The BMW M2 Competition’s high-performance engine is pulled straight from the more expensive M4, albeit with slightly reduced power output. The M2's 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine produces 405 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
To ensure the engine’s performance doesn’t diminish even when running hard at the race track, the M2 is equipped with an upgraded cooling system and a special oil pump that can collect and dispense oil even during sustained high lateral and longitudinal acceleration.
The M2 Competition doesn’t disappoint in the transmission department either. A standard six-speed manual transmission will thrill the purists, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available for $2,900. The automatic with Drivelogic incorporates a total of 11 different shift programs, including a launch mode, to best suit the driver’s preference for speed or comfort.
The M2 can go from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds with the manual transmission or 4.2 seconds with the automatic.
Power is sent to the rear wheels where BMW’s Active M differential varies the amount of lock, based not just on throttle application or individual wheel speed, but also yaw rate, vehicle speed, braking effort, and steering angle in order to provide ideal traction and vehicle balance for the given scenario.
The M-tuned dual exhaust (with black-finished quad outlets) allows the engine to deliver the expected BMW M sound by way of two active valves that can be electronically controlled through the M Dynamic Performance Control menu.
The M2 returns an EPA-estimated 18 miles per gallon city, 24 mpg highway, and 20 combined with the manual transmission. The available automatic drops fuel economy to 16/23/19 mpg (city/highway/combined).