PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
The new BMW M2 Competition.
Wed Apr 18 00:01:00 CEST 2018 Press Kit
• New M2 Competition features 410hp powerplant and 550Nm of torque. • Exclusive styling and interior features. • Available to order from mid-May with prices starting from £49,285.
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Chris Overall
BMW Group
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Author.
Chris Overall
BMW Group
BMW M GmbH is setting an elevated benchmark in the compact
high-performance sports car segment. The new BMW M2 Competition
represents a complete reworking of a car that, in its original
incarnation, was already a class-leading sports car. A new powerplant
boasts a substantial jump in power compared to the previous engine,
while changes to the steering, braking system, exhaust and suspension
are all wrapped in a revised exterior design that has been enhanced
for aerodynamic efficiency.
These alterations to the BMW M2 Competition means it can offer
unrivalled all round performance in class and post some impressive
headline statistics. It accelerates from zero to 62mph in 4.2 seconds
(M DCT transmission, 4.4 seconds with manual gearbox), before going on
to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Upgrade to the
optional competition-focused M Driver’s Package and that top speed
increases to 170mph. Revised chassis tuning and an upgraded brake
system means it handles sharper than the original M2.
There are some visual differences that set the Competition model
apart from the standard M2; a new front spoiler design and kidney
grille finished in high-gloss Shadow Line black, which also feature on
the side gills on the front wings, and for the redesigned quartet of
tailpipes in the twin exhaust system. A dark M Competition badge
graces the rear end of the car, while the race-inspired design of the
new double-arm door mirrors improve the aerodynamics.
BMW’s M engineers have also adjusted the dynamics to take the
increased performance into account, including a carbon-fibre
reinforced plastic (CFRP) high-precision strut from the BMW M3/M4 in
the engine compartment. This improves front section rigidity and
increases steering precision.
Engine and performance
The twin-turbocharged
six-cylinder in-line engine, offers the best of both worlds: It
guarantees a unique appetite for revs for a turbocharged engine,
offers exceptionally linear power delivery across a broad rev range
and possesses a distinctive engine sound.
M TwinPower Turbo technology also provides unbeatable torque,
available across a wide rev band. The engine boasts outstanding
efficiency, delivering 410hp between 5,250 and 7,000rpm, while peak
torque of 550Nm is on tap between 2,350 and 5,200rpm.
Such explosive power in a small package allows the M2
Competition to complete the zero to 62mph sprint in just 4.2 seconds.
The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, but can be
increased to 170mph with the optional competition-based M Driver’s
Package. In addition, fuel economy is very sensible, with 28.5mpg
combined with a six-speed manual gearbox (CO2 225g/km), or 30.7mpg
with the optional M DCT auto CO2 209g/km).
Model | Power | Torque (Nm) | 0 – 62mph (Seconds) | Top Speed (mph) | Combined (mpg) | CO2 Emissions (g/km) | From |
BMW M2 Compeition | 410 | 550 | 4.4 (4.2) | 155* (170 with M Driver’s Package) | 28.5 (30.7)** | 225 (209)** | £49,285 |
*Electronically limited
** All figures are provisional
BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology consists of two rapid-response
MonoScroll turbochargers, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC
variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.
The valve and camshaft timing work in tandem for maximum
variability of the control intake valve lift, resulting in razor-sharp
responses and optimal power delivery.
Fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are also reduced. A
‘closed deck’ design increases crankcase rigidity for the six-cylinder
engine and allows cylinder pressures to be increased for optimum power
output. Brushless, LDS-coated cylinder bores also lead to a
significant reduction in weight. LDS stands for
lightbogendrahtspritzen and is a way of spraying a high temperature
metal very thinly onto a surface so it is very strong and durable but
its thinness means it produces a lighter surface than previously possible.
Maintaining consistent levels of oil supply is particularly
challenging, thanks to the dynamic performance of the BMW M2
Competition, but BMW’s extensive motor racing experience has the
chance to shine through. For example, an additional oil sump cover
helps to limit the movement of lubricants when the car suddenly
changes direction. Under extreme acceleration and deceleration, an oil
extraction pump and a sophisticated oil return system situated close
to the turbocharger also help to maintain uninterrupted oil
circulation. Oil is supplied continuously to all engine components in
all driving situations – whether in everyday motoring or hard driving
on the track.
The BMW M2 Competition features a range of measures designed to
deal with the increased cooling requirements, compared with the
engines in previous models. An enlarged BMW kidney and a new front
skirt with modified air stream improve the flow for the front of the car.
The car also makes use of the race-tested cooling system of the
BMW M4 with the Competition Package, consisting of one central
radiator, two side radiators and an additional engine oil cooler. Cars
making use of the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M
DCT) also feature a transmission oil cooler.
This sophisticated system ensures that ideal operating
temperatures are maintained on short city journeys during everyday
use, as well as out on the racetrack.
In addition to the new engine, the M2 Competition features a
completely new exhaust system. The dual-branch design has a new
silencer while the four tailpipes, finished in black chrome, mark it
out as a BMW M model. Two electronically-controlled flaps ensure that
the BMW M2 Competition delivers a distinctive BMW M Sound, which the
driver can adjust by selecting a driving mode with M Dynamic
Performance Control – by pressing a selector switch on the centre console.
The car comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, which
stands out with its compact design and low weight. The use of a new
type of carbon-fibre friction lining enhances shift comfort and an
engagement speed control function, which blips the throttle on
downshifts and lowers the engine’s revs on upshifts, makes gear
changes even smoother. This also lends the car additional stability
during hard driving on the track.
Switching off the DSC deactivates the engagement speed control
function. Wet-sump lubrication prevents any sloshing of the
transmission oil and ensures all components benefit from an efficient
supply of oil.
The seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT with
Drivelogic) is available as an option. This system effectively
combines two gearboxes, each with its own clutch, and enables either
extremely fast gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power
or ultra-smooth shifts. The driver can change gear either in automated
mode or manually using the gearshift lever on the centre console or
shift paddles on the M leather steering wheel. In automatic and manual
modes, Drivelogic provides the driver with a choice between
preconfigured driving settings: COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+.
In automatic mode, the driver can then adjust the timing of the
gearshift as well as its intensity, and the automatic throttle
blipping function on downshifts.
Moving between the transmission’s manual modes alters the shift
dynamics, but it is the driver who determines the timing of a gear
change. The system detects which gear the driver will choose next on
the basis of the engine revs, the accelerator position, the level of
acceleration and the driving mode, and engages it before the driver
has actually moved the shift paddle. As a result, the clutches now
only need to open or close for the gear-change to complete. The change
of gear is therefore executed in fractions of a second.
The BMW M2 Coupé has already set the standard in its class when
it comes to agility, driving feel, directional stability, steering
precision and controllability at the limit, without short-changing the
driver in everyday use. These characteristics have been further
refined for the M2 Competition and adjusted to take the increased
engine performance into account.
The engine compartment conceals the most striking component: the
CFRP high-precision strut from the BMW M3/M4. This one-piece component
is made from extremely light, yet high-strength, carbon fibre and
weighs in at just 1.5 kg. Together with the bulkhead strut from the
M4, it significantly increases front section rigidity to improve
steering behaviour and precision.
The high-performance chassis also draws from the lightweight
aluminium construction of the front and rear axles from the BMW M3/M4.
In order to ensure precise wheel location, play-free ball joints are
used to transmit transverse forces. The longitudinal forces passing
through the chassis are passed directly into the torque struts via
elastomer bearings.
All the control arms and hubs of the new five-link rear axle are
made from forged aluminium. In addition, a racing-derived rigid
connection, dispensing with rubber bushes, is used to fix the
lightweight steel grid-type rear subframe to the body. This further
improves wheel location and tracking stability.
BMW M engineers have adjusted the characteristic curves of the
electromechanical power steering to improve performance and increase
front section rigidity. The integrated Servotronic function with
M-specific characteristics controls the level of steering assistance
electronically according to the car’s speed and the settings made with
Drivelogic, which allow drivers to adjust power steering assistance at
any time to their personal preferences.
The Dynamic Stability Control has been completely recalibrated
for the M2 Competition. The electronics exercise even more delicate
control, providing improved traction in wet and slippery conditions,
and ensuring that traction is not interrupted during drifts.
Support is provided by the Active M Differential, an
electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip diff that takes
traction and directional stability to a new level of precision and
speed. The locking effect can be varied between zero and 100 per cent
according to the driving situation and reacts to the car’s steering
angle, accelerator position, brake pressure, engine torque, wheel
speed and yaw rate.
The control unit uses this analysis of the driving situation to
detect the traction loss on one side of the car and calculates the
required locking effect, engaged by an electric motor. Full locking
power of 2,500Nm is available within 150 milliseconds. This allows the
system to prevent a wheel from spinning in extreme conditions on
slippery road surfaces or when the two rear wheels are experiencing
significant friction differences.
In certain situations, the Active M Differential works actively.
When pulling away on slippery surfaces, for example, the lock is
closed by a defined percentage even before a wheel can start to spin,
to ensure that both wheels develop equal slip at the same time. The
lock is also closed by the required percentage through
enthusiastically driven corners, according to the levels of lateral
acceleration and power delivery.
This prevents the low-traction inside wheel from starting to
turn too quickly. This permanent and infinitely variable differential
control also increases agility, avoids understeer on the way into
corners and improves directional stability under braking and load changes.
M Dynamic Mode (MDM) is a sub-function of Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC), which can be activated automatically in SPORT+ mode, or
engaged manually.
In track day circumstances, it allows a greater degree of wheel
spin, letting the DSC intervene later, and increasing the freedom
available to drivers at the dynamic limit. The extra wheel slip
enhances traction and therefore propulsion. More significant oversteer
and understeer are possible, as are moderate, controlled drifts, but
the DSC can still be relied on to intervene in critical situations.
With such high performance, good stopping power is essential.
The high-performance M Sport brakes provide maximum performance and
are a product of our extensive motorsport experience. Compared to the
standard M compound brakes, with brake calipers painted in a blue
metallic and perforated inner-vented brake discs, the M Sport brakes
have larger pads (front axles: 400mm in diameter, rear axle: 380mm in
diameter) and brake calipers (front axles: 6-piston fixed caliper,
rear axle: 4-piston fixed caliper), painted grey. These
high-performance brakes guarantee excellent deceleration in all
conditions and are fade and heat resistant.
The M2 Competition is also the first M2 to be equipped with
selector switches on the centre console that allow instant control of
the characteristics and settings for the engine, steering and, if M
DCT is selected, Drivelogic functions. The various configurations can
be combined with one another in whichever way the driver prefers and
can be stored for easy access using the M1 and M2 buttons on the
steering wheel.
The standard range of equipment now includes a bold red
start/stop button front Park Distance Control (PDC).
Design
One of the most distinctive features of
the M2 Competition is its new front skirt with modified air intake,
which optimises the flow of fresh air to the cooling system, while
simultaneously improving the visual presence of the car.
The enlarged BMW kidney grille is painted black, as are the side
gills on the front wings. This colour is mirrored in the new design of
the four tailpipes, making the M Competition models really stand out.
A matching dark M Competition Badge graces the rear end of the car.
The motorsport-inspired double-arm design of the wing mirrors
improves the aerodynamics and is a standout characteristic of the M2 Competition.
Two new colours have been added to the range, metallic Sunset
Orange and Hockenheim Silver, which is only available on this model.
Inside, the new, M Sport seat is a real highlight in terms of
function and form. The bucket-style shape borrows heavily from
motorsport and provides drivers with full support, while the headrests
are integrated into the seat back rest. The backrest also features an
illuminated M2 logo at shoulder height.
The black perforated leather upholstery is available with either
blue or orange highlights, while the standard sports seats are also
available with black leather upholstery, featuring contrasting
stitching in blue or orange. The new standard Y-Spoke 19-inch forged
alloy wheels (front axle: 9J x 19, rear axle: 10J x 19) are also
available optionally in Jet Black.
Equipment and options
There is no mistaking the
M2 Competition, as it greets the driver with an exclusive
‘Competition’ kickplate as soon as they open the door. The dashboard
is ergonomically laid out, and reminds the driver they’re in a special
car by displaying the M2 Competition logo for a few seconds when the
ignition is switched on.
A red start-stop button underlines the motorsport heritage of
the car and the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel also provide
direct access to the range of driving modes. Drivers can save their
own personal configurations chosen from the settings for stability
control, engine characteristics and steering - control over the
character of the M2 Competition is at their fingertips. The M1 and M2
steering wheel buttons are pre-programmed with a Comfort and a Sport
program as standard and drivers can return to these settings at any time.
The evolution from M2 Coupé to M2 Competition also sees a few
additional upgrades.
The high-performance coupé now boasts front Park Distance
Control (PDC) which monitors the car’s surroundings and keeps an eye
on what is in front of the car, as well as to the rear. Whilst the
Professional Navigation offers an ultra-sharp map display and the
iDrive Touch Controller ensures the various functions are even easier
to use.
Electromechanical M Servotronic power steering and the M Dynamic
Mode (MDM) for Dynamic Stability Control is available as standard,
allowing aspiring racing drivers to easily enjoy controlled drifts on
the circuit.
BMW M2 Competition customers can also make use of numerous
driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW
ConnectedDrive. The range of optional driver assistance systems
includes the Driving Assistant, which comprises features such as
Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function,
and Lane Departure Warning.
Speed Limit Info flashes up traffic signs and the permitted top
speed, and the driver is warned if overtaking is not allowed. The
rear-view camera teams up with rear Park Distance Control to assist
drivers with reverse parking and manoeuvring. The Professional
Navigation offers an ultra-sharp map display and the iDrive Touch
Controller ensures the various functions are even easier to use.
The BMW M2 Competition is available to order from mid-May with
prices starting from £49,285. The BMW M2 will sold in solus and not
alongside the original M2.
ENDS
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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