Currently reading: BMW M2 Competition leaks online with 405bhp M3 engine
Track-focused coupé is lighter and more powerful, with 0-62mph taking 4.2sec

BMW 's hotly anticipated M2 Competition has been leaked online via the brand's Australian website, confirming that it will use a 405bhp version of the brand's S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine.

The unit, which is also used in the BMW M3 and BMW M4 (where it offers 425bhp), replaces the regular M2's N55 engine to send a significant 40bhp more to the rear wheels and enable a 0-62mph sprint time of 4.2sec.

That's a tenth of a second quicker than the standard M2, but the M2 Competition will be even more impressive once rolling thanks to its 406lb ft of torque, representing a jump of 37lb ft. The N55 unit redlines at 7600rpm, suggesting the new car will also respond more eagerly to being revved out.

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Along with its power boost, the M2 Competition also comes with an M Sport exhaust system that can be adjusted through several modes, as well as new chassis settings to offer sharper handling. These new features are accompanied by small aesthetic changes, including new wheels and different M seats inside.

Although there's still no official line from BMW on this hotter M2 model, the leak, which has since been taken down, suggests an official reveal is due imminently. The M2 Competition's arrival comes as no surprise; spy pictures of a development car had spurred on speculation that an S55-powered M2 was heading our way as early as last summer.

Autocar understands that the M division opted to use the newer 3.0-litre S55 engine in the M2 Competition because it provides enhanced performance while remaining largely under-stressed. The older N55 engine is thought to have been running close to its highest reliable output.

Despite the switch of engine, the M2 Competition's character is expected to be largely similar to that of the regular version, only with more focus. It's due with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Although the latter enables the car's headline performance figures, market demand for driver-focused cars has ensured the manual remains the standard option.

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Screen shot 2018 04 09 at 10

BMW has been encouraged to produce an even hotter M2 model after sales of the regular model far exceeded predictions. BMW M vice-president Dirk Hacker told Autocar late last year that this is making special editions easier to justify, even in today’s uncertain economic climate.

“The M2 is tracking at 40-50% above our expectation in terms of sales, and demand for cars like the M2, or GTS and CS heritage models, is growing,” he said. “Any car that has true heritage to motorsport is an opportunity for us. New markets are always opening for those cars and that will increase, so long as we keep building cars that are sufficiently special.”

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Citytiger 9 April 2018

Still confused

I thought the 2 series was an ugly front wheel drive MPV based on a mini platform.. 

typos1 9 April 2018

Well you thought wrong -

Well you thought wrong - there are FWD and RWD 2 series.

BertoniBertone 9 April 2018

It's official: the great M2 becomes the not-so-great M4-lite...

It'll sound pants:  just like every S55 interation in whatever M3 and M4 you'd care to mention.  I suspect they'll be carrying over the twin-turbo units, too.....  Oh dear. Can there be a better argument than heading straight to Birds for some 'Quaife & Chips' with a lightly-used 135/140 i or a 240i....and save £ 30 K ?

50 Pence 14 November 2017

The S55 unit IS a highly strung version of the N55!

Sorry this is poor journalism:

"Sources believe this S55 unit will be used in detuned form rather than a highly strung version of the M2’s older N55 lump, due to the increased reliability and improved responses the newer technology enables."

The S55 unit IS a highly strung version of the N55!

It has nothing to do with older/newer technology, simply that when BMW wanted a more powerful 3.0 ltr straight six (to replace the previous V8) for the M3/M4 they developed the N55 into the S55.

 

 

 

Peter Cavellini 9 April 2018

50 Pence wrote:

50 Pence wrote:

Sorry this is poor journalism:

"Sources believe this S55 unit will be used in detuned form rather than a highly strung version of the M2’s older N55 lump, due to the increased reliability and improved responses the newer technology enables."

The S55 unit IS a highly strung version of the N55!

It has nothing to do with older/newer technology, simply that when BMW wanted a more powerful 3.0 ltr straight six (to replace the previous V8) for the M3/M4 they developed the N55 into the S55.

 

 

And that won’t matter to most BMW Drivers, if they can afford one they will buy it,comes with Warranty,most will be on a PCP, driven 10-15K and they won’t lose much come handing it back.

Peter Cavellini 9 April 2018

50 Pence wrote:

50 Pence wrote:

Sorry this is poor journalism:

"Sources believe this S55 unit will be used in detuned form rather than a highly strung version of the M2’s older N55 lump, due to the increased reliability and improved responses the newer technology enables."

The S55 unit IS a highly strung version of the N55!

It has nothing to do with older/newer technology, simply that when BMW wanted a more powerful 3.0 ltr straight six (to replace the previous V8) for the M3/M4 they developed the N55 into the S55.

 

 

And that won’t matter to most BMW Drivers, if they can afford one they will buy it,comes with Warranty,most will be on a PCP, driven 10-15K and they won’t lose much come handing it back.

Luap 9 April 2018

Peter Cavellini wrote:

Peter Cavellini wrote:

50 Pence wrote:

Sorry this is poor journalism:

"Sources believe this S55 unit will be used in detuned form rather than a highly strung version of the M2’s older N55 lump, due to the increased reliability and improved responses the newer technology enables."

The S55 unit IS a highly strung version of the N55!

It has nothing to do with older/newer technology, simply that when BMW wanted a more powerful 3.0 ltr straight six (to replace the previous V8) for the M3/M4 they developed the N55 into the S55.

 

 

And that won’t matter to most BMW Drivers, if they can afford one they will buy it,comes with Warranty,most will be on a PCP, driven 10-15K and they won’t lose much come handing it back.

Peter Cavellini

 

Yes Peter Cavellini we already know your name is Peter Cavellini. Because it says 'Peter Cavellini' over there on the left next to your posts Peter Cavellini. No need to remind us Peter Cavellini. Thanks Peter Cavellini.

typos1 9 April 2018

Lol, he didnt even post

Lol, he didnt even post anything except quotes.

Typos1

Marc 9 April 2018

typos1 wrote:

typos1 wrote:

Lol, he didnt even post anything except quotes.

Typos1

And that won’t matter to most BMW Drivers, if they can afford one they will buy it,comes with Warranty,most will be on a PCP, driven 10-15K and they won’t lose much come handing it back.