M Performance parts for BMW M2

Just when you though the BMW M2 couldn’t get any more extreme, the giant-killing new 272kW compact coupe will be available with an official OEM range of M Performance parts, enriching the coupe's visual, mechanical and acoustic elements.

Priced from $89,990 and due in Australian showrooms in June, the new M2 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine smashing out 272kW and 465Nm.

It looks tough straight off the factory line, with ground-effects body work, quad exhausts and pumped wheel-arches giving it a bulldog stance.

But in case that's not enough for some, BMW is now touting a range of M Performance parts starting with a new (louder) exhaust system. There's also suspension, brake and aerodynamic upgrades, not to mention a load of interior upgrades to make it look almost like the feral M2 MotoGP safety car.

BMW Group Australia General Manager of Corporate Communications, Lenore Fletcher, told motoring.com.au that while the M Performance parts for the M2 have not been confirmed for Australia yet, "we're seriously looking at it, it's definitely of interest".

She noted that in the past exhaust kits for the M3 have been very popular in Australia but cautioned the M2's M Performance parts local suitability would depend on homologation.

That said, Fletcher observed that "Given Australian buyer's penchant for high-performance vehicles, we're keen to try and provide this locally."

What can M2 owners expect? As well as 80mm high-gloss exhaust outlets or 93mm carbon-fibre trimmed items with M logos, the exhaust system can be augmented with a bi-modal setup, which can switch between 'loud' (sport) and 'antisocially loud' (track) via a Bluetooth-operated flap.

If track days are your thing, you'll also be keen to check out the new M Performance adjustable suspension upgrade. As well as lowering ride height between five and 20mm, new dampers can be adjusted for compression and rebound.

Durable M Performance brake pads are offered, designed for race track use, and were "derived from the long-distance brake pads that have become well-established in motor racing", says BMW.

Improved aerodynamics – and more visual flair – will be available via carbon-fibre and carbon-reinforced plastic items. These include carbon mirror covers, rear diffuser and a boot-lip spoiler. Plus there's front fascia addition and side skirt attachments, the former available with 'look at me' BMW M logos and signature red, blue and light blue colours.

Lastly there are the interior upgrades, including three steering wheel options: an Alcantara-covered M Performance steering wheel, an open-pore carbon-fibre finish or, if you really want the best, a wheel with integrated race display, with lap times, G-metre and shift indicators. Who doesn't love gadgetry?

Other options include stainless steels pedals, floor mats with M logos and LED-enhanced scuff plates.

All this and BMW still touts average fuel consumption of just 8.5L/100km, while ripping from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds.

Stay tuned for our first local test of the car in the coming months.