BMW M2 Racecar Promises Affordability
If you're looking for a way to get into racing and want a new vehicle, the freshly unveiled BMW M2 Racing just might be the ticket. Equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and full race kit, it's ready to hit the track, giving you a turnkey solution to getting into motorsports.We know a lot of people are going to be confused since the street-legal M2 has a 3.0-liter inline-six. With 473-horsepower on tap, that mill has become legendary among enthusiasts. However, for some entry-level racers it's going to be too much, both in performance and cost.
That's why BMW borrowed the 2.0-liter turbo-four engine from the 2 Series Gran Coupe. It still packs a stout 313-hp and 296 lb.-ft. of torque and the mill is backed by a ZF seven-speed automatic transmission with BMW M Motorsport software for more aggressive shift points.
Stopping power comes via BMW M Compound discs and calipers, plus BMW M Motorsport brake pads. To ensure consistent performance during long races, a BMW M Motorsport brake cooling system is also standard.
Also keeping things simple and cheaper is the mechanical rear limited-slip differential. There's a separate cooling system for it, because this racecar is all about reliability and durability for people who are serious about racing, not rich guys looking for a cool track toy to do a few hot laps.
That's why it has an adjustable pit speed limiter, plus BMW M Motorsport-specific drive modes along with 10-stage adjustable M Traction Control. As an added plus, air conditioning is standard.
Lightweighting is of course prioritized over comfort and cool looks. There are quick release latches for the hood and trunk lid. The roof and some other parts are made of carbon fiber.
To help with regulations, the M2 Racing comes with a DMSB-certified welded safety roll cage that's FIA compliant. Also included is a Sabelt GT-Am safety seat, fire extinguisher, and FIA-homologated ATL FT3 safety fuel cell.
Like we said earlier, this is no toy but instead it is an entry-level racecar. That said, 'cheap' is a relative term. For those truly interested, the starting cost of this racer is about $111,000. Nobody said racing was a sport for the poor, that's for sure.
Images via BMW M Motorsport
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