Chris Harris returns to our screens with a short review of the BMW M2 Competition and things get understandably sideways.
The BMW M2 was universally loved for its character as it managed to offer the excitement of a true M car paired with immediate responses thanks to its compact dimensions and agile chassis. The new M2 Competition promises to do the same, only now there’s a M4 engine sitting under the bonnet, complete with the fancy carbon boomerang strut.
The twin-turbo 3.0-liter S55 straight-six produces 404hp and 405lb-ft of torque, enough to send the M2 Competition to 62mph (100km/h) from rest in 4.4 seconds. Tick the right option and you’ll also be able to hit a top speed of 174mph (280km/h).
Transmission options include the standard six-speed manual and an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; no matter which one you choose, the M2 Competition will still make you feel like a hooligan – but the DCT is the one that makes the car a little faster.
Other differences include additional cooling, a revised steering column, upgraded M differential, updated suspension, bigger brakes, a new exhaust and more. The front brace also helps in tightening things up there, while the rear axle now features stiffer joints in order to make the M2 Competition a more precise tool for the job.
As Harris notes on the video that follows, the M2 Competition’s biggest rival right now is a used F80 M3; despite the option of getting an M3 and have some money left for fuel, Harris reckons that he would still go for a new BMW M2 Competition. If this isn’t a praise, we don’t know what is.