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December 19, 2021
Test drive of the BMW M2: Its appeal lies in a drive reminiscent of a delicately tuned race car | BMW
BMW M2 Competition
The 2002 Turbo Reimagined? A Test Drive of the BMW M2
The BMW M2 Competition: a rear-wheel-drive machine packing over 400 horsepower from its 3-liter straight-six engine. This car is truly the 2002 Turbo reborn for the modern era. We took it for a spin. How does it drive?
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by KAWANO Atsuki
If Not Now, When?
For those who harbored a strong admiration for BMW from the 1980s to the 90s, the current "M2 Coupe" is a sports model to be welcomed as the very essence of BMW. Of course, those in their 30s and 40s should also experience this delightful compact coupe. For those in their 20s... it might be a bit too much (laughs).
A rear-wheel-drive machine powered by a straight-six engine producing over 400 horsepower. The two-door body features a deliberately compact cabin, exuding dynamism with its pronounced fenders, while the front fascia makes a strong impression with its large air dam.
One can't help but feel, "If not now, when should one drive a car like this?" Regardless of age, it offers a driving experience that is hard to find elsewhere. Unlike sports cars that prioritize handling above all else, this car allows you to savor the abundant torque of the engine, offering a sophisticated kind of enjoyment.
Reflecting back, when the current M2 Coupe was announced in January 2016, I was impressed. At the time, it was also touted as a model reminiscent of the legendary 2002 Turbo (1973). It was a sports model developed based on the highly successful "Maruni" series, and I clearly recall it being criticized back then for being too fast.
While it might seem a bit dated to bring up the 2002 Turbo from so long ago, a brief comparison reveals that its 170 horsepower turbo power was considered so immense that the chassis couldn't keep up. The current M2 Coupe, needless to say, boasts superb chassis performance, making it enjoyable at all speeds.
Development is handled by M GmbH. As a subsidiary of BMW AG, they are responsible for manufacturing custom "BMW Individual" vehicles with special colors, materials, and equipment, as well as developing high-performance models like this one and dedicated parts for M Sport models.