To whet our appetite for what could only be the upcoming M2, BMW has released details of its M235i Racing model.
According to BMW Motorsport, the M235i will replace the M3 GT4 and can be used at meetings such as the VLN Endurance Championship. Under the bonnet is the same 3,0-litre, inline six-cylinder engine used in the M235i road car, and only develops a few kilowatts more at 245 kW. More importantly, is the fact that BMW has fitted a mechanical limited-slip differential as well as ABS, DSC and traction control. These systems have been calibrated for racing purposes.
In terms of the exterior design it is pure motorsport inspired. There are wider front and rear wings (E30 M3 influence anyone?) and what seems like a small boot spoiler. The rear track has also been substantially increased, by 88 mm. Inside there is an FIA-certified safety cell and a modern safety tank. BMW M Performance Parts include the front and rear spoilers, a diffuser and carbon-fibre side mirrors. No mention has been made of mass, but expect the car to tip the scales noticeably lighter than the road car.
Priced at 59 500 Euros (excluding VAT and shipping) the M235i Racing clearly illustrates what the upcoming M2 could look like. Also expect the road car to offer more power than the previous 1M Coupé’s 250 kW/450 N.m.
The BMW 2 Series will be revealed to the international media during the end of January 2014. Stay tuned for more details.
Source: themotorreport.com.au
