Press Release.
Source: BMW Group PressClub Canada
Richmond Hill, ON. 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 retailers with a limited range of options starting in spring of 2016. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch.
Just like its predecessor high revs and M TwinPower.
With an output of 365 hp 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 inline 6-cylinder 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 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 100 km/h in a scant 4.3 seconds (4.5 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox).
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 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 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.
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 5 kg 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.
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 in both the track and everyday driving, transmitting to the driver 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, enabling an improvement in fuel economy.
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.
