BMW’s M division has ramped up the performance potential of the BMW M2 with the introduction of a heavily upgraded version of the rear-wheel-drive coupeà that's now on display at the Beijing motor show.
The 2018 model, which is called the M2 Competition, replaces the standard M2. It packs a new 404bhp version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that powers the BMW M3 and BMW M4. This enables a sharper 0-62mph time of 4.2sec in combination with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The top speed is governed at 155mph. The new M2 has been conceived to enhance the standing of the two-year-old performance coupeà against rivals such as the Porsche Cayman GTS and Audi TT RS. As a result, the M2 Competition not only receives an injection of extra performance but also adopts a number of subtle chassis changes.
BMW M division’s head of development, Dirk Häcker, said the chassis revisions provide the new M2 with “significantly improved response and more progressive on-the-limit characteristics” than its predecessor. “We have altered the steering mapping, changed the spring and damper tuning and recalibrated the DSC [Dynamic Stability Control] system as well,” said Häcker. “It is still the benchmark in its class in terms of response and reactions, but it now slides with greater progressiveness and enthusiasm.”
Opinion: Why BMW decided to raise the bar with its M2 Competition
Power for the new M2 comes from a detuned version of BMW M’s S55 engine, as used by the M3 and M4. In the M2 Competition, the twin-turbo 3.0-litre unit delivers 404bhp between 5250rpm and 7000rpm and 405lb ft from 2350rpm to 5200rpm. This represents increases of 40bhp and 62lb ft over the original M2’s turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder N55 engine, but it’s 21bhp less than in the M3 and M4, albeit with the same torque. It also means the M2 Competition has 44bhp and 95lb ft more than the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder Cayman GTS.
The M2 Competition’s kerb weight is 55kg heavier than the old M2’s at 1550kg in six-speed manual guise, largely due to the engine. Despite the added bulk, its power-to-weight ratio has risen by 17bhp per tonne over its predecessor to 261bhp per tonne. Drive is channelled through the same standard six-speed manual and optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearboxes as today’s M2.
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Two turborcharger and the
It is always fairly easy to add weight on car
I rather keep my 1M than this car
As long as the "engine sound"
As long as the "engine sound" is NOT engine sound, but is faked instead, I couldn't care less about which sounds better or worse. Fake engine sound is a crime and obliterates any and all interest I'd have in this car, or any car that fakes its sound.
Engine weight
"The M2 Competition’s kerb weight is 55kg heavier than the old M2’s at 1550kg in six-speed manual guise, largely due to the engine"
How can the same cylinder and size engine weigh so much more?
Autocar, please tell us why. Where is the data behind this "fact" ?