Latest news with #M2Racing
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
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.
ArabGT
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
New BMW Race Car Debuts with Competitive Pricing
BMW has pulled the covers off its latest creation: a brand-new BMW race car designed to offer thrilling track performance at an accessible price. Starting at €98,000 — equivalent to around $111,421 or SAR 417,828 — the new model arrives fully equipped for competition straight out of the factory. However, there's a notable departure from the traditional formula: unlike the road-going M2, this BMW race car ditches the six-cylinder engine in favor of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder setup. For fans of the brand, this might come as a surprise, especially given BMW's rich legacy of high-performance engines. Yet the move to a four-cylinder powertrain highlights a smart shift that aligns with modern racing regulations, performance strategies, and evolving market demands. Performance Breakdown of the New BMW Race Car The heart of the new BMW race car is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, adapted from the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. It generates a strong 313 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, helping the M2 Racing reach speeds beyond 270 km/h (167 mph). The power is channeled exclusively through a seven-speed ZF automatic gearbox, tightly integrated with the BMW M Motorsport engineering program. Built with a focus on pure track performance, this BMW race car features a mechanical differential lock with its own cooling system, BMW M performance brakes, KW non-adjustable shocks, and adjustable anti-roll bars at both the front and rear. The lightweight construction is complemented by LED headlights, a front splitter, a rear fog lamp, and a specially designed lightweight roof. A clean U300 Alpine White III finish completes its racing look. Inside the cockpit, BMW equipped its latest race car with a DMSB-certified welded roll cage meeting current FIA safety regulations. Racing essentials like a Sabelt GT-AM seat, a fire extinguisher, and air conditioning come standard, alongside advanced features including M Motorsport driving modes and an adjustable pit-lane speed limiter. For teams looking for customization, BMW offers optional upgrades like a rear wing, a weight distribution box, data logging tools, Endless Endurance brake pads, a Sabelt GT-Pro driver's seat, an integrated air jack system, a start number light, a silencer with adjustable exhaust flaps, passenger seat options, a car cover, and official M Motorsport decals. Why BMW Opted for a Four-Cylinder Setup in Its New Race Car Superior Weight Balance By choosing a smaller engine, BMW ensured that the new race car achieves better weight distribution and reduced overall mass, enhancing agility, cornering precision, and overall handling — key advantages when battling for every tenth of a second on the track. Turbocharged Power and Efficiency The turbocharged four-cylinder matches or exceeds the performance of older six-cylinder setups while offering better efficiency. BMW's expertise in turbocharging technology ensures that this BMW race car delivers thrilling acceleration without the compromises of additional weight. Conformity with Racing Regulations Many racing series impose strict limits on engine displacement and emissions. The compact four-cylinder allows this BMW race car to meet various class requirements while maximizing output within those boundaries, ensuring it's eligible for a wide range of competitive events. Affordability and Running Costs Producing and maintaining a four-cylinder engine is generally more cost-effective than larger units. By basing the powerplant on a production model, BMW keeps costs manageable for teams — an important factor for long-term participation and racing success. A Nod to Sustainability With motorsports gradually moving toward greener practices, the decision to equip the new BMW race car with a smaller, more efficient engine showcases BMW's readiness for a future where environmental responsibility and performance go hand in hand. Development Milestones and Future Plans BMW began developing the M2 Racing in November 2023, focusing on engine tuning, chassis dynamics, and endurance trials. The testing phase saw the BMW race car cover a grueling 184,641 miles (297,150 kilometers) under real-world racing conditions. Sales for customer teams are scheduled to kick off in June, and the car will officially hit racetracks in 2026. While some traditionalists might miss the roar of the classic six-cylinder, the new BMW race car represents a smart evolution, blending lightweight construction, turbocharged power, regulatory compliance, and racing excitement. It's a bold step that positions BMW at the forefront of a changing motorsports world — and fans will soon find out just how well this leaner, meaner machine performs when the lights go green. The New BMW race car Gallery:
