BMW M2 Competition confirmed

The new BMW M2 Competition has been outed globally after the car-maker’s Australian website published key information early.

The long-rumoured BMW M2 Competition is set to debut at the upcoming Beijing motor show. A Slovenian BMW enthusiast site swooped on the early discovery overnight, which confirms twin turbocharging in a move that inches the M2 closer to the larger M4.

According to the leak the M2 Competition employs the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged I6 engine as the M4.

The M2 Competition will reportedly produce 302kW and 550Nm -- down 29kW on the larger M4 but offering identical torque.  It will also notch 0-100km/h in a credible 4.2 seconds – 0.2 seconds slower than the larger sibling and 0.1 seconds faster than the regular M2.

With a maximum engine speed of 7600rpm, the M2 Competition is set to build on the giddy heights of the regular model, which currently offers 272kW/465Nm. Visually, it cuts a stronger presence with larger air inlets, more aggressive kidney grille design, mirrors from the M4, a re-worked rear and distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels.

“The two weight-optimised turbochargers ensure that the high performance power unit exhibits an extremely direct response and unbridled high-revving ability – perfect for fast sprints and sporty cornering,” BMW's leaked brochure says.

“The sound of the M sport exhaust system can be adapted to the specific driving mode at the touch of a button – powerful and setting the tone at every moment.

“Developed and tested on the racing circuit, the cooling system ensures the optimum operating temperature while the M specific suspension guarantees precise handling. A vehicle for everyone who wants to dictate the race from the front of the pack.”

Inside, the M2 scores larger seats from the M4, a red starter button and M1 and M2 buttons, configurable drive setting lifted straight from – you guessed it – the M4.

Here’s hoping the upgrades don’t upset the purity of the donor car.