Prime Highlights:

BMW introduces an all-new M2 Racing with a weight-effective four-cylinder engine aimed at entry-level motorsport.
Influenced by the iconic E30 M3, the car marks a strategic shift from six-cylinder to four-cylinder racing performance.

Key Facts:

The M2 Racing features a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 308 hp and 420 Nm torque.
Rear-wheel drive is matched to a seven-speed ZF automatic transmission and mechanical differential.
The car features KW suspension, anti-roll bars spec’d for racing, and BMW M Compound brakes.

Key Background:

BMW launched a new M2 Racing model for motorsport enthusiasts and privateer racers, heralding a new direction in the brand’s entry-level track models. Shedding the six-cylinder configuration of the base issue, this new M2 Racing is driven by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. The choice is not merely about downsizing; it is also an intentional homage to the E30 M3, which made history in racing with the use of a high-revving four-banger.

The 308 horsepower and 420 Nm torque engine gives a responsive and agile performance characteristic. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a seven-speed ZF automated manual transmission, with a mechanically locking differential with special cooling delivering consistent performance on long and hot track days.

In an attempt to optimize track performance, BMW has equipped the M2 Racing with KW shock absorbers and adjustable anti-roll bars. These allow drivers to tailor the setup to match circuit conditions. The car also boasts BMW M Compound brakes, developed specifically to satisfy the hard demands of a racing environment. All of these features render the M2 Racing a formidable but cost-effective option for new entrants into the world of motor racing.

The M2 Racing is not a road-going M2 replacement but rather a track-centric machine constructed from scratch for the racetrack. Its construction also centers around weight reduction and improved handling, offering a leaner variant of its road-going equivalent. The design features broader fenders, track-tuned aerodynamics, and a racing cockpit trimmed for safety and performance.

BMW’s action to offer this model is part of a wider strategy to encourage grassroots motorsport by offering customer teams and privateers affordable, reliable, and well-engineered racing cars. Official prices have not been announced yet, but they are likely to be much lower than the brand’s more costly race products, such as the M4 GT4.

With the M2 Racing, BMW combines its rich racing heritage with cutting-edge technology to provide a platform that honors the past but sets sights on the future of motorsport performance.