BMW Develops New Entry-Level Racecar Based on the M2

BMW M is in the midst of developing a new entry-level racecar based on the current-gen 2 Series coupe.

The BMW 2 Series coupe has always been the de facto choice for many enthusiasts who are looking for a relatively affordable car that delivers decent driving performance. For its second-gen iteration, the automaker is now developing a racecar version of this coupe model, where it will follow in the footsteps of previous 2 Series-based racecars such as the M235i Racing, M240i Racing, and the M2 CS Racing.

Ahead of its debut, BMW has unveiled several teaser images of this new racecar, although no specifications were shared by the automaker, at least for now. From the teaser images, we can clearly see that this camo-wrapped racecar is based on the road-legal, second-gen BMW M2, rather than other non-M-spec 2 Series coupe models.

Up front, you can see that this teased model sports a more pronounced splitter with a red-hued tow strap attached to it. Despite the major part of its front end being wrapped in black-and-white camouflage wrap, we can still see that both the racecar’s kidney front grille and the large air intakes—both of which look similar to the road-going M2.

Besides the fiercer front end, this camo-wrapped M2 racecar also has a ducktail lip rear spoiler on its tailgate, a lower stance, and rides on custom wheels shod in Goodyear racing slicks.

Once you take a closer peek at its windows, you can see that the innards of this racecar are donned with some track-specific modifications, notably the full roll cage system and sporty bucket seats.

While BMW has yet to unveil the powertrain specs of this racecar, the road-going M2 coupe uses a tried-and-tested 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged 6-cyl S58 mill that is also used on both the M3 and the GR Supra. In the M2, however, this signature straight-six mill delivers 453 HP and 550 NM to the rear wheels (RWD) via either a six-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic unit sourced from ZF.

As of now, neither BMW nor its motorsport arm, the BMW M, have announced both the official launch date and pricing for this new M2 racecar. Given that it is now based on the M2 rather than non-M-badged 2 Series models like its predecessor, perhaps we can expect this supposed ‘affordable’ racecar to be not as affordable as many may think.