BMW’s New Four-Cylinder M2 Race Car Costs $144,000 In Japan

Following its official debut in late April, the M2 Racing has landed in Japan. The four-cylinder G87, supposed solely for monitor use, sits on the backside of BMW M Motorsport’s lineup. However race vehicles are costly, so it’s no shock that beginner racers should plunk down ¥21,000,000. At present alternate charges, that works out to $144,000 or €123,000. The listed value excludes the ten% consumption tax, so the ultimate quantity is even increased.

The M2 Racing is your most reasonably priced entry into BMW racing, with the M4 GT4 and M4 GT3 priced considerably increased. As the primary track-only variant of the current-generation M2, it replaces the F87-based M235i Racing and M2 CS Racing. As an alternative of the street automotive’s inline-six 3.0-liter engine, it makes use of a smaller B48 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, dropping two cylinders and one liter of displacement. Output is rated at 313 hp and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft), however it may be adjusted to fulfill varied racing sequence rules.

BMW Japan sells the M2 Racing geared up with an FIA-certified security gasoline tank and hearth extinguisher. The welded roll cage additionally has FIA’s blessing. Completed in Alpine White with a carbon roof, the race automotive options quick-release locks for the hood and trunk, together with Makrolon rear aspect home windows to cut back weight. All items include a limited-slip differential and matte black 18-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear 265/660 R18 tires.

Although it’s a thoroughbred race automotive, driver consolation hasn’t been neglected. Air-con is customary, and a passenger seat may be added as an optionally available further. The choices record is surprisingly in depth, providing the whole lot from a rear wing and air jack system to an information logger and even a automotive cowl.

That’s good and all, however why a four-banger as an alternative of a correct M engine? A number of causes justify what initially looks as if a stunning determination. The two.0-liter engine makes the M2 Racing eligible for motorsport sequence restricted to small-displacement engines. It additionally reduces weight in comparison with a model powered by the bigger S58. A smaller engine places much less stress on elements, leading to decrease operating prices.

Had BMW M Motorsport retained the six-cylinder engine, the M2 Racing would’ve been considerably costlier to buy and function. Some might argue that the change to the B48 was a cost-cutting transfer, however the bigger engine would have wanted to be artificially restricted to fulfill class guidelines anyway. In racing, larger isn’t all the time higher. Those that need six cylinders of their race automotive can nonetheless step as much as the M4.

Supply: BMW Japan