canvas for BMW lovers that gotta go quick, and the successor is lastly right here. BMW’s latest M2 Racing picks up proper the place its predecessors left off, bettering an already highly effective and nimble chassis with a number of racetrack-ready enhancements. And it higher be good: BMW’s been testing prototypes since November 2023, using three separate check vehicles and protecting over 30,000 kilometers of their endurance exams.
The New M2 Racing Debuts
Regardless of being revealed with a wild livery that BMW calls “Inception” — and under no circumstances road-legal — the M2 Racing isn’t utterly dissimilar from the streetcar it shares its badging with. A turbocharged engine nonetheless purrs away underneath the hood, although right here it’s a B48 turbocharged four-cylinder making 313 horsepower and 420 Nm (309 pound-feet of torque). Put down your pitchforks: BMW’s run piping from the GT4 exhaust system tailored to 4 cylinders with a purpose to make sure the soundtrack continues to be on level. No handbook transmission, after all, however a ZF eight-speed automated is greater than as much as the problem of powering the rear wheels.
Different tweaks embody a cooling system primarily based on the one within the S58 engine, so even when working sizzling lap after sizzling lap, the automobile stays cool and composed. BMW closed off the grilles and varied inlets with a purpose to cut back the prospect of particles or influence damaging elements, too. In spite of everything, racing isn’t all the time essentially the most pleasant sport. Whereas wheels, a KW coilover suspension package, and brake pads are particular to the M2 Racing, the rotors are straight off the streetcar. Round again, huge exhaust retailers showcase the GT4 exhaust together with racy additions like a carbon fiber spoiler and aggressive diffuser. The M2 Racing additionally gives an air lifting system for simple tire adjustments.
Inside Particulars of the M2 Racing
Inside, the M2 Racing is precisely what you’ll anticipate. A welded roll cage, carbon fiber Sabelt race seats, and fabric door pulls set it instantly other than the M2s you’ll see in your morning commute. However there are some holdovers from the common automobile, notably the iDrive display screen, steering wheel, and middle console. The M2 Racing is optionally obtainable with particular datalogging software program for purchasers that need to monitor their automobile’s efficiency much more intently.
At 1498 kg (round 3,300 kilos), the M2 Racing manages to chop round 1000 kilos from the common mannequin. Pricing? If you must ask…no, it’s not that egregious. In spite of everything, the M2 Racing is a full-fledged race automobile. BMW focused a value level of “underneath €100,000,” and bought there: the M2 Racing will be yours for €98,000. After all, import taxes would possibly push you slightly bit additional up, particularly for those who’re Stateside. There’s a ton of optionally available gear to push that value up, too. BMW gives all the things from automobile covers to exhaust mufflers and ballast bins, relying on what you’re attempting to do with the automobile. BMW additionally says working prices needs to be quite a bit decrease than different race vehicles, because of widespread half sharing and the choice to make use of the inline-four. Orders are up in June, with deliveries starting late this yr.
