A New Entry-Degree Observe-Automobile With One Huge Change

For budding track-day fans 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. Carrying 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 ready to redefine the entry-level section, 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 most recent M2 Racing takes a distinct 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 degree of efficiency is good for an entry-level racer and driver improvement. 

In line with BMW, the rationale behind the transfer is simplicity and decrease operating prices for beginner racers. The lighter four-cylinder unit places much less stress on parts, permitting the automobile to make the most of current M2 road automobile elements 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 much like the M240i. What may have made this automobile even lighter is a guide, however we’ll need to 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 based mostly on BMW’s GT3 program, together with adjustable entrance and rear anti-rollbars. 

BMW additionally affords an in depth vary of upgrades, like a rear wing, racing brake pads, a flap-controlled exhaust, and an air jack system, to call just a few. Being a racecar, the M2 encompasses 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, and so they’ve actually achieved that. Beginning at  €98,000 ($111,600) earlier than choices, the M2 Racing is positioned as a considerably extra accessible choice 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 tip 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