We already knew that BMW M Motorsport was coming out with a new M2 race car, but they officially announced it over the weekend of the DTM season opener in Germany at Oschersleben. The twist is that even though the car is called the M2, it has the B48 four cylinder under the hood. This is the same engine that’s currently in several BMW and MINI models, most notably the 230i, M235 xDrive Gran Coupe and MINI JCW models.
The reason for the four-cylinder choice is simple. It allows the M2 to compete in a variety of entry-level pro racing series around the world, including the SRO TC America series. BMW M Motorsport also touts lower running cost, as the lighter engine is not as hard on internal components as a six-cylinder would be. That’s important when you’re targeting not only racing teams to run it, but also private owners that just want a dedicated track day car.
The new M2 has been under extensive testing and development for quite some time. BMW first began testing the car in November 2023 and ramped up the program this year, with outings at the NLS Nürburgring Endurance Series races, including this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hour race, which will act as a final litmus test for the car. Sales of the car will start at the end of June, with a targeted price of around $111,000. We’re not sure if that price includes the impact of US tariffs yet. The car is expected to be on track with customer teams at the start of the 2026 season.
The price is pretty reasonable for a factory-built race car. The car is based on the M2 chassis and features components carried over from that car, including the cooling and brakes that are prepped for the demands of racing. It also includes a mechanical differential lock with separate cooling; KW non-adjustable shocks and adjustable anti-roll bars front and rear. The transmission is the 7-speed ZP 8P automatic with BMW M Motorsport software. Power from the B48 four-cylinder is rated at 313hp, which is almost identical to its rating in the M235 xDrive Gran Coupe (312hp). The weight of the race car is around 3,302 pounds, which is around 144 pounds less than the 230i coupe.
Factory driver Jens Klingmann has been heavily involved with the testing of the car and is happy with how it’s gone. “Buyers of an M2 Racing can look forward to a fantastic entry-level car that is very easy to operate, has extremely low operating costs due to its close relation to the production model, and yet is a fully-fledged race car with high performance,” he said. “On the racetrack, the M2 Racing delivers the same driving pleasure that is deeply rooted in the DNA of all BMW M and BMW M Motorsport vehicles. Our focus is to ensure that the M2 Racing, thanks to its characteristics, is the perfect car for everyone – from a novice on a track day to an ambitious racer. And I am very pleased with the result.”
Back in 2022 at the height of popularity of the M2 CS Racing, there were thirteen entered in the SRO TC America series, along with a couple of the M240i Racing models that preceded it. It remains to be seen if the new car will reach that height of popularity here in the US, but it has great pedigree with the success that the M2 CS, M240i Racing and M235i Racing models had in the series before it. The new car will be going up against cars like the Acura Integra Type S, Toyota GR Corolla TC and Hyundai Elantra N1 TC EVO among others. Fast Track Racing is one of the BMW M Motorsport dealers in the US and Team Principal Toby Grahovec commented that the new M2 looks like it will make a very good TC car (SRO TC America). He said they have already received inquiries on the car from prospective buyers.
—David Haueter
[Photos courtesy Gruppe C Photography, BMW]
