BMW M visited the Nurburgring with 4 models, setting 2 lap records in different segments. The M2 Coupe is the fastest compact vehicle around Green Hell with a lap time of 7:38.706, stealing the title from the Audi RS3 Sedan. Another highlight of the track day was the appearance of a yet-unnamed M4 prototype, with BMW hinting that it could have set another record.
The 4 vehicles that participated in the track day special were the M2, the M3 CS, the hardcore M4 CSL, and the lightly camouflaged M4 dubbed as the “M Prototype”. Those were driven by BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger. The single-day event was organized back in April but BMW only just made it public with two official videos and lap times:
The chart appears to be listed from the slowest to the fastest car, with a notable difference of 10 seconds between each line. This could mean that the BMW M Prototype was the fastest of the bunch, although we can’t be certain at this point.
The lap time and more details about the model could be announced at a later date, probably coinciding with the debut of the facelifted M3/M4 range. Besides mild visual tweaks, it is rumored that the mid-lifecycle update will bring more power from the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. There are also reports about a new variant – the M4 CS – which could get the 543 hp (405 kW / 550 PS) motor of the M3 CS and the M4 CSL.
More: New BMW 3.0 CSL Is A Re-Bodied M4 With 553 HP And A Manual Gearbox
Interestingly, the 7.18.137 lap time of the M4 CSL is improved by over 2 seconds compared to the original 7:20.2 that was announced in May 2022, giving it the title of the fastest BMW M model. Another model that could probably smoke all of those is the immensely powerful quad-motor BMW M EV Prototype although this is still in the early stages of development and wasn’t present at the event.
BMW M2 Coupe Is The Compact Segment’s Boss
The junior contestant – the BMW M2 Coupe – clocked an impressive lap time of 7:38.706, making it the fastest model in the compact segment. The previous record holder was the Audi RS3 Sedan with 7:40.748 in 2021, while the rival Mercedes-AMG A45 S and CLA 45 S have only made unofficial attempts to date with slower times.
The M2 comes fitted with the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six producing 453 hp (338 kW / 459 PS). The record-setting model came with the 8-speed automatic gearbox instead of the slower 6-speed manual, sending power to the rear axle. It also used pre-warmed tires as the temperature on the day of the attempt was quite low at 7°C (44.6°F).
Below, you can watch the full dashcam footage from the fastest laps of both the M2 and the M3 CS.