Auto China 2018: BMW M2 Competition debuts in China
The 2018 Beijing Motor show, also known as Auto China 2018, is proving to be an important event for upcoming autombiles. After Mercedes-Maybach debuted the ultimate luxury concept, BMW has taken the motor show as a platform to showcase its latest M2 Competition which was revealed a week ago. The new BWM M2 makes more power and torque compared to the previous version, thanks to the stricter emission norms. Interestingly, the 2018 M2 Competition does not feature a reworked version 365PS engine as it did not meet the latest Euro emission norms. Instead it gets a detuned version of the unit used it the M3 and the M4.
The most prominent change which sets this car apart from the standard M2 is the 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six from the M3/M4 which replace the M2's single-turbo straight-six. In the M2 Competition, this engine produces 405PS and 550Nm, increases of 40PS and 85Nm, respectively, over the standard M2. A six-speed manual with auto rev-matching is standard and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is an option.The M2 Competition now gets from standstill to 100 kmph in 4.2s with the DCT, or 4.4 with the manual, improvements of 0.2 seconds over the standard M2
Other changes new to the M2 Competition are chassis improvements borrowed from its M3/M4 siblings, aluminum-intensive front and rear axles which are stronger and improve stability, a carbon fiber strut brace in the engine bay from the M3/M4 to aid front-end rigidity and a new exhaust system with two electronically controlled flaps.
The new car also comes with recalibrated steering and stability control systems, larger M Sport brakes and 254/35-series front and 265/35-series rear tyres shod on 19-inch wheels. Top speed is limited to 250 kmph but can be increased to 280 kmph if specified with the M Drivers Package. Prices haven't been announced yet but the car is to go on sale in summer 2018.
The BMW M2 Competition will compete with the Audi TT RS and Porsche 718 Cayman. On paper, the M2 Competition seems have turned into a mini-M4 and will hopefully provide the rich, exciting driving experience that earlier, smaller versions of that car have provided over the years.