M235i Racing makes video debut

BMW revealed its all-new 2 Series Coupe at the Los Angeles motor show in November and an image of an even hotter, race-ready version of the 1 Series Coupe replacement, dubbed the M235i Racing later that month.

Now, however, the M235i Racing, which BMW Australia has not ruled out importing, has made its official video debut, revealing its second-gear tyre-shedding potential.

As we’ve reported, the M235i Racing is the latest customer race car from BMW Motorsport, which already offers the Z4 GT3 to European racers.

It is fitted with a more powerful 240kW version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six in the standard 235i flagship, which goes on sale here in March.

Priced at 59,500 Euros ($A89,635) in Germany , the M235i Racing also comes with tweaked anti-skid braking and traction/stability control systems, a mechanical limited-slip differential, wider wheel tracks and a race-spec FIA-certified fuel tank and roll cage.

The low-volume M235i Racing is eligible for entry-level motorsport series like the BMW Sports Trophy and VLN Endurance Championship, which includes races at the Nurburgring.

“While the BMW Z4GT3 spearheads our range, the new M235i Racing means we are now also excellently positioned for the coming years in the field of production-based racing cars,” said BMW.

BMW Australia says it will keep its options open if there is enough demand for the M235i Racing from local privateer racers.

However, it has confirmed we'll see a range of new M Performance parts for the upcoming 2 Series, as well as the recently released X5 and 4 Series Coupe, from the first quarter of 2014.

The dealer-fitted optional extras will be available for vehicles fitted with M Sport packages, encompassing a range of carbon-fibre goodies including new front splitters, side skirts, mirror caps and rear spoilers, as well as wheel upgrades.