The new BMW M2 Coupe is not only the direct heir to the successful BMW 1 Series M Coupe, but also – in its underlying philosophy – a descendant of the original E30 BMW M3 and the BMW 2002 turbo. After its world premiere in February at Laguna Seca, the M2 is hosting market launches around the country. Last week, the sporty compact coupe headed over to South Africa where journalists had the chance to experience its driving dynamics.
With its high-performance six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel-drive agility, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and extrovert styling, the new BMW M2 Coupe has all the ingredients to deliver the last word in driving pleasure. And according to several reviews, it has managed to accomplish that.
The newly developed, three-liter six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW M2 deploys the M TwinPower Turbo technology to develop 272 kW at 6,500 rpm. Peak torque of 465 Nm can be increased to as much as 500 Nm in short bursts under overboost. All of which enables the new BMW M2 Coupe with optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) and Launch Control to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The BMW M engineers have worked tirelessly to reduce weight wherever possible, improve rigidity and hone the M2’s responses via sophisticated chassis technology and electronics, and upgrades to aerodynamics and cooling.
So far, the M2 is the darling of the automotive world and it’s likely to stay on the pedestal for years to come.
