
Track-ready BMW M2 ditches S58 straight 6 for 4-cylinder engine
BMW has whipped the wraps off the M2 Racing, a track-ready version of the Bavarian brand's venerable performance-focused compact coupé designed for private racing teams.
Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag!
Positioned as an 'entry-level' racer for customer racing outfits, BMW M's latest M2 Racing is based on the current M2. Yet, as opposed to employing the latter M car's (353kW/600N.m) S58 3l turbocharged inline-six, the track-focused model is equipped with the Bavarian brand's 2l turbocharged four-pot.
The B48 unit produces 230kW and 420N.m of torque, sent to the road via a seven-speed, ZF-sourced transmission. As a reminder, the M2's six-pot is coupled with BMW's eight-speed M Steptronic unit. The German marque's motorsport department claims these figures are good to allow for a top speed exceeding 270km/h.
Related: Road Test Figures: BMW M3 Touring
While down on power compared with the M Steptronic-equipped M2, it is worth noting that the race-ready variant weighs considerably less; tipping the scales at a claimed 1 498kg — a saving of 232kg. This has been achieved thanks to the fitment of several lightweight items, including a carbon-fibre roof. The M2 Racing is brought to a halt by a set of standard-fitment M Compound brakes, replete with M-specific brake pads, front and rear, and cooling setup. The callipers are housed within 18-inch forged alloy rims, wrapped in Goodyear rubber. Further mechanical revisions include upgrades to the chassis and fitment of a KW suspension arrangement, replete with adjustable fore and aft anti-roll bars.
Related: Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Performance Car – BMW M2
Said Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH: 'With the introduction of the BMW M2 Racing, we are continuing a proud tradition… Like its predecessors — the BMW M235i Racing, BMW M240i Racing and BMW M2 CS Racing – the new BMW M2 Racing will redefine the entry-level segment. The car is affordable, while offering racing teams and drivers uncompromising performance, durability and pure driving pleasure.'
So, how much can you expect to pay for the M2 Racing? In short, €98 000, which, at the current Rand-Euro exchange rate, translates to just over R2 060 000, making it around R500 000 more expensive than the M car it is based on.
Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag!
The post Track-Ready BMW M2 Ditches S58 Straight Six for Highly Strung Four-Cylinder Engine appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Chrysler celebrates a century of motoring
Reaching 100 years in the automotive world is no small feat, and Chrysler has officially joined that rare club. Since 1925, the brand has played a significant role in shaping how Americans and much of the world drive. Here are some key milestones… Looking for a new or used Chrysler? Find it here with CARmag! Part of the Stellantis stable, the once locally available Chrysler has been around for more than 100 years after being founded on June 6 in Detroit by Walter Chrysler. To commemorate its anniversary, the American automaker has celebrated some of its past innovations, which include introducing the high-tech Chrysler Six back in the day, developing the legendary HEMI V8 and catalysing the minivan segment. To mark the milestone, the company recently brought together more than 1 500 employees at its Auburn Hills headquarters for a tribute that focused less on sheet metal and more on the people who've kept the brand moving forward. A time capsule, designed to resemble founder Walter P. Chrysler's machinist toolbox, was packed with mementoes, including old vehicle badges and original design sketches. It's a snapshot of how far the brand has come. Related: Buying Used: Chrysler 300C (2005 – 2015) The brand is stretching the festivities with community events that speak to the loyalty of its fan base. The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in Pennsylvania and the famous Woodward Cruise in Detroit will showcase some of the brand's standout moments. Meanwhile, Chrysler is rolling out a seven-part video series online, highlighting the vehicles and tech that helped define its legacy. While much of Chrysler's story is rooted in the United States, the brand's footprint in South Africa is worth remembering, too. Chrysler began selling cars here in the early 20th century and went local in 1941 with an assembly plant in Cape Town. Durban followed in 1947, and by 1960, the American automaker had officially launched Chrysler South Africa. The Valiant, in particular, became a familiar name on local roads, helping the brand gain a solid following. Even though its direct presence in the country has shifted over the years, the influence it had on South Africa's motoring history remains clear. Now, the brand is looking ahead. Like most automakers, the company is grappling with how to honour its heritage while embracing the shift to electrification. Whether through muscle cars or electric drivetrains, the brand continues to navigate the industry with the kind of boldness that's defined its past 100 years. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Chrysler Celebrates a Century of Motoring appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.


The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Jaecoo J7 SHS hybrid: Stylish tech-laden SUV boasts 1 200km range
Alongside the flagship Omoda C9, Jaecoo has revealed pricing for its hybrid J7 SHS. Here is how much it will cost. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! Based on the J7 SUV, the J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System) combines a 1.5l turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, using a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) to deliver power exclusively to the front wheels. An 18.3kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery allows for an all-electric range of around 90km and the model can offer a claimed total range of up to 1 200km. Related: Review: Jaecoo J7 SHS (PHEV) Inside, the SUV offers a well-appointed cabin with premium materials and plenty of tech. Features include a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Sony eight-speaker sound system, head-up display, 50W wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control (with rear vents), heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera with front and rear parking sensors. Boot space is fairly limited with 240l available behind the rear seats, but it expands to 896l with the seats folded flat. Related: Jaecoo's Plug-in Hybrid J7 SHS Confirmed for June Launch in SA In terms of performance, the plug-in hybrid combines the 105kW and 215N.m of torque from the ICE with a 150kW and 310N.m electric motor. Together, the system delivers a combined total of 255kW of power and 525N.m of torque. All of this power is sent to the front wheels through the aforementioned dedicated single-speed DHT. The J7 SHS can accelerate from 0 – 40km/h in 2.98 seconds, reach 60km/h in 4.46 seconds, and cross 100km/h in 8.55 seconds. When plugged into a 40kW DC charger, the battery can be topped up from 30 – 80% in just 20 minutes. Jaecoo J7 SHS pricing Jaecoo J7 SHS – R589 900 All models sold will include a seven-year/200 000km warranty and a seven-year/100 000km service plan alongside a 10-year unlimited range battery warranty which applies to the first owner only. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Jaecoo J7 SHS Officially Arrives in South Africa – Pricing and Spec appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.


The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
HKS unleashes track-focused aero kit for Toyota GR Yaris
The Toyota GR Yaris has carved out a niche in the hot hatch segment based on its celebrated performance and raw, direct connection to Gazoo Racing's rallying heritage. If that hasn't been enough, Japanese tuning firm HKS has introduced a raft of aerodynamic upgrades dubbed the Type-S Gen2. Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! Looking like something out of a Need For Speed game, the kit isn't only cosmetic but is designed to tangibly improve the car's performance on the track through enhanced downforce. Central to the Type-S Gen2 package is a redesigned front splitter. Crafted from fibreglass with carbon fibre overlays, HKS claims this component aims to optimise airflow, generating increased downforce at the front axle. The result is improved steering precision and greater stability when cornering at high speeds. Complementing the splitter are new side skirts and a very hard-to-miss carbon fibre rear wing, which features unique mounts to ensure maximum aerodynamic efficiency. No figures on improvements have been revealed by the tuner, but HKS has hinted at a noticeable improvement in the GR Yaris' on-track handling characteristics. Related: From Couch to Competition – 2025 Toyota GR Cup Part 2 The reason behind this is that a GR Yaris equipped with these aerodynamic modifications is currently competing in the Japanese Super Endurance series. This real-world application in a competitive motorsport environment provides a rigorous proving ground for the components, validating their effectiveness under extreme conditions. However, the kit's availability is currently limited. Enthusiasts outside of Japan will be disappointed to learn that the HKS Type-S Gen2 package is presently exclusive to the Japanese market, with no immediate plans for international sales. For those in Japan, the front splitter retails for approximately ¥165 000 (around R20k), while the side skirts and rear wing are priced at roughly ¥132 000 each (approximately R16k). Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post HKS Unleashes Track-Focused Aero Kit for Toyota GR Yaris appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.