Does the M2 get the engine from the M3 and M4?
Yes, the new M2 Competition does get its heart from the M3 and M4. The S55-coded 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six has been detuned from 431hp to 410hp in the M2 Competition.
As a result, the M2 Competition is 40hp more powerful than the regular model, which employs the N55-designated block of the same size but with just one turbo.
Aside from achieving its maximum power at a higher 7,000rpm (500rpm more), the M2 Competition has 550Nm of torque attained at 2,350Nm; the stock model generates 465Nm at 1,400rpm.
BMW says the M2 Competition accelerates from 0-100kph in 4.2sec, a tenth of second faster than the base car. That's for the one equipped with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; the six-speed manual is 0.2sec shy of the mark.
Is it lighter than the normal M2?
No it isn't, if you take BMW's weight figures into consideration. The M2 Competition tips the scales at 1,575kg, 55kg more than in the normal model probably due to added components.
In order to handle the increased performance, the M2 Competition gets the CFRP strut bar and towers from the M3 and M4 to help give the front end even more bite. There's also a new M Sport brake system housed within new 20-inch wheels.
The settings of the suspension, steering and rear differential have also been slightly altered to suit the M2 Competition's driving performance.
For the first time, the driver can tailor the driving modes and use the pre-selected settings by directly pressing a button on the steering wheel. Additionally, the M2 Competition is said to feature a more thrilling noise thanks to active exhaust flaps.
Visually, BMW has given the M2 Competition darker shades on the bigger kidney grilles and new skirt design. Inside, there's a new instrument panel and sports seats, plus more carbon fibre trim.
Could there be a CS version of it?
Everything is now possible, especially in the business of high-performance cars, because makers can maintain sales momentum of their particular products with more special variants.
If you look what has happened in the bigger M4, the Competition Pack (more spice and sharper handling) was followed by the CS (standing for Club Sport, with not only lighter weight but more oomph).
Wildly guessing, a CS version could appear in the M2 when it nears the end of its life cycle in less than three years. By that time, the next-gen M3 and M4 could be getting more power, so a 431hp lightweight M2 isn't really a fantasy.
BMW hasn't discussed pricing yet for the M2 Competition, although potential punters should be setting aside another million baht over the normal one, which currently goes for 5.939 million baht.
And what's the hurry with another M5?
After launching the M5 in its latest generation less than a year ago, BMW's M division has swiftly upped the game with the go-faster Competition treatment.
Compared over the regular model, the M5 Competition model gets glossy black parts and badges inside and around the car, plus special 20-inch wheels shod with mixed-size tyres.
The M boys have tuned the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 to 625hp, up 25hp from the stock M5. As well, it is claimed that the M5 Competition's 750Nm of torque is achieved at a wider engine speed range by 200rpm from 1,800-5,800rpm.
Although the eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive are carried over, the M5 Competition gets revised engine and suspension mounts for better response. As well, the suspension has been lowered by 7mm for sharper handling.
How much faster is it?
Compared to the standard version, the M5 Competition goes from 0-100kph in 3.3sec (better by 0.1sec) and 0-200kph in 10.8sec (quicker by 0.3sec).
But here's probably why the Competition treatment has been quickly brought over to the M5: it is faster than the Mercedes-AMG E63 S by a tenth of a second from 0-100kph.
The interesting bit is that the AMG was launched even before the regular M5 in its current generation. This clearly shows that BMW kept that trump card up its sleeve last year when the normal M5 was introduced.
There's also a good possibility a Competition-type badge may be used for AMG's S initial in the future, that is, two power outputs for each model. The E63 produces 571hp, while the go-faster S has 612hp.
How much will it cost?
BMW hasn't revealed pricing yet, although it shouldn't hit 15 million baht in Thai showrooms. The standard M5 currently asks for 13.399 million baht.
First deliveries of the M5 Competition are set to start in September should orders be placed now.
