BMW has finally (officially) taken the wraps off its new M2 Competition, confirming that its smallest M-badged coupé has gained more power courtesy of a six-cylinder engine based on that of the M3 and M4.
BMW South Africa says the new M2 Competition will be available locally from September 2018.
As before, the BMW M2 Competition will be offered with the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. But the Munich-based automaker has ditched the original M2’s N55 engine in favour of a version of the S55 unit from the M3 and M4. And that, of course, means more power.
Yes, the M2 Competition’s twin-turbo 3,0-litre straight-six makes 302 kW (up from the standard M2’s 272 kW), while peak torque now comes in at 550 N.m, between 2 350 and 5 200 r/min. The result is a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint in 4,2 seconds in auto guise and 4,4 seconds in manual form (each down one-tenth).
As before, the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, although specifying the optional M Driver’s Package raises that figure to 280 km/h (10 km/h more than the outgoing standard M2). A dual exhaust system with an electronically controlled flap is also now included. BMW furthermore says that the M2 Competition adopts the M4 Competition Package’s cooling system “with some adjustments”.
Exterior design tweaks include an enlarged kidney grille and a new front skirt, the latter (along with the side gills and redesigned quartet of tailpipes) finished in high-gloss black paint as standard. A dark M Competition badge is applied to the vehicle’s rump, while BMW claims the design of the new double-arm side-mirrors improves aerodynamics. New standard features include adaptive LED headlamps and park distance control.
Under the bonnet you’ll find a CFRP strut (to increase front-end rigidity) again borrowed from the M3 and M4, while BMW says the curves for the electromechanical power steering, Active M Differential and Dynamic Steering Control system have all been adjusted.
Optional larger brakes (400 mm fore and 380 mm aft) with callipers painted grey will also be offered, along with new optional 19-inch forged alloy wheels and a fresh metallic paint colour (Hockenheim Silver) exclusively reserved for the M2 Competition.
