It probably won't surprise you to learn there's been a fair amount of excitement at PH around the
M2 Competition
, from both the members and the staff. After all, the
standard car
our favourites
from the year it was launched, it was our
most read road test
and arguably its weakest facet - a slightly humdrum engine for an M car - has now seemingly been addressed.
Because, yes, the rumours were right: it has the S55 M3/M4 engine in it. While detuned, in the M2 the 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six still produces 410hp from 5,250-7,000rpm, a worthwhile 40hp gain over the standard car. Even despite a weight increase of 55kg (thanks mainly to the new engine), power to weight has improved to 265hp per tonne. As a result, an M2 Competition with a manual gearbox - yes, it keeps one of those - will hit 62mph in 4.4 seconds, with the optional dual-clutch taking a couple of tenths from that. Top speed is a limited 155mph, or 174mph if you tell BMW what a talented driver you are (and give them some more money).
A series of chassis changes have also been introduced for the M2 Competition, BMW promising "more progressive on-the-limit characteristics" for this car compared to the standard one. Given one of the M2's most endearing characteristics was its proclivity for pratting around, this bodes very well. The changes implemented include a new steering map for better on centre response (facilitated by a stiffer front end, including the M3's carbon boomerang brace), new springs, retuned dampers and an altered calibration - as in it'll intervene later - for the DSC.
As standard the Competition will use 380mm front and 370mm rear discs, with an optional upgrade package comprised of 400mm/380mm discs alongside six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. Probably a wise box to tick if you're considering a few track days. Whichever rotors you plump for they sit behind new 19-inch forged wheels, with 245-section front and 265-section rear Michelin tyres.
As hinted at by the leaked pics, this M2 Competition carries a few subtle cosmetic changes to mark it out from the standard car too. Note the full-M wing mirrors (like an M3, see), the new rear lights and more aggressive rear bumper. Like we said, subtle. The biggest highlights inside are new seats - certainly anyone who preferred an
RS3
's interior to an M2's before will find nothing to change their mind here.
However, those who did enjoy the M2 previously - and we'll count ourselves amongst them - should be plenty encouraged by the spec confirmed above. Particularly so given the price: the manual Competition will cost £49,285, against the £46,740 of the now-discontinued standard car. The DCT carries the same £2,645 premium as before, making that £51,930. First deliveries are scheduled for August but, if you just can't wait, used M2s are available from £36k. And they're quite good already...
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