The First-Ever BMW M2 Competition: 0-60 in 4 sec.

BMW has a penchant for producing excellent sports cars, especially elegant coupes combining sharp exterior design with white-knuckle driving dynamics.

The 2018 M2 can surely meet the standards of most enthusiasts, a glaring fact remained; both the 2018 M2 and top-tier 2 Series model, the 2018 M240i, feature a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine with similar outputs. In fact, the torque figures of the M240i outdid those delivered by the M2.

The German automaker unveiled a new and much-improved model to serve as the M2’s replacement – the 2019 BMW M2 Competition.

While the outgoing M2 featured BMW’s N55 engine, a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder with 365 horsepower and 343 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2019 M2 Competition features the same engine found in the M3 and M4.

The new BMW M2 Competition benefits from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine that provides impressive power numbers, especially in comparison to the departing 2018 M2 model.

Known as the S55, this twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six from BMW’s M Division churns out 405 horsepower and 406 lb.-ft of torque – quite a significant power upgrade from the departing M2 model. The new power plant also features an advanced oil supply system, as well as a cooling system borrowed from the M4’s Competition Package, utilizing one central radiator, two side radiators, and additional engine oil cooler.

The new M2 Competition will feature a 6-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, though a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is available as an option to drive the rear wheels. BMW claims the 2019 M2 Competition makes the 0-60mph sprint in 4.0 seconds with the optional DCT, or 4.2 seconds when the gears are manually shifted.

BMW has outfitted the coupe with a new performance exhaust system as well, which features electronically-controlled flaps for those who prefer the soundtrack of the twin-turbo inline-six when driving.

An upgraded braking system is added to the 2019 M2 Competition, which utilizes 6-piston calipers in the front, 4-piston calipers in the rears, and larger brake disks all around than the 2018 M2. The new braking system is accompanied by a 19-inch forged wheel design, available in either semi-black or black surface. Steering dynamics have also been improved, with front and rear axles, as well as a carbon fiber strut brace borrowed from the M3 and M4. Throttle settings, power steering, and the electronic locking differential are all also recalibrated.

The new M2 Competition benefits from a performance exhaust system, which features four exhaust tips.
Though the 2019 M2 Competition retains the compact dimensions of the retiring M2, a variety of changes are made to the exterior. Enlarged kidney grille openings with high-gloss black paint are part of an enhanced front-end design for optimal cooling function, which complements the gloss black side vents.

Around back, the new exhaust system features four black chrome plated tailpipes, as well as a dark M Competition Badge. Finally, the new 2-door will feature two fresh exterior paint colors: Hockenheim Silver, which is exclusive to the M2 Competition, and Sunset Orange Metallic.

Of course, an excellent blend of technology and comfort are added to the cabin of the M2 Competition. Door sill plates bear an M2 Competition logo, as does the instrument cluster upon startup, while the bucket-style seats feature black leather upholstery and an illuminated M2 logo. Various driver assistive technologies are also included, such as forward collision warning, pedestrian warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and parking distance controls.

The sporty, yet opulent seats found in the 2019 BMW M2 Competition are sure to keep occupants well-planted during a spirited drive.
Also available is an M Driver’s Package, which bumps the top speed of the coupe to 174 mph, and includes a voucher for the BMW Driving Experience, a track training course located at one of two BMW Performance Centers; either on the East Coast (located in Spartanburg, SC), or West Coast (located in Thermal, CA).

The 2019 BMW M2 Competition will arrive in the United States during summer 2018. Though the outgoing M2 was a great sports coupe in its own right, it is impressive how much improvement BMW was able to stuff into their most affordable performance model for the 2019 model year.

With the new M2 Competition, BMW reminds us that while it knows what it takes to keep the lights on, it surely hasn’t forgotten how to have fun in the process.