BMW UNVEILS SHARPER, MORE POWERFUL M2 COMPETITION

BMW has announced details of its revised M2, with more power and a more responsive chassis.

The 2018 model has been renamed the M2 Competition and now gets a detuned version of the twin-turbo engine found in the brand’s M3 and M4 models.

In the M2 Competition the 3.0-litre unit produces 404bhp and and 405lb/ft. Official peformance figures are 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Buyers opting for the M Driver package will see that raised to 170mph.

The M2 Competition has also borrowed structural parts from the M4, with front and rear carbon fibre-reinforced plastic strut adding to the car’s rigidity.

These and a host of new lightweight components have been combined with revisions to the steering, braking, suspension and traction control systems to offer sharper handling than the outgoing model.

The M2 remains rear-wheeldrive, with the power sent via a six-speed manual or sevenspeed dual-clutch gearbox. It is also equipped with an electronically controlled limitedslip differential.

Externally, a new front splitter and air intake, bigger allblack grille, and “motorsport inspired” wing mirrors mark the Competition out from the previous model.

The M2 Competition will be available to order from midmay with prices starting from £49,285.