BMW M2
has proved a very popular car on PistonHeads this year, there is certainly room for improvement. The engine's top end is hardly thrilling, the exhaust noise could be more exciting and, while good on track, it could be made better. But BMW is not in the position to do that, for fear of cannibalising M4 sales. Step in the aftermarket...
Forged wheels and ceramic brakes? Nice!
This is Evolve's vision of what an M2 GTS (or similar) could be; indeed Evolve suggests on its website that deposits are being taken for an official GTS ahead of a 2018 release date. Interesting...
Anyway, this is what Evolve has come up with for now. Outside you'll notice an adjustable carbon rear wing, a carbon/Kevlar bonnet, a carbon roof and a new diffuser. The wheels are forged aluminium, wrapped in Toyo R888 tyres. Evolve claims around 14kg has been shed with the carbon parts, as well as lowering the centre of gravity. That and the fact it now looks even more like it's spoiling for a fight.
Thanks to a remap, an Eventuri intake and a new exhaust, Evolve is claiming this M2 makes 406hp (up from 370hp as standard) and 450lb ft, a significant boost to the standard car's 343. Remember an M4 makes 406lb ft. Containing (or should that be exploiting?) the power are ceramic brakes direct from BMW and Bilstein B16 coilovers, the latter to be replaced by Club Sport items when available.
It all sounds very exciting, the M2 largely unshackled from restraints of cost and range hierarchy. But, as you might have expected, Evolve's GTS spec doesn't come cheap. Or rather, carbon doesn't come cheap. The bonnet, wing and roof together will cost just over £7,000, without of course the splitter and diffuser. However, the Eventuri intake and remap can be done for less than £2,000, there are many different exhaust options and the Bilstein kit is offered at £1,800. Choose carefully then, and there's the possibility to create an even better M2 for not a lot more money. Tempted?
[Sources: Evolve, TopGear]