BMW: M2 a racer for the road 🎥
STRONG TYPE In recent years, M GmbH has developed into a strong pillar of BMW. The entry-level model in BMW's sports division is called the M2 and now appears in a further optimized new edition.
The TCS Betzholz test site in Hinwil provided an opportunity to get a close look at the BMW M2 compact sports car, which has been further developed both visually and technically. Compared to its predecessor, the second generation, a highlight of M GmbH's 50th anniversary, is slightly longer and wider, but lower. And thanks to the increased track width, it sits even better on the road.
Technology of the big in the small
The powertrain and chassis technology is essentially taken from the M3/M4 model pair, i.e. it comprises the 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine with two turbochargers and direct injection, the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and the rear axle drive with sport differential. On the chassis side, a spring strut front axle and a five-link rear axle are used. This puts up to 550 Nm and 460 hp on the road, controlled by various driving dynamics systems. Those who like the road racer a bit more purist can select the 6-speed manual transmission and thus save an additional 25 kilograms of vehicle weight.
Equipped with an automatic transmission, the M2, which weighs 1725 kilograms, accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, according to the manufacturer; the manual transmission takes two tenths of a second longer. The top speed is 250 km/h, or 285 km/h if the M Driver's Package is selected.
Top marks also for handling
The new M2 is extremely agile on the short and winding handling course at the Driving Safety Center. Its very torsionally stiff body, balanced axle load distribution and precise, direct steering make it a distinctly fun-to-drive model. As an alternative to the standard sports seats, M carbon bucket seats are available for an even more intense connection with the car. Programmed driving modes can be selected directly using the M buttons on the steering wheel, and as a gimmick for particularly racing-minded drivers, there is a drift analyzer and laptimer for evaluating driving activity. The compound braking system decelerates the 19- (front) and 20-inch wheels (rear) with the necessary bite, but perfectly controllable.
Much beefier than the predecessor
Visually, the enhanced M2, which is built at the Mexican plant in San Luis Potosi, stands out clearly from its predecessor thanks to the new kidney design, the more muscular wheel arches, the rear section with spoiler lip and diffuser insert, and the two large pairs of tailpipes. It now measures 4.58 meters in length, 1.40 meters in height, and the wheelbase is 2.75 meters.
