BMW M2 Competition confirmed for Australia

BMW Australia has confirmed the (well-grounded) rumour that a BMW M2 Competition is on the way, and that it will be coming to Australia.

With a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six based on that of the M3 and M4, the M2 Competition will generate 302kW and 550Nm – a torque figure to match the M4 Competition.

The cooling system has also been borrowed from the M4 Competition, with two side radiators and an oil cooler assisting the main radiator.

BMW says testing shows the ‘baby M4’, if we can call it that, will hit 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.2 seconds, but that’s with the 7-speed DCT.

As a no-cost option, a six-speed manual – with rev-match that can be disengaged – is still available in Australia.

In the engine bay, the most notable feature besides the engine is the carbon fibre reinforced plastic strut brace, which weighs only 1.5kg and was also borrowed from the M3 and M4.

The suspension control arms are made of forged f aluminium, as are the wheel carriers of the five-link rear axle.

Not far away, BMW’s Active M Differential has been re-calibrated to allow more controlled driving, or drifting.

The new M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel are a fast way to select customised vehicle settings.

“Each button is capable of recalling the driver’s specific preference of stability control setting, throttle sensitivity, steering response and transmission mode with M DCT.”

The infotainment system in the M2 Competition is BMW’s new iDrive 6.

BMW Australia CEO Marc Werner says previous demand for the BMW M2 is a sign that the M2 Competition will prove popular.

“With the great success the current M2 has enjoyed in Australia, we simply cannot wait for the M2 Competition to arrive.”

Pricing, availability, and a specific launch date will be announced later in the year. Stay tuned.