- Competition offers 405 horsepower, 406 lb-ft of torque
- Can choose manual transmission or dual-clutch automatic
- Track-ready features include updated suspension and brakes
The M2 has been the Mighty Mouse of the BMW lineup, a compact coupe with big muscle and moves to match. But nothing stands still in the world of high performance, and this summer the M2 will give way to the M2 Competition. Same basic concept—small coupe, lots of power, athletic responses—with the addition of even more thrust.
Like the current M2, this replacement was created by the M Group, BMW’s go-faster Motorsports shops. The development touched every area of the car, but the key element is the powertrain.
A BMW turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder continues to supply power, but in this application, there’s more of it on tap. Essentially in the same state of tune as BMW’s M3 and X4, the twin turbo six is rated for 405 horsepower with a broad peak (5,230 to 7,000 rpm), and 406 lb-ft from 2,350 to 5,230 rpm, dovetailing neatly with the onset of peak horsepower. The current M2 is rated for 365 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. Like the M2 and the M3, the M2 Competition offers two transmission choices, a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic.
While the power increase is substantial, BMW’s sprint forecast for the new car is conservative: 0-to-60 mph in 4.0 seconds with the dual clutch automatic, 4.2 seconds with the manual gearbox. However, contemporary road tests of the current M2 automatic have yielded the same result—0-60 in 4.0 seconds flat, the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at 113 mph, 0-to-150 mph in less than 29 seconds.
Without specifics on curb weights of the two models, as well as final drive data, it is not unreasonable to expect the M2 Competition to be quicker. Top speed of the M2 Competition is electronically governed to 155 mph, 8 mph slower than the M2. However, BMW will offer an M Driver’s Package, featuring a revised engine oil supply system and enhanced cooling, that raises top speed to 174 mph.
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Enhanced braking
As you’d expect, the increased power is accompanied by upgrades to suspension components and braking. The front end adapts BMW’s high-performance struts from the M3 and M4, including enhanced bracing for increased rigidity, and the 5-link rear suspension features forged aluminum components. The brakes are the M Group’s own, with bigger rotors front and rear, gripped by bigger calipers—six pistons front, four rear.
Power is routed to the rear wheels via BMW’s Active M differential (electronically controlled limited slip), and, consistent with the M2’s track day persona, the stability control system has been recalibrated to raise its threshold of intervention, allowing the driver more oversteer latitude.
The interior of the M2 Competition is distinguished by a pair of aggressively bolstered sport bucket front seats; several M2 logos including an illuminated version in upper part of the driver’s seat, and a pair of selector switches that allow the driver to alter throttle profile, steering mode, and the stability control. The switches are augmented by M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel spokes.
BMW has not yet announced pricing for the M2 Competition model, which is due to reach U.S. showrooms this summer. MSRP for the current M2 is just under $56,000.
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