BMW M2 Competition headed for Oz

BMW Australia has revealed that the rip-snorting BMW M2 Competition will reach the local market within months of its launch at next week's Beijing motor show. A precise launch date is yet to be announced, and pricing will not be divulged until closer to the launch, but the local arm says the potent BMW M2 Competition will begin reaching Aussie customers before the end of this year.

Potent performance comes courtesy of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder from the M4, producing 302kW and 550Nm. According to the manufacturer, the BMW M2 competition will tear up the road from standing start to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds, with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission specified. In addition, BMW is offering buyers the option of a six-speed manual box at no extra cost.

Drive to the rear wheels is handled by an 'Active M Differential' which can provide up to 100 per cent locking, based on 'steering angle, accelerator position, brake pressure, engine torque, wheel speed and yaw rate'. BMW claims that an electric motor can lock the differential within 150ms.

Complementing the differential is the M Dynamic Mode that is a feature of the Dynamic Stability Control system. In Sport+ driving mode, this feature can be actuated automatically or manually, allowing more wheel spin for predictable, power-induced oversteer.

Among the other changes from the standard M2, the BMW M2 Competition variant also features a CFRP (carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic) strut brace weighing just 1.5kg, but boosting rigidity for improved steering response. And the M Sport brake system has been developed specifically for the BMW M2 Competition. The brakes measure 400mm diameter front and 380mm rear, with six-piston calipers forward and four-piston calipers behind.

Forged alloy wheels measuring 9Jx19 at the front and 10Jx19 at the rear are fitted to the BMW M2 Competition as standard, with 245/35 ZR19 tyres at the front and 265/35 ZR19 tyres at the rear.

Exterior changes include a new front apron with additional aero devices for cooling, high-gloss Shadow Line black for the kidney grilles and side quarter panel vents, and quad exhaust tips finished in black. Hockenheim Silver is a new colour option offered with the BMW M2 Competition, and Sunset Orange metallic is another new colour available across the M2 range.

Inside, exclusive features comprise ‘BMW M2 Competition’ sill plates, M Sport seats with integrated headrests and illuminated M2 logo in the squab. Upholstery is black leather with blue or orange perforated accents and coordinating highlight stitching. The side bolstering is trimmed in Alcantara and the seatbelts incorporate a BMW M motif, also reproduced in the leather-bound steering wheel's stitching. Pressing the starter button prompts the 'M2 Competition' logo to shine in the dashboard.

Standard equipment for the BMW M2 Competition includes adaptive LED headlights, front/rear Park Distance Control, Navigation System Professional and iDrive6 infotainment system. Driver assistance and safety items fitted as standard consist of Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning with City Braking, Lane Departure Warning and speed limit sign recognition.

“With the great success the current M2 has enjoyed in Australia, we simply cannot wait for the M2 Competition to arrive,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Marc Werner.