Power Boost for Latest BMW M2
BMW latest hot saloon M2 boasts a power hike to 453bhp and a 0-to-62mph sprint in the supercar league of 4.1 seconds.
The BMW M2 aims at recapturing the pure joy of driving it has built a reputation on since the venerable Porsche 911 beating 2002 Turbo of the early 1970s. Like that iconic vehicle, the M2 concentrates on compact dimensions but with a twin-turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, a manual gearbox option, rear-wheel drive and an advanced control/operating concept, allowing the driver to adjust the vehicle setup as desired.
Its high-revving 3.0-liter engine outguns the base unit used by the original BMW M2 by 83bhp. In fact, its output is even 7bhp higher than that of the special-edition BMW M2 CS from the previous model generation.
The straight-six engine combines the latest M TwinPower Turbo technology with the high-revving characteristics of an M car. Peak torque of 405ft-lbs is produced between 2,650rpm and 5,870rpm and maximum output arrives at 6,250rpm. The engine revs to a maximum 7,200rpm.
The motor features a rigid crankcase, friction-optimized cylinder bores, a crankshaft drive with high torsional rigidity and a forged crankshaft with lightweight design enhance power and high-revving nature. The core of the cylinder head is 3D printed, enabling a weight reduction and optimized coolant duct routing.
Two mono-scroll turbochargers supply compressed air to the combustion chambers. The turbocharging system also features an indirect intercooler and an electronically controlled wastegate. Other elements of M TwinPower Turbo technology are High Precision Injection, which works with maximum pressure of 350 bar, variable valve timing and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing.
A standout optional extra on this two-door coupé is the bespoke M Race Track Package that is designed to maximize the performance including raising the electronically limited top speed of 155mph to 177mph. The car comes as standard with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. However, a six-speed manual gearbox is optional for the traditionalists although 0-62mph drops slightly to 4.3 seconds.
The new BMW M2 will be built alongside the new BMW 2 Series Coupé at the BMW Group’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, with the European launch commencing from May 2023 priced from £61,495 ($67,878) including taxes.
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
