A New Entry-Stage Observe-Automobile With One Massive Change

For budding track-day fanatics and aspiring racers, the trail to aggressive motorsport simply acquired much more accessible as BMW M Motorsport has unveiled its newest creation, BMW M2 Racing. Sporting the well-known inception livery, this track-only machine builds upon the legacy of its predecessors just like the M235i Racing, M240i Racing, and the M2 CS Racing, and is about to redefine the entry-level phase, ranging from the 2026 season.

One noteworthy change is beneath the hood. Whereas previous race-spec fashions and even the present road-going M2 pack an inline six, the newest M2 Racing takes a special route with a tuned model of BMW’s acquainted 2.0-liter four-cylinder (B48) engine, the identical one discovered within the 230i. Regardless of the downsizing, the M2 Racing nonetheless packs a punch, delivering 313 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which is 58 horsepower and 15 pound-feet greater than the 230i. Whereas it’s a noticeable step down from the stronger six-cylinder mill, BMW believes that this stage of efficiency is right for an entry-level racer and driver growth. 

Based on BMW, the rationale behind the transfer is simplicity and decrease operating prices for novice racers. The lighter four-cylinder unit places much less stress on parts, permitting the automobile to make the most of present M2 avenue automobile components just like the brakes and cooling system for closed-circuit racing. The BMW M2 Racing suggestions the scales at 3,302 kilos, shedding a considerable 512 kilos in comparison with the usual M2. So, energy could also be down, however so is weight. Count on the power-to-weight ratio to be just like the M240i. What might have made this automobile even lighter is a handbook, however we’ll should settle for the standard 7-speed ZF 8HP computerized transmission.

Past the powertrain and drivetrain, the BMW M2 Racing comes with a number of motorsport-specific upgrades. To make sure that the four-cylinder sounds good, BMW has thrown in an exhaust system derived from the M4 GT4, paired with a racing catalytic converter. You additionally get (non-adjustable) KW shock absorbers primarily based on BMW’s GT3 program, together with adjustable entrance and rear anti-rollbars. 

BMW additionally gives an intensive vary of upgrades, like a rear wing, racing brake pads, a flap-controlled exhaust, and an air jack system, to call a couple of. Being a racecar, the M2 includes a stripped-down cabin with a racing seat and a beefed-up roll cage. Having stated that, it retains the all-digital sprint, which might show racing telemetry, and creature comforts like air-conditioning and a passenger seat can be found as choices.

BMW was eager to maintain the value beneath €100k, they usually’ve actually achieved that. Beginning at  €98,000 ($111,600) earlier than choices, the M2 Racing is positioned as a considerably extra accessible possibility in comparison with higher-tier choices from BMW’s M Division just like the M4 GT4 EVO. Gross sales are slated for June, with deliveries anticipated by the top of the yr, earlier than the 2026 season. From the Nürburgring to all kinds of racing cup sequence, buyer groups can take part in all kinds of occasions with the BMW M2 Racing.

Picture Supply: BMW