2016 BMW M2 – Official – Video

More torque than past generation M3’s.

• M TwinPower Turbo Technology yielding impressive performance.

• Wider track featuring lightweight aluminum suspension.

• Manual gearbox with innovative rev-matching technology.

• Fully variable Active M Differential.

• Nürburgring tested M compound high performance brakes.

Woodcliff Lake, N.J.: EMBARGO: October 13, 2015 6:01 pm EDT / 3:01 pm PDT

… Today, BMW M GmbH unveiled the newest member of its product family. The coveted

M badge has been placed on the popular BMW 2 Series in the form of the all-new 2016

BMW M2. The 6-cylinder under the hood is in keeping with the finest M tradition, ensuring

unbeatable driving dynamics on the trace track with exceptional power delivery and the

signature, outstanding driving behavior thanks to rear-wheel drive agility and lightweight

aluminum M Sport suspension. The innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology ensures

outstanding torque available across a wide rev band with rapid responses and excellent

efficiency, raising the pulse with its distinctive engine soundtrack.

 

The BMW M2 will be available at authorized BMW centers with a limited range of options

starting in spring of 2016. Prince will be disclosed closer to market launch.

Just like its predecessor high revs and M TwinPower.

With an output of 365 bhp at 6,500 rpm and maximum revs of 7,000 rpm this all-new BMW

M2 is more powerful than its predecessor: the BMW 1 M Coupe. The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder

inline engine in the new BMW M2 sends out a clear message to the high-performance

sports car segment. The engine’s peak torque also leads the way in this segment; a full 343

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lb-ft is on tap between 1,400 and 5,560 rpm, with the overboost function raising this figure

by 26 lb-ft to 369 lb-ft between 1,450 and 4,750 rpm. A glance to the past will put things

into perspective, this figure is more than 70 lb-ft of additional torque than the past

generation M3, ensuring plenty of torque is available in all driving situations.

With the optional M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) in place and Launch Control

activated, the new BMW M2 completes the sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in a scant 4.2

seconds (4.4 s with the six-speed manual gearbox). The top speed of the all-new BMW M2

is electronically limited to 155 mph.

 

The all-new BMW M2’s newly developed 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine represents a symbiosis

of exceptional output and outstanding efficiency. The lightweight, thermodynamically

optimized, all-aluminum unit is extremely rigid due to its closed-deck design – which means

that the cylinder water jacket is closed at the top. This enables higher cylinder pressures for

improved power output and torque.

State-of-the-art M TwinPower Turbo technology.

The all-new BMW M2 comes with the latest generation of the trailblazing M TwinPower

Turbo technology. In the new 6-cylinder inline gasoline engine, this comprises a TwinScroll

turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, variable camshaft timing (Double-VANOS) and

VALVETRONIC variable valve lift control.

Optimized to meet the highest standards and in order to satisfy the high expectations of

sporty drivers who like to push the limits on the track, the BMW M GmbH development

engineers have introduced upgrades to the engine powering the all-new BMW M2. This

engine has gained selected components from the high-performance unit used in the BMW

M3 and BMW M4 presented in 2014. Components including the pistons, with their top ring

optimized for the use of grey-cast iron liners, are sourced from the BMW M3 and M4

engine, as are the crankshaft main bearing shells. The new engine in the BMW M2 is

equipped with the requisite high-performance spark plugs designed to optimally work at

higher temperatures.

The integration of the turbocharger into the exhaust manifold plays a major role in the ability

of the new 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine in the all-new BMW M2 to optimize its performance

efficiently. The warm-up phase after a cold start is noticeably shorter reducing exhaust

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emissions. The electrically operated boost pressure control valve and close-loop

arrangement of the catalytic converter further improve the engine’s emissions rating.

The standard Auto Start Stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration provide additional

potential for fuel savings in the all-new BMW M2, while the intelligent energy management

of ancillary components enables an additional reduction in fuel consumption. For example,

the coolant pump operates only as required and the oil pump is map-controlled. The air

conditioning compressor, which is disconnected whenever it is not being used, and the

Electric Power Steering, which requires no electric energy when driving straight ahead,

make a considerable contribution to the laudable fuel consumption and emissions figures of

the all-new BMW M2.

Oil supply secure even during track days.

The many years of motor racing experience built up by the BMW M engineers are also

reflected in the oil supply for the all-new BMW M2 engine. In order to ensure oil reaches all

engine components at all times under limit-pushing driving with sustained heavy lateral

acceleration, and extreme braking maneuvers the car has to withstand on the race track, the

6-cylinder inline engine benefits from a modified oil sump.

For example, an additional oil sump cover helps to limit the movement of oil under powerful

acceleration. At the same time, an extra oil suction pump sends the oil back to the rear part

of the oil sump when the driver brakes heavily. A special suction system is employed for the

oil supply to the turbocharger under higher vehicle acceleration. This measure ensures that

the oil supply to the engine remains secure at all times, both in normal everyday driving and

when lateral dynamics are put to the test at the track.

The same also applies to the heat balance of all engine components. In order to deal with

extreme cooling requirements under hard driving, the BMW M2 engine benefits from an

additional oil cooler for the transmission oil (only applies to cars fitted with M DCT) and an

extra water radiator for the engine.

Perfectly composed high-revving M exhaust note.

One of the main contributors to the extraordinary dynamic experience on board the all-new

BMW M2 is the optimized exhaust with special flap system. With its four tailpipes, the

exhaust system immediately marks the BMW M2 out as a BMW M model and its minimal

exhaust back-pressure ensures the engine exhales optimally. The electrically controlled flap

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delivers the distinctive BMW M engine exhaust note across the entire rev range. In addition,

drivers can use the Driving Dynamic Control switch to select a driving mode and an exhaust

note to go with it.

Manual gearbox with automatic rev-matching.

The all-new BMW M2 comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, which stands

out with its compact design and low weight. The use of a new type of carbon-fiber friction

lining enhances shift precision. Dry-sump lubrication prevents any sloshing of the

transmission oil and ensures all components benefit from an efficient supply of lubricant. An

engagement speed control function, which blips the throttle on downshifts and lowers the

engine’s revs on upshifts, makes gear changes even smoother and lends the car additional

stability during hard driving on the track. Experienced drivers can still take pride in

performing the task of perfectly orchestrated down-shifts on their own by deactivating the

system in DSC OFF mode.

Motorsport inspired – flawless shifts in a split-second.

The all-new BMW M2 can be ordered as an option with the latest generation of the seven-

speed M Double Clutch Transmissions (M DCT with Drivelogic). This system, which

effectively combines two gearboxes, each with its own clutch, is specially designed to work

with the customary engine dynamics of M cars and the engine’s high torque and output.

The system detects which gear the driver will choose next based on the engine’s revs, the

accelerator position, the level of acceleration and the driving mode, and engages it before

the driver has actually moved the shift paddle. As a result, the clutches now only need to

open or close for the gear-change process to be completed. The change of gear is

therefore executed in fractions of a second. Depending on the driving mode activated, it

enables either extremely fast gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power or ultra-

smooth shifts. The extra gear of the M DCT transmission over the six-speed manual

gearbox allows for tightly spaced gearing and reduced fuel consumption thanks to its taller

gear ratios.

The driver can change gears either in automated mode or manually using the M gearshift

lever on the center console or shift paddles on the M leather steering wheel. The Drivelogic

function tuned to the M Double Clutch Transmission offers a choice of six driving programs

(three in automatic mode and three in manual mode).

Optimal acceleration in all conditions.

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The integrated Launch Control function ensures the best possible acceleration off the line in

all conditions. This function determines the ideal getaway rpm and is automatically dialed in

priming the clutches to deliver maximum forward momentum. Once under way, upshifts are

timed and performed at the optimal revs. This allows the BMW M2 with innovative M DCT

to outperform the already outstanding acceleration achievable with the six-speed manual

gearbox.

Dynamic Performance – Motorsport technology for the road.

The roots of BMW M GmbH lie in motor racing, as is highlighted in no small measure by the

dynamic talent of all BMW M models. The all-new BMW M2 also sets the pace in its

segment when it comes to agility, driving feeling, directional stability, steering precision and

controllability at the limit, without any compromise in everyday use.

Lightweight design and precise wheel location.

The basic requirement for a top-level driving dynamics vehicle is a high level of rigidity and a

low axle system weight with reduced unsprung mass. That’s why the BMW M GmbH

engineers have referred back to the lightweight aluminum front and rear axles of the BMW

M3 and M4 models for the all-new BMW M2. The control arms, wheel carriers, axle

subframes and stiffening plate of the double-joint spring-strut front axle weigh 11 pounds

less than would be the case with a conventional steel construction. Further weight savings

are provided by use of aluminum in the suspension struts and tubular anti-roll bar.

In order to ensure extremely precise wheel location, play-free ball joints are used to transmit

transverse forces. A stiffening plate in the underbody provides additional bolted connection

between the axle subframe and the body sills, which increases the stiffness of the front-end

structure. The longitudinal forces passing through the suspension are transmitted directly

via special elastomer bearings delivering precise handling feedback.

All the control arms and wheel carriers of the all-new BMW M2’s five-link rear axle are made

from forged aluminum, which reduces the unsprung masses of the wheel-locating

components by more than 6 pounds compared to a steel construction. In addition, a racing-

derived rigid connection, without rubber bushings, is used to fix the lightweight steel grid-

type rear axle subframe to the body. This further improves wheel location and tracking

stability. The axle kinematics – which govern the movement of the wheels under

compression according to the arrangement of the control arms – are similarly tuned to

deliver the precise wheel location typical from M cars.

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Made-to-measure wheels and tires.

In order to transfer the car’s dynamic potential to the road as effectively as possible, the

development of specific tires for the all-new BMW M2 was incorporated into the axle

construction from the beginning of its development. BMW M vehicle dynamic engineers

know that a certain set of factors take priority whenever dealing with high-performance

sports cars. For example, the front wheels have to cope with different types of forces in

terms of lateral stability, directional stability while providing optimal steering feedback and

steering precision. Likewise, the rear wheels deliver optimal traction, lateral stability and

directional stability. After thorough testing development, the BMW M vehicle dynamic

engineers decided to fit the all-new BMW M2 with aluminum wheels with mixed-size tires.

The lightweight 19-inch forged wheels (front axle: 9J x 19, rear axle 10J x 19) substantially

reduce rotating and unsprung masses. Together with the exclusive 19-inch Michelin Pilot

Super Sport tires measuring 245/35 ZR 19 in the front and 265/35 ZR 19 at the rear. This

set-up makes a considerable contribution to the outstanding dynamic properties of the all-

new BMW M2 and, at the same time, ensure impressive everyday ride comfort.

Motor sport inspired, Nürburgring tested – high performance brakes.

The high-performance brakes of the all-new BMW M2 are also a product of motor sport and

can be quickly identified by their brake calipers – front axle: four-piston fixed calipers, rear

axle: two-piston fixed calipers – which are painted in a blue metallic finish and display the M

logo at the front axle. In these M compound brakes the perforated and inner-vented brake

disc ring is made from grey-cast iron for a massive 15 inch diameter rotor at the front axle

and equally impressive 14.5 inch diameter at the rear axle.

M compound brakes guarantee powerful deceleration in all conditions and providing

confidence inspiring fade resistance under hard track use. They are also significantly lighter

than conventional braking systems, the brake disc hub is manufactured from aluminum as

they reduce unsprung and rotating masses, which means they play a major role in further

enhancing the dynamic ability of the all-new BMW M2.

M developed Electric Power Steering.

The Electric Power Steering of the all-new BMW M2 also instills the characteristic M driving

feeling. The development of the system prioritized hallmark M attributes, such as direct

steering feel, precise feedback at both the track and everyday driving, transmitting the driver

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with all the necessary information about the available grip at the tires. The integrated

Servotronic function with M-specific characteristics, controls the level of steering assistance

electronically according to the car’s speed. Via the Driving Dynamic Control switch the driver

can adjust the steering’s power assistance at any time.

Unlike conventional hydraulic steering systems, the all-new BMW M2’s Electric Power

Steering does not require any energy when the car is being driven in a straight line or

standing still with the engine running. This enables an improvement in fuel economy of

roughly 0.6 mpg.

Permanent, fully variable differential control.

The Active M Differential in the all-new BMW M2 optimizes traction and maximizes

directional stability. This electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential takes

traction and directional stability to a new level. The multi-plate limited-slip differential is

proactively controlled with extremely high precision and speed. The locking effect can be

varied between 0 and 100 percent according to the driving situation. Sensors including

those of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system determine the car’s steering angle,

accelerator position, brake pressure, engine torque, wheel speed and yaw rate. The control

unit analyzes these inputs to detect any threat of traction loss on one side of the car and

calculates the required locking effect, which is engaged by an electric motor. Full locking

power of 1,843 lb-ft is available within 150 ms, allowing the system to prevent a wheel from

spinning in extreme conditions on slippery road surfaces or when the two rear wheels are

experiencing significant differences in friction coefficient.

In certain situations the Active M Differential even works proactively. When pulling away on

slippery surfaces, the lock is closed by a defined percentage even before a wheel can start

to spin, to ensure that both wheels develop equal slip at the same time. This optimizes

traction and stability. The lock is also closed by the required percentage through

enthusiastically driven corners, according to the levels of lateral and longitudinal

acceleration. This prevents the low-traction inside wheel from starting to slip too quickly.

The permanent and infinitely variable differential control also increases agility, avoids

understeer at turn-in and improves directional stability under braking and load changes.

Drifts on the race track.

The all-new BMW M2 is equipped with M Dynamic Mode (MDM), a sub-function of

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). DSC effectively counteracts oversteer or understeer or a

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loss of traction by taking several measures (reducing engine power, braking individual

wheels) to stabilize the car. However, in certain situations – e.g. sporty and dynamic driving

on the race track – a greater degree of wheel slip can be an advantage.

For this reason M Dynamic Mode can be activated in the recommended track mode

(SPORT+) or can be engaged with a short dab of the DSC button. The stabilizing measures

familiar from DSC mode now intervene at a later stage, increasing the freedom available to

drivers while still keeping an electronic safety system in action. The extra wheel slip

enhances traction and therefore propulsion. More significant oversteer and understeer are

possible, as are moderate, controlled drifts, but the Dynamic Stability Control active safety

aids can still be relied on in critical situations.

Design.

An impressive amount of power, an athletic stance with bold design elements on the one

hand, an unadulterated focus on sporting achievement and credible everyday practicality on

the other. The all-new BMW M2 makes all the running in this high-performance sports car

segment with its outstanding driving dynamics and agility that combine to deliver an

extraordinary driving experience, allied with precise driver feedback.

The proud successor to the BMW 1 Series M Coupe showcases its impressive on-the-road

presence from every angle. Its M-specific exterior features send out a whole-hearted

statement of dynamics and agility, promising both a superior performance on the

Nürburgring-Nordschleife and convincing abilities on urban roads. In the grand tradition of

BMW sport coupes, the all-new BMW M2 contains stylistic references to highlights from its

forebears in BMW’s motor sport back-catalogue – such as the BMW 2002 turbo and

legendary BMW 3.0 CSL.

Inspired by motor sport history.

A glance at the front end of the all-new BMW M2 reveals characteristic M design features.

The signature BMW kidney grille, with its black-painted double bars replicating the design of

the M double-spoke wheels, carries the BMW M logo. And the three-dimensional design of

the grille has a “shark nose” feel to it. The modern take on the BMW twin circular headlights

underlines the car’s forward-surging look and establishes a close stylistic connection with

the grille. This further sharpens the focus of the all-new BMW M2 on the road ahead.

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The large front apron with trapezoidal blades and the Air Curtains in the outer air intakes

mimic the type of protruding spoilers that have been a familiar sight in motor sport down the

years. For the BMW M2 they were inspired in particular by the BMW 3.0 CSL touring car

racer. However, the large blades are not only a nod to the past. Form follows function is the

message here, so as well as underlining the wide track of the all-new BMW M2 they divert

part of the airflow through the wheel arches, while the Air Curtains guide the air effectively

past the wheels. These two features work together to reduce air turbulence around the front

wheel arches, cutting drag in the process. Moreover, the large air intakes cover the

immense cooling air requirements of the high-performance engine. Thanks to the careful

channeling of the airflow around and through elements of the car, drag has been reduced by

five percent compared with the BMW 2 Series Coupe, despite the M2’s stronger cooling

performance. The aerodynamic measures have also reduced lift by 35 percent and

significantly improved aerodynamic balance at higher speeds.

Hallmark BMW proportions.

From the side the all-new BMW M2 is immediately identifiable as a fully-fledged member of

the BMW M family. Compact dimensions and hallmark BMW proportions – i.e. a short front

overhang, sweeping hood, long wheelbase and set-back greenhouse with classic BMW

Hofmeister kink – are the starting point, with signature M design elements strengthening the

dynamic expression. For instance, the newly interpreted BMW gills rearwards of the front

wheel arches reference a feature first seen on the BMW 3.0 CSL. They send out a visual

statement and set the swage line on its way towards the rear.

The side swage line – which begins rearwards of the front axle on the all-new BMW M2,

then rises dynamically towards the tail and links the flanks of the car with its rear end – is a

classical BMW design feature; for instance, in the case of the BMW 2002, it extended

around the whole car. Other typical elements of the all-new BMW M2’s powerful

appearance are the sculptural wing extensions at the front and rear axle, which immediately

bring to mind the image of a muscular athlete with broad shoulders in a figure-hugging race

suit and visually enhance the car’s standout dynamic abilities. However, these significant

bodywork extensions (front: 2.1 in, rear: 3.1 in) are not only a stylistic statement, but

necessary to accommodate the wider track and wheels – in this case 19-inch aluminum

forged rims in familiar BMW M double-spoke design.

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The broad rear end of the all-new BMW M2 highlights its firm grip on the asphalt, a quality

further reinforced by the horizontal lines in the trunk lid and rear apron. The M rear spoiler on

the trunk lid also accentuates the elevated dynamic aspirations of the all-new BMW M2.

The vertical reflectors at the outer extremes of the rear apron form a stylistic connection

with the trapezoidal blades at the front end and once again emphasize the powerful

appearance of the all-new BMW M2. This feeling is additionally strengthened by the L-

shaped rear lights which have become a fixture of BMW models. Their horizontally arranged

LEDs also underscore the athletic and imposing impression created by the all-new BMW

M2.

The looks of the rear end are rounded off by another classical BMW M feature. The diffuser

integrated into the rear apron is a clear reference to the racing abilities of the all-new BMW

M2 and offers a nod to its optimized aerodynamics. Likewise integrated into the rear apron

are the familiar quartet of hallmark BMW M exhaust tailpipes in high-gloss chrome, which

draw renewed attention to the low visual center of gravity and point clearly to the dynamic

performance of the all-new BMW M2.

Attention to sporty detail wherever you look.

The all-new BMW M2, is available in four exterior paint finishes: Long Beach Blue metallic,

Alpine White, Black Sapphire metallic and Mineral Grey metallic. As with all BMW M models,

the interior architecture of the all-new BMW M2 also stands out with its pervasive driver

focus and flawless ergonomics. The car is fitted with a host of BMW M-specific equipment

details to reflect its prominent dynamic capabilities. The sports seats, in black Dakota

leather with blue contrast stitching and an M logo in the backrests, have adjustable side

bolsters to give the driver and front passenger optimum support through fast corners. An M

footrest and knee pad on the center console for the driver continue the theme.

Instruments with BMW M2-specific dials and needles, a speedometer scale reaching round

to 200 mph and a tachometer reading up to 8,000 rpm provide an indication of the car’s

extraordinary performance potential as soon as you climb aboard. Familiar M equipment

items in the all-new BMW M2 also include M logos on the tachometer, gearshift lever, door

sill plates and M leather steering wheel with shift paddles. Other highlights of the interior are

the all-new BMW M2 trim strip with surfacing in open pore carbon fiber and Alcantara for

the door panel inserts, parking brake boot and shift lever boot (manual transmission only).

BMW ConnectedDrive enhances safety, comfort and entertainment.

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New BMW M2 customers can also make use of innovative driver assistance systems and

mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive.

The range of optional driver assistance systems available for the BMW M2 includes the

Driving Assistant, which comprises features such as Collision Warning and Pedestrian

Warning with City Braking function, and Lane Departure Warning. The system warns the

driver of potential collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles in urban areas and brakes the

car automatically. Furthermore, it uses steering wheel vibrations to alert drivers if they stray

from their lane unintentionally. Speed Limit Info flashes in the instrument cluster with the

permitted top speed. The rear-view camera teams up with rear Park Distance Control to

assist drivers with reverse parking and maneuvering. Plus, the standard Navigation System

offers an ultra-sharp map display and the iDrive Touch Controller ensures the various

functions are even easier to use.

Analyze your own driving style, film racing laps.

The optional ConnectedDrive Services open up the world of vehicle connectivity to

customers, revealing intelligent services and features as well as an extensive range of apps.

The GoPro app and the M Laptimer app from BMW M GmbH are geared towards

enthusiastic drivers. The later enables them to improve on their driving on the track. This

application records the car’s speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, engine’s speed, the

gear engaged at any one time, the steering angle, the accelerator position and fuel

consumption. All this allows drivers to subsequently analyze their inputs precisely corner by

corner, gives them the option of comparing their laps with those of other drivers and

enables them to easily share the data by e-mail or Facebook.

The GoPro app allows drivers to use a GoPro camera to film fast laps of the race track.

BMW ConnectedDrive paves the way for all applications to be integrated seamlessly into

the car. They can be operated using the iDrive Touch Controller and viewed in the Control

Display.

Heritage – sporting talent runs in the family.

The all-new BMW M2 sees BMW M GmbH building on the success of the BMW 1 Series M

Coupe. Like its forebear, the BMW M2 also sets the benchmark in this high-performance

sports car segment. The M2 doesn’t just have one direct predecessor, it continues the

tradition of the legendary original BMW M3 – the E30 from 1986. It is also a close

descendant of a car from 40 years ago that perfectly embodied the focus of BMW M GmbH

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on stand-out dynamic talent, unbeatable agility and unshakable car control no matter what

the situation: the BMW 2002 turbo.

Head-turning ancestor.

When the BMW 2002 turbo was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in autumn 1973 as

the new flagship model of the BMW 02 Series, the first Oil Crisis was just beginning. This

backdrop was a major factor behind the growth of the BMW 2002 turbo into one of the

most emotionally rich cars of its time. Today, it is a hugely coveted classic.

The BMW 2002 turbo was no available in the US but its impact on automotive history alone

provides sound reasons for this current status. After all, the BMW 2002 turbo was the first

series-produced German car to feature a turbocharger. Only available in Polaris metallic and

Chamonix paint finishes, it was soon thrilling drivers with its stunning dynamic repertoire.

The BMW engineers employed a Kugelfischer fuel injection system and KKK turbocharger

to extract a strong 170 hp at 5,800 rpm (ECE Ratings) from the two-liter four-cylinder

engine. Maximum torque of 177 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm was also more than impressive. That was

enough to power the super-light BMW 2002 turbo, weighing in at just 2,440 pounds, from 0

to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 132 mph. The BMW 2002 turbo was

therefore one of the fastest-moving sports cars on German roads at the time.

With its cutting-edge suspension featuring a MacPherson front axle, a semi-trailing arm rear

axle, anti-roll bars front and rear and inner-vented front disc brakes, the BMW 2002 turbo

led the way in the 1970s in terms of driving dynamics.

A legend of motor sport.

While the coveted BMW 2002 turbo never made it to American soil, the original BMW M3

(E30), the sports version of the compact BMW 3 Series range, was presented in 1986. The

short 171.6 inches long, two-door sedan was conceived as a homologation model for the

German Touring Car Championship and wore its ambitious sporting intentions proudly on

its sleeve. With its pronounced fender flaring, a large front spoiler, side skirts, a lowered rear

apron and a prominent spoiler rising up from the rear end, the first BMW M3 had the exterior

presence of a finely-tuned athlete. A more heavily raked rear window than that of a standard

BMW 3 Series and a raised boot lid made from glass-fiber-reinforced plastic brought further

aerodynamic gains.

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The BMW M3 was powered by a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder inline engine featuring four-valve

technology, which developed 192 hp at 6,750 rpm and served up peak torque of 177 lb-ft

at 4,750 rpm. It sent this power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox with a

dogleg first gear. The BMW M3 took just 6.7 seconds to sprint from 0 to 62 mph and

recorded a top speed of 146 mph.

These enviable statistics underpinned the ascent of the original BMW M3 to legendary

status in motor racing circles. It won the touring car world championship in its first season on

the race track. And the first M3 remains the world’s most successful touring car racer to this

day, having notched up more than 1,500 race victories, including four wins in a row in the

24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

Powerful predecessor.

The first M car based on the BMW 1 Series arrived in 2011 in the form of the BMW 1 Series

M Coupe. This exclusive M vehicle was powered by a 3.0 liter 6-cylinder inline engine with

M TwinPower Turbo technology and developed output of 335 hp at 5,900 rpm. The BMW

1 Series M Coupe made its peak torque of 332 lb-ft available between 1,500 and 4,500

rpm. The 0 to 60 mph dash was all over in just 4.7 seconds and top speed was an

electronically limited 155 mph.

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe came as standard with lightweight M Sport suspension, a

variable M mechanical differential lock, M compound brakes and 19-inch aluminum wheels

with mixed-size tires. Track width was increased over the standard BMW 1 Series Coupe by

2.36 inches at the front and 1.57 inches at the rear.

Stylistic changes to the BMW 1 Series M Coupe included a new front apron with larger air

intakes in response to the car’s increased cooling requirement, as well as wing extensions

and a new rear apron. The interior was upgraded in familiar M style with leather-covered M

sports seats, an M sports steering wheel, interior trim strips in Alcantara and BMW M logos.