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 fans 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 automobiles and masking 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 in no way road-legal — the M2 Racing isn’t fully 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 to be able to make sure the soundtrack remains to be on level. No handbook transmission, in fact, however a ZF eight-speed computerized is greater than as much as the problem of powering the rear wheels.
Different tweaks embrace a cooling system based mostly on the one within the S58 engine, so even when operating sizzling lap after sizzling lap, the automotive stays cool and composed. BMW closed off the grilles and numerous inlets to be able to scale back the possibility of particles or impression damaging parts, 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, large exhaust shops showcase the GT4 exhaust together with racy additions like a carbon fiber spoiler and aggressive diffuser. The M2 Racing additionally presents an air lifting system for straightforward tire adjustments.
Inside Particulars of the M2 Racing
Inside, the M2 Racing is strictly what you’ll count on. 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 automotive, notably the iDrive display, steering wheel, and middle console. The M2 Racing is optionally out there with particular datalogging software program for patrons that wish to monitor their automotive’s efficiency much more carefully.
At 1498 kg (round 3,300 kilos), the M2 Racing manages to chop round 1000 kilos from the common mannequin. Pricing? If it’s a must to ask…no, it’s not that egregious. In spite of everything, the M2 Racing is a full-fledged race automotive. BMW focused a worth level of “underneath €100,000,” and received there: the M2 Racing will be yours for €98,000. After all, import taxes would possibly push you a bit bit additional up, particularly if you happen to’re Stateside. There’s a ton of elective gear to push that worth up, too. BMW presents every part from automotive covers to exhaust mufflers and ballast bins, relying on what you’re making an attempt to do with the automotive. BMW additionally says operating prices must be loads decrease than different race automobiles, on account of widespread half sharing and the choice to make use of the inline-four. Orders are up in June, with deliveries starting late this 12 months.
