BMW has at all times 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 right canvas for BMW fanatics 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, enhancing an already highly effective and nimble chassis with a bunch of racetrack-ready enhancements. And it higher be good: BMW’s been testing prototypes since November 2023, using three separate take a look at vehicles and masking over 30,000 kilometers of their endurance checks.
The New M2 Racing Debuts
Regardless of being revealed with a wild livery that BMW calls “Inception” — and by no means road-legal — the M2 Racing isn’t utterly dissimilar from the streetcar it shares its badging with. A turbocharged engine nonetheless purrs away beneath 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 the intention to make sure the soundtrack remains to be on level. No guide transmission, after all, however a ZF eight-speed computerized is greater than as much as the problem of powering the rear wheels.
Different tweaks embody 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 varied inlets with the intention to scale back the possibility of particles or influence damaging parts, too. In any case, racing isn’t at all times essentially the most pleasant sport. Whereas wheels, a KW coilover suspension equipment, and brake pads are particular to the M2 Racing, the rotors are straight off the streetcar. Round again, large exhaust retailers showcase the GT4 exhaust together with racy additions like a carbon fiber spoiler and aggressive diffuser. The M2 Racing additionally affords an air lifting system for straightforward tire adjustments.
Inside Particulars of the M2 Racing
Inside, the M2 Racing is precisely what you’d 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 automotive, notably the iDrive display screen, steering wheel, and middle console. The M2 Racing is optionally obtainable with particular datalogging software program for patrons that wish to monitor their automotive’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 any case, the M2 Racing is a full-fledged race automotive. BMW focused a worth level of “beneath €100,000,” and acquired there: the M2 Racing may be yours for €98,000. After all, import taxes would possibly push you somewhat bit additional up, particularly for those who’re Stateside. There’s a ton of non-obligatory gear to push that worth up, too. BMW affords all the things 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 needs to be rather a lot decrease than different race vehicles, as a result 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.
