Indicative of its undeniable performance pedigree hidden beneath its polarising styling, the G87 M2 has shattered the F87 M2’s Nürburgring Nordschleife record.
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BMW G87 M2 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time: 7:38.706
That’s quick! For a generational comparison, the F87 M2 CS, the highest-strung version of the previous generation M2 badge, managed to get a full lap time of 7:42.99. Compared to the M3 and M4, from which it borrows many traits, it is within arms reach. The M3 Touring managed to run ’round the ring in 7:35.06, but it utilises a 375 kW version of the S58, whereas the M2’s S58 produces 338 kW. Lest we forget that the G87 M2 is rear-wheel-drive, while the M3 Touring is founded on the firm’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Related: Review: BMW M2
Its main rival, Toyota’s MK5 Supra, managed to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:52.170. As a quick recap, the Toyota MK5 Supra is powered by a slightly reworked version of the B58 3,0-litre inline six. This Bavarian powerplant affords the Japanese coupe an output of 285 kW/ 500 N.m, allowing it 250 km/h (although its max speed on the ring reads closer to 260 km/h).
Although able to carry more speed through certain corners compared to the F87 M2 and Toyota Supra, the main display of power and speed comes at the very end of the Antoniusbuche straight. The F87 M2 CS managed a maximum speed of 271 km/h at the bottom of the slight dip at the end of the famous straight. As for the Toyota MK5 Supra, it managed to cap out at 260 km/h. The G87 M2 showcased an absurd speed of 282 km/h as it met the dip.
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Even more impressive than its trumping of rival times is its proximity to much larger and higher-powered M-badged stablemates. The BMW F90 M5 is powered by a 4,4-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces more than 100 kW (441 kW/750 N.m) than the M2’s S58. Despite this, Sport Auto managed to secure a 7:35.90 time four years ago. While still a faster time than the M2, it’s not significant enough given the dramatic differences in power.
