Yes please...
But I haven't said anything yet.
It's a BMW M2; that's all that matters.
Fair enough, the BMW M2 Coupe was already an accomplished and desirable sports car, but there's always room for improvement, a nip and tuck here and there and more power. Enter the 2018 BMW M2 Competition.
More power you say?
Oh, now you're interested. Yes, BMW M has replaced the M2's turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six with an engine of the same configuration that's more closely related to that under the bonnets of the BMW M3 and M4. So, it has two turbochargers, a serious new cooling circuit and significantly more power and torque than the original M2. Power peaks at 410hp (up from 370hp), between 5,250rpm and 7,000rpm, while torque maxes out at 550Nm (same as the M3/M4 and 50Nm more even than the old M2 managed on overboost) between 2,350rpm and 5,200rpm. While all this means only 0.1 seconds dropped from the 0-62mph time (now 4.2 seconds with the M DCT auto or 4.4 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox), we expect the power delivery to feel quite different.
Any other mechanical upgrades?
Not many, actually, though the standard wheels are a new design of 19-inch forged alloy and buyers can optionally upgrade the brakes to larger M Sport items (you can tell they're fitted by the grey callipers). Under the bonnet is a stunning new carbon fibre reinforcement strut that is said to enhance steering precision by stiffening up the whole front end and BMW M's engineers have made the most of that by tweaking the power steering, stability control and the Active M rear differential settings. Oh, and the exhaust is completely new, with two electrically adjusted flaps to alter its sound. The driver can choose.
Speaking of which, the previous toggle switch on the centre console for driving mode has been replaced by individual buttons for the steering and engine response, while the steering wheel gets M1 and M2 mode buttons for the driver to group their favourite system settings, as found in all other current M cars.
Is the interior unchanged otherwise?
Actually, it has been enhanced, with 'black panel' technology for the more modern new instruments, 'M2 Competition' door sill finishers and the option of orange stitching instead of the default blue. It's at its most impressive, however, if you go for the optional new leather and Alcantara sports seats, which feature illuminated 'M2' badges in the integrated headrests, orange or blue detailing and subtle seat belts with the iconic BMW M stripes.
And the exterior?
Other than the new rims, the front end has had a restyle to help cool that engine, meaning a wider kidney grille and larger air intakes in the front bumper. High-gloss black is now used for the kidney grille, side gills and four exhaust outlets, while buyers get the option of the new Hockenheim Silver paint colour.
Sign me up.
Following on from the M2 Competition's debut at this week's Beijing motor show, BMW UK dealers will be only too happy to take your order from mid-May, with first deliveries expected this summer. The M2 Competition is priced from £49,285
Shane O' Donoghue - 17 Apr 2018