On Test: The BMW M2. Pure Racetrack DNA

It’s intoxicating and a real stand out. And that colour, Zandvoort Blue, says it all and just adds to the robust thoroughbred look of the BMW M2. The aggressive stance says it’s ready for action, whether it’s on or off track. A real head-turner of note. The M2 is for the purist and raises more than the bar for compact high-performance sports cars in the premium segment. And believe me, it elevates the performance experience in this vehicle class to a whole new level. The is now with even more power, greater visual impact than ever and innovative equipment features. Front and centre of this fresh round of updates to the car is the 15 kW added to its output: the high-revving six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology now tops out at 353 Kw of raw power.  And then there are the new design accents for the exterior, an updated interior and the introduction of BMW Operating System 8.5 to underpin the latest generation of BMW iDrive.

 

Under the bonnet

Six-cylinder in-line engine with extra output and torque. As well as the raw power itself, the inimitable way in which the six-cylinder in-line engine delivers that power also plays a key role in the performance experience offered by the new BMW M2. The upgraded version of the engine for the new edition of the high-performance sports car shines an even more vivid spotlight on the linear delivery of power, with it’s lowered centre of gravity. The engine produces its increased maximum output of 353 kW at 6,250 rpm, with revs topping out at 7,200 rpm.

 

Racing expertise delivers smile-inducing performance

As well as its pair of turbochargers, the M TwinPower Turbo technology of the straight-six engine also includes High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and fully variable camshaft timing. The engine also has an array of details borrowed directly from racing car design and whose impact is most clearly evident in its lightning-fast response, appetite for revs and high performance capability in track use. The M-specific cooling system ensures the powertrain components maintain an optimal operating temperature even under heavy loads.

 

Impactful exterior

Bumper to bumper, the M2 is designed for both speed and control. Powerfully chiselled surfaces and athletic proportions mark out the pure-bred performance character. M-specific design features geared to the functional requirements of cooling air routing and aerodynamic balance accentuate the eye-catching appearance of the two-door car. A large, horizontal BMW kidney grille and the three-section split lower air intake optimise cooling of the powertrain components and brakes.

 

LED

The model-specific LED headlights are positioned towards the outer edges of the front end. They each have a single circular headlight that generates both low beam and high beam. U-shaped light guides at the lower edge of the headlights serve as both the daytime driving lights and turn indicators.

The rear apron of the new BMW M2 features a powerfully sculpted race-car-style diffuser. The exhaust system feeds into two pairs of exhaust tailpipes, which are positioned a significant distance from the edges of the rear end and also channel the racing genes of the M2 visually.

 

Wheels

The new BMW M2 is fitted as standard with M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design and with a Jet Black finish. Dimensions are 19 inches at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear axle. A new addition to the options list are M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design and with the same dimensions, but finished in the colour Silver.

With their optimised weight, emotionally charged design, and technology adapted from motorsport connecting to the wheel bearing, the centrelock wheels emphasise the high-performance-oriented character of the vehicles equipped with them. Track racing technology at it’s very best in the M2.

 

BMW Operating System 8.5, digital control for the climate functions.

The M-specific content in the BMW Curved Display and optional BMW Head-Up Display enhances the cockpit’s progressive sports car aura. The fully digital screen grouping, made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display, now provides the stage for the latest evolution of the BMW iDrive control/operation system based on BMW Operating System 8.5.

 

M-specific operating concept, extensive standard equipment.

At the heart of the M-specific operating concept is the Setup button on the centre console. This provides direct access to the settings options for the engine, the standard adaptive M suspension, the M Servotronic steering, the integrated braking system working in conjunction with the M Compound brakes, and the M Traction Control function.

Also on the options list are Comfort Access, an electrically operated slide/tilt sunroof and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. As well as the BMW Head-Up Display, the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the new BMW M2 now also includes Augmented View on the control display.

 

Price

R1 505 988