BMW Defends the M2 Race Car’s Four-Cylinder Engine

BMW has been selling the second-generation M2 for a few years, but it recently received upgrades for racing purposes. The new M2 Racing model now features a smaller four-cylinder engine instead of the inline-six, which may disappoint some traditionalists. The decision to downsize the engine was based on cost-effectiveness and simplicity, according to Laura Claesgens from BMW M Motorsport’s communications team. The switch to a lighter 2.0-liter engine allows for the utilization of existing M2 street car components, resulting in lower maintenance costs for amateur racers, who are the target audience for the car.

The M2 Racing is equipped with a modified version of BMW’s B48 engine, derived from the 230i but tweaked to produce 308 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This power output is higher than the standard 2 Series Coupe, although it falls short of the road-going M2’s S58 engine with 473 hp. BMW has designed the M2 Racing as an entry-level race car suitable for beginners to learn how to drive, with the four-cylinder engine offering adequate performance for this purpose.

Despite the reduction in engine size, the M2 Racing has effectively trimmed down its weight to 3,302 pounds, shedding 512 lbs compared to the standard model. It is equipped with a seven-speed ZF automatic transmission, and various motorsport enhancements such as an M4 GT4-based exhaust system and adjustable anti-roll bars. The race car is manufactured at the same Mexican plant as the regular M2 but features specific upgrades for racing, including racing brake pads and an air jack system.

Priced at €98,000, the M2 Racing is more affordable than its larger siblings, the M4 GT4 EVO and M4 GT3 EVO. Buyers have the option to customize their car with upgrades like a rear wing and racing brake pads. Sales are expected to commence in June, with deliveries scheduled for later this year in preparation for the 2026 motorsport season. While the M2 Racing adopts a four-cylinder engine, the street-legal M2 model will maintain its 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine for the foreseeable future. BMW is also planning to release a Competition Sport (CS) model and potentially an xDrive variant in the coming years.