BMW’s M division claims a 'fresh benchmark' in the compact high-performance car segment with this one
This is the new M car that is set to make fanboys salivate, and we’re very sure about this because it made us, err, salivate when we saw the photos and specs too. Without wasting anymore time, lets just get down to the most important bit of the BMW M2 Competition: Under that hood.
The centrepiece of the new BMW M2 Competition is its new engine, based on the power unit from the BMW M3 and BMW M4. The double-charged six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers 410 hp between 5,250 and 7,000 rpm. The engine’s 550 Nm peak torque is on tap between 2,350 and 5,200 rpm. Complimenting that is a dual exhaust system with electronic flap control which provides the distinctive M sound, while the M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers outstanding efficiency. Impressed yet?
With the M DCT ‘box, the M2 Competition completes a standard standstill to 100 km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds (4.4 seconds with a 6-speed manual) - not that far off the Porsche 911 Carrera S (PDK) which needs 3.9 seconds, just for comparison’s sake. Top speed has been electronically limited to 250 km/h; but surprise, surprise, the car can be combined with the M Driver’s Package to raise the top speed to 280 km/h.
A cleverly designed oil supply system for the engine is taken directly from motorsport, while the cooling system from the BMW M4 with Competition Package is also employed, with some adjustments. An enlarged BMW kidney and a new front skirt with increased air flow are exterior signs that point to the use of this improved cooling system. The kidney is finished in high-gloss Shadow Line black paint as standard. This is also the case for the side gills on the front wings, and for the redesigned quartet of tailpipes in the twin exhaust system.
The design of the new double-arm wing mirrors improves the aerodynamics, and is exclusive to the new M2 Competition.
BMW M engineers have also adjusted the driving dynamics of the M2 Competition to take the increased performance into account. The striking CFRP high-precision strut from the BMW M3/M4 is immediately noticeable in the engine compartment - this improves front section rigidity and increases steering precision. The characteristic curves for the electromechanical power steering, the Active M Differential and the Dynamic Steering Control (DSC) system have also been adjusted.
And lets not forget the new M sport brakes. It provides maximum brake performance thanks to larger brake discs (front axle: 400 mm diameter, rear axle: 380 mm diameter) and brake calipers painted grey (front axle: 6-piston fixed caliper, rear axle: 4-piston fixed caliper). The optional 19-inch forged alloy wheels (front axle: 9J x 19, rear axle: 10J x 19) are also available with the new Y-spoke design.
A new metallic paint colour is also now exclusively available for the M2 Competition: Hockenheim Silver.
