BMW M2 Racing: Affordable Entry-Level Racecar Inspired by E30 M3

Описание: BMW M2 Racing: Affordable Entry-Level Racecar Inspired by E30 M3


If you've ever dreamed of stepping into the world of motorsport without the enormous costs typically associated with racing, BMW M Motorsport just made your dream a little more attainable. The brand has unveiled its new M2 Racing, an entry-level racecar based on the latest BMW M2, designed for private customer teams. Set to debut in the 2026 racing season, this model follows in the footsteps of previous racing versions, such as the M235i, M240i, and M2 CS, but with a crucial difference that marks a new chapter in BMW’s racing efforts.

The most significant change in the M2 Racing lies under the hood. While the road-going M2 boasts a potent twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, the M2 Racing takes a more compact approach. It replaces the six-cylinder with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine tuned specifically for track use. This four-pot engine delivers 308 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. While this is a considerable decrease from the standard M2’s 473 hp and 600 Nm of torque, the new setup channels the spirit of BMW’s iconic E30 M3, which used a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine to dominate the DTM and the European Touring Car Championship from 1987 to 1992.

The power from the 2.0-liter engine is transmitted to the rear wheels via a seven-speed ZF gearbox and a mechanical differential with separate cooling, enhancing the car's durability and performance on the track. BMW has also equipped the M2 Racing with an enhanced chassis featuring racing-specific components like KW shock absorbers, adjustable motorsport anti-roll bars, and BMW M Compound brakes. These updates ensure that the M2 Racing is not just a car with a different engine, but a fully optimized racecar capable of handling the high demands of competitive motorsports.

Inside, the M2 Racing is stripped down to the essentials, as you'd expect from a car built for the track. The interior includes a single Sabelt GT-AM racing bucket seat for the driver, a full FIA-homologated roll cage for safety, and a fire extinguisher. While the passenger seat is optional, the M2 Racing does come equipped with air-conditioning as standard, which will be a welcome feature during those hot summer race weekends.

BMW M Works driver Jens Klingman has said that the M2 Racing is "much closer to the production model than a highly developed GT car like the BMW M4 GT3." He highlighted the car’s affordability and ease of operation, making it a perfect choice for private teams looking for a racecar with low running costs, yet one that still delivers high performance. This makes the M2 Racing an excellent entry-level option for drivers looking to make their mark in motorsport without having to break the bank on a more sophisticated and expensive racing machine.

In terms of pricing, BMW has aimed to make the M2 Racing relatively accessible for its target market. The car will start at €98,000 in Europe, a competitive price when compared to other high-performance racing vehicles. For reference, the standard BMW M2 in Germany starts at €77,500, while the BMW M4 GT3—a much more advanced racecar—starts at a staggering €415,000. This pricing strategy puts the M2 Racing firmly within reach for many aspiring racers, while still delivering a professional-grade racing experience.

The M2 Racing made its debut at the DTM season opener at Oschersleben, Germany, and sales are expected to begin at the end of June. BMW M Motorsport will continue to develop and test the M2 Racing, ensuring it’s ready for the 2026 season. Furthermore, the company plans to offer full support to the private teams that will take part in the races with this exciting new entry-level racer.

In conclusion, the BMW M2 Racing offers an excellent opportunity for private customer teams to compete in motorsport at an affordable price point while still experiencing the thrill and performance of a full-fledged racecar. With its four-cylinder turbocharged engine, enhanced racing chassis, and close resemblance to BMW’s legendary E30 M3, the M2 Racing promises to be a game-changer in the world of entry-level racing cars.




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"BMW M2 Racing: Affordable Entry-Level Racecar Inspired by E30 M3"

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