BMW debuts its manic M2 at Detroit motor show
AFTER missing its expected debut at last September’s Frankfurt motor show, the long-awaited BMW M2 saw its official unveiling in Detroit this week.
It’s more than just a warmed-up M235i, which produces 240kW and 450Nm. The turbocharged 3-litre inline-six petrol engine has been extensively tweaked, pushing outputs to 272kW and 465Nm (500Nm for short bursts on overboost).
This improves 0-100km/h acceleration to 4.5 seconds for the sixspeed manual and 4.3 for the sevenspeed dual-clutch M DCT automatic, making the M2 half a second quicker than the M235i in both cases. Top speed is governed to 250km/h but an optional M Driver’s Package, which sells with an advanced driving course, boosts this to 270km/h. The M DCT transmission has launch control for optimised off-the-line starts.
Cornering prowess comes from lightweight aluminium front and rear axles from the BMW M3/M4, M Servotronic steering with two settings, and an electronically con- trolled Active M Differential which optimises traction and directional stability. The stability control can be switched to a less-intrusive M Dynamic Mode (MDM) which allows controlled drifts on the track.
Characteristically muscular M styling is inspired by motor racing and comprises gulping air intakes, pumped-out fenders with M gills, 19” wheels in familiar M doublespoke design, and twin tailpipes.
Sporting ambition inside the cockpit includes deeply recessed bucket seats and an M sports steering wheel, with alcantara and porous carbonfibre providing the styling glamour.
The M2 will be launched in South Africa in April.