Every BMW enthusiast with a pulse has been waiting for months—it only seems like forever—for details and pictures of the newest model from BMW M GmbH: the BMW M2. The wait is over.
The all-new 2016 BMW M2, at a glance:
• More torque than previous M3s
• M TwinPower Turbo Technology yields impressive performance
• Wider track with lightweight aluminum suspension
• Manual gearbox with rev-matching technology
• Fully variable Active M Differential
• Nürburgring-tested M-compound high-performance brakes
Today, the world finally can see the newest member of the M family. The all-new 2016 BMW M2 was designed around a three-liter, six-cylinder turbocharged engine, given proper brakes and a lightweight M tuned suspension, and set up with rear-wheel drive to give the performance-minded BMW fan a car with superior driving dynamics, on the street or on the track.
To actually own the car, Americans will have to wait a little longer. The 2016 BMW M2 will be available at U.S. BMW retail centers with a limited range of options in the spring of 2016. We don’t know the price; BMW will provide that information closer to actual market launch.
Like its predecessor, the M2 will have a high-revving M TwinPower Turbocharged engine.
As we have all been guessing for many months, the M2 will have 365 horsepower, which places it squarely between the M235i and the M3/M4. Those 365 horses come at 6,500 rpms, and redline is 7,000. This makes it more powerful than its immediate predecessor, the BMW 1 M Coupe. The rest of the high-performance sports car segment has also been put on notice with the M2’s peak torque: 343 pound-feet between 1,400 and 5,560 rpm. But there’s more. An overboost function raises torque by another 26 pound-feet to 369 pound-feet between 1,450 and 4,750 rpm. In comparison, this is 70 pound-feet more than the past-generation M3.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, with which the M2 will sprint from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. If that’s too slow, get the optional M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT), activate Launch Control, and do the zero-to-60 dance in 4.2 seconds. At the top end, the BMW M2 will only hit 155 miles per hour, but that’s because it is electronically limited.
The M2’s three-liter six is an all-aluminum, lightweight design that uses a closed-deck—meaning the cylinder water jacket is closed at the top, enabling higher cylinder pressures for more horsepower and torque.
The latest M TwinPower Turbo technology.
The all-new 2016 BMW M2 uses the newest version of the M-specific TwinPower Turbo technology. The powerplant incorporates a TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, double-VANOS camshaft timing, and Valvetronic variable valve lift control.
BMW M engineers built some special features into the M2’s mill to make sure it delivered when it had to; for example, when pushed on the track. Selected components from the award-winning engines in the BMW M3 and BMW M4 have found their way into the M2 engine. These include the pistons, with their top ring optimized for the use of grey-cast iron liners, and the crankshaft main bearing shells. The M2 gets high-performance spark plugs optimized for higher temperatures.
How the turbocharger is integrated into the exhaust manifold is important for reducing emissions. The integration of the turbocharger into the exhaust manifold plays a major role in the ability of the new three-liter, six-cylinder engine in the all-new BMW M2 to optimize its performance efficiently, as does the electrically operated boost pressure control valve and closed-loop arrangement of the catalytic converter.
Just because the M2 can burn a lot of fuel doesn’t mean it has to all the time. Auto Start Stop is standard, Brake Energy Regeneration helps to save fuel, and intelligent energy management of ancillary components further improves fuel economy. The water pump operates only when required, and the oil pump is map-controlled. The air conditioning compressor is disconnected when the AC is off, reducing the load on the engine. Electric Power Steering needs no energy when the driver is not turning the wheel—like when driving straight ahead—so this also helps lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Oil supply secure even during track days.
Decades of motorsports experience have taught BMW M engineers a few things. To ensure all engine components are properly lubricated under all loads, they have included a modified oil sump. During hard acceleration, an additional oil sump cover limits the movement of oil. Under hard braking, an extra oil suction pump pushes oil to the rear of the sump. The turbocharger is lubed by a special suction system. Track drivers will especially appreciate this extra thought to prevent oil starvation and damaged moving surfaces.
An additional oil cooler for transmission oil on cars with the M DCT and an additional water radiator for the engine help keep the M2’s temps where they belong, even under stress.
Perfectly composed high-revving M exhaust note.
Naturally, the M2 comes with the signature M quad tailpipes. The M2’s exhaust uses a special flap system to deliver a distinctive exhaust note. Drivers may use the Driving Dynamic Control switch to pick a driving mode and a corresponding exhaust note.
Manual gearbox with automatic rev matching.
For the pure of heart and slow of technology adoption, a six-speed manual is still available in the 2016 M2, although the Germans can’t grasp why we want it. Still, they have made the best possible manual gearbox they can, and it’s full of new technology, too. A new type of carbon-fiber friction lining enhances shift precision. Dry-sump lubrication prevents sloshing of the transmission oil and ensures all components receive sufficient lubrication. Even with the manual, the car automatically can blip the throttle on downshift to match revs, and lower the rpms on upshifts to make them smoother. Those drivers who would prefer to do all that shifting-blipping stuff themselves can deactivate the system in DSC OFF mode.
Like a racecar: the computer can shift faster and better than you.
The 2016 BMW M2 can be had with a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. This system basically combines two gearboxes, each with its own clutch, and is designed to work with the engine dynamics of high torque and high-power M cars. The computer uses engine revs, accelerator position, acceleration level, and driving mode to figure out what gear the driver will pick next and actually engage that gear in one gearbox before the driver has selected it. When the driver does get around to making the decision the computer already knew he or she was going to make, all it has to do is open or close the clutch to engage the new gear. The driver may leave the transmission in automatic mode, or shift manually using the gearshift knob or shift paddles on the steering wheel. Would it sound too repetitive to state again that the DCT can shift faster, without the possibility of the “money shift” and also reduce fuel usage and emissions?
Optimal acceleration in all conditions.
Integrated Launch Control takes over shifting and acceleration for the fastest possible sprint times, but only if you have the M DCT. So there’s another reason.
Dynamic Performance - Motorsport technology for the road.
Lightweight design and precise wheel location.
Stiff and light make for a great-handling car. BMW M engineers have taken the lightweight front and rear aluminum axle assemblies and incorporated them into the M2. The control arms, wheel carriers, axle subframes, and stiffening plate of the double-joint spring-strut front axle weigh eleven pounds less than a comparable steel suspension.
To ensure extremely precise wheel location, play-free ball joints are used to transmit transverse forces. A stiffening plate in the underbody provides an additional bolted connection between the axle subframe and the body sills, which increases the stiffness of the front-end structure. The longitudinal forces passing through the suspension are transmitted directly via special elastomer bearings delivering precise handling feedback.
All the control arms and wheel carriers of the all-new BMW M2’s five-link rear axle are made from forged aluminum, which reduces the unsprung masses of the wheel-locating components by more than 6 pounds compared to steel construction. In addition, a racing-derived rigid connection, without rubber bushings, is used to fix the lightweight steel grid-type rear axle subframe to the body. This further improves wheel location and tracking stability. The axle kinematics—which govern the movement of the wheels under compression according to the arrangement of the control arms—are similarly tuned to deliver the precise wheel location typical of M cars.
Made-to-measure wheels and tires.
The suspension was designed with specific tires and wheels in mind to deal with the different forces acting on the front and rear of the car. That’s why the BMW M vehicle dynamics engineers chose to fit the BMW M2 with aluminum wheels with mixed-size tires.
The lightweight 19-inch forged wheels (front axle: 9J x 19, rear axle 10J x 19) substantially reduce rotating and unsprung masses. When paired with the exclusive 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires measuring 245/35 ZR 19 in the front and 265/35 ZR 19 at the rear, the M2 gets outstanding dynamic properties while retaining daily ride comfort.
Motorsport inspired, Nürburgring tested—high performance brakes.
You can’t go fast—safely—unless you can stop fast. The M2’s brakes are motorsport-quality. The fronts use four-piston fixed calipers, while the rears sport two-piston fixed calipers. Both are painted blue with and the fronts have the M logo. The calipers embrace large 15-inch perforated and inner-vented discs in the front and similar, almost-as-large 14.5 inch discs in the back. The disc hubs are aluminum, further reducing unsprung weight and rotating mass.
M-developed Electric Power Steering.
The new M2 driver will make directional changes with Electronic Power Steering (EPS). Even though it is not directly connected to the road, the steering system still exhibits the characteristics of hallmark BMW steering—direct steering feel and precise feedback in all performance and daily situations—providing the driver with a feel for how much grip the tires have, and so on. What’s more, the driver can control the extent of the power assistance using the Driving Dynamic Control switch.
That the M2’s Electric Power Steering puts no load on the system when the wheels are not turning reduces fuel usage by as much as 0.6 miles per gallon.
Permanent, fully variable differential control.
The 2016 M2’s Active M Differential is an electronically controlled, multi-plate limited-slip differential that takes traction and directional stability to a new level. The locking effect can be varied between 0 and 100 percent based on the driving situation. Sensors determine the car’s steering angle, accelerator position, brake pressure, engine torque, wheel speed, and yaw rate. When the control unit detects any threat of traction loss on one side of the car, it calculates the required locking effect, which is then enforced by an electric motor. Full locking power of 1,843 pound-feet is available within 150 milliseconds, preventing wheelspin under extreme conditions on slippery road surfaces or when the rear wheels experience different traction conditions from each other.
The M2 is driftable.
The 2016 BMW M2 has something called M Dynamic Mode (MDM), a sub-function of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). DSC counteracts oversteer or understeer or a loss of traction by reducing engine power or braking individual wheels to stabilize the car. In certain situations—track driving, for example—more wheel slip can be a good thing.
That’s why drivers can activate M Dynamic Mode in Sport + mode or by a quick push of the DSC button. DSC corrections kick in later, giving the driver some freedom to let the car run free while still keeping DSC in reserve. More oversteer and understeer are possible, as are controlled drifts up to a point, but DSC will still be there if things get out of hand. What’s out of hand? The computer probably knows.
Design.
BMW M was obviously going for it’s version of a bold, aggressive version of the 2 Series with the usual M flair when it came to aerodynamics. In a new model, BMW likes to pay homage to the car’s ancestors—in this case the BMW 2002 Turbo and the BMW 3.0 CSL, but there are also distinctive design queues that remind us of newer BMWs like the M4 and i8.
Inspired by motorsport history.
The all-new BMW M2 has characteristic M design features galore. The signature BMW kidney grille carries the BMW M logo. There is a shark-nose feel to the grill, and the new version of the quad headlights evoke the traditional four round lights of BMWs past.
The large front apron with trapezoidal blades and the Air Curtains in the outer air intakes divert airflow through the wheel arches and past the wheels reducing air turbulence around the front wheel arches and cutting drag. The large air intakes support the cooling requirements of the M engine. Drag is 5 percent lower than a standard 2 Series Coupe, despite the larger intakes. Aerodynamic features on the M2 resulted in 35 percent less lift and better high-speed aerodynamic balance.
Things that make it a BMW M car.
It simply looks like an M car—short front overhang, sweeping hood, long wheelbase, set-back greenhouse, and of course, the BMW Hofmeister kink. The gills aft of the front wheel arches remind us of the M division’s first car—the BMW 3.0 CSL.
Like the original E30 M3, BMW has grown the fenders and wheel arches to accommodate a wider track and wheels. The M2 fits 19-inch wheels inside those athletic bulges.
The back end of the car also looks familiar with the traditional L-shaped taillights, but these are illuminated by LEDs. Farther down, we see another feature that has become a BMW M car hallmark—the diffuser integrated into the rear apron and the quad tailpipes.
More M look and feel.
The all-new BMW M2 comes in four exterior paint finishes: Long Beach Blue metallic, Alpine White, Black Sapphire metallic, and Mineral Grey metallic. BMW M-specific sports seats come only in black Dakota leather with blue contrast stitching and an M logo in the backrests. Support from the adjustable side bolsters is augmented with an M footrest and a center-console kneepad.
The M2 gets its own instrumentation, with BMW M2-specific dials and needles, a speedometer scale reading an optimistic 200 mph, and an 8,000 rpm tachometer. M logos adorn the tachometer, gearshift lever, doorsill plates, and M leather steering wheel with shift paddles. The door panel inserts, parking brake boot, and manual shift lever boot get an M2 trim strip with open-port carbon fiber and Alcantera.
BMW ConnectedDrive enhances safety, comfort and entertainment.
Like all BMWs these days, M cars have driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive.
The optional driver assistance systems that can be had on the BMW M2 include the Driving Assistant (Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, and Lane Departure Warning). Speed Limit Info projects the permitted speed into the instrument cluster. The rear-view camera and rear Park Distance Control help with reverse parking and maneuvering. Both the standard Navigation System and the iDrive Touch Controller have been improved.
Analyze your own driving style, film racing laps.
Optional ConnectedDrive Services such as the GoPro app and the M Laptimer app from BMW M GmbH are geared toward enthusiastic drivers, especially when on track, (but not necessarily in high-performance driving schools where lap timing is not permitted).
Heritage—sporting talent runs in the family.
It’s obvious the all-new BMW M2 is built on the success of the limited production BMW 1 M Coupe. Like the 1 M, the M2 is likely to become a benchmark in smaller, lighter, and more powerful performance sports coupes. In this, it traces its lineage back through five generations of M3 to the E30 M3 introduced in 1986 and even farther back, to the high-performance two-door that surprised the automotive world and wore the BMW Motorsports colors in the early 1970s—the BMW 2002 Turbo.
Like the 2002 Turbo, the E30 M3, and the 1 M Coupe, we think the all-new 2016 BMW M2 will be very popular, in extremely high demand, and will represent BMW M GmbH with distinction. As the M3 and M4 have grown in size from their predecessors, a space was created for a smaller M car with great handling, great brakes, and an equivalent or better power-to-weight ratio. Starting next spring, we will be able to see if the new M2 is really the car we’ve all been waiting for.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
