The new BMW M2 is the latest compact sports coupe in a long line of legendary road and racing BMWs, such as the 2002 Turbo, E30 M3 and 1M Coupe. Powered by a new, specifically developed, 3.0-liter straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the M2 makes 370hp, enabling an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The 370hp come in at 6,500rpm and will rev to 7,000rpm, while peak torque of 465Nm is on tap between 1,400 and 5,560rpm. An overboost function raises this figure by 35Nm to 500 Nm between 1,450 and 4,750rpm.
When equipped with the optional seven-speed M DCT gearbox, the M2 can sprint from rest to 62mph in just 4.3 seconds.
The BMW M engineers have worked tirelessly to reduce weight wherever possible, improve rigidity and hone the M2’s responses via sophisticated chassis technology and electronics, and upgrades to aerodynamics and cooling.
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All the control arms and wheel carriers of the new BMW M2’s five-link rear axle are made from forged aluminium, which reduces the unsprung masses of the wheel-locating components by around three kilograms compared to a steel construction. In addition, a racing-derived rigid connection, dispensing with rubber bushings, is used to fix the lightweight steel grid-type rear axle subframe to the body.
Meanwhile, an Active M Differential optimizes traction and maximizes directional stability.
The M2 goes on sale this month in the UK and it’s priced from £44,070 OTR.
