Leaked: BMW M2 Competition to pack 302kW punch

CAN’T wait to see what BMW has in store for the most anticipated version of the werewolf-in-wolf’s-clothing M2 coupe yet? You don’t have to – details of the highly anticipated 2018 BMW M2 Competition have leaked online from right here in Australia.

The leaked data, via the bmw.com.au website, shows the BMW M2 Competition will pack a 302kW/550Nm twin-turbo punch from its inline 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine.

It’s enough to propel the most highly anticipated forms of the smallest coupe in BMW’s line-up from zero to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds, 0.1sec faster to 100km/h than the $99,990 standard 272kW/465kW M2.

The Competition will crown at the top of the baby M range when it makes its official debut later this month, and the performance bump will also make the M2 Competition only 0.1sec slower than a 331kW/550Nm M3 Competition over the same benchmark.

The Porsche 718 Cayman fighter’s powerplant – which on paper appears to be a closely related cousin of the M3’s 317kW/550Nm unit – will spin out to a heady 7600rpm, the data shows.

Inside, owners will gain a bespoke interior. “A cockpit that could have been constructed for the racetrack: systematically driver-oriented, the M specific instrument display appears with red dials, centrally positioned oil gauge and M2 Competition lettering,” the leaked data says.

“The M leather steering wheel is also optimised for peak performance. Start-up is ignited by a red start/stop button and individual driving profiles can be configured via the M1/M2 buttons while the shift paddles interacting with the M double-clutch transmission supplied as standard allow gear changes in a matter of seconds. M Sport seats round off the overall set-up. Designed in black Dakota leather with illuminated M2 logo, they not only offer a powerful look but also perfect support.”

The push-start button on the steering wheel is a new thing for BMW, but follows in the footsteps of rivals Alfa Romeo and Audi, and spells out that other M-badged models in the BMW line-up are likely to follow suit.

While the M2 can be ordered with a no-cost manual gearbox, the leaked information shows the M2 Competition will clearly use the M DCT transmission, with no mention of a self-serve option.

BMW is also keen to talk up the M2 Competition’s extra dose of underbonnet growl. “The two weight-optimised turbochargers ensure that the high-performance power unit exhibits an extremely direct response and unbridled high-revving ability – perfect for fast sprints and sporty cornering,” it said.

“The sound of the M sport exhaust system can be adapted to the specific driving mode at the touch of a button – powerful and setting the tone at every moment. Developed and tested on the racing circuit, the cooling system ensures the optimum operating temperature while the M specific suspension guarantees precise handling.”

The BMW M2 Competition appears to feature a bigger air dam with aero inserts, and more impressive, almost conjoined kidney grilles – one wearing the M2 badge – designed to gulp in more cooling air. There are also wing mirrors adopted from the larger M4, more black trim, and black 19-inch alloys.

So there you go. Weeks ahead of its official reveal we learn the Competition-badged version of the BMW M2 will keep all the manic bits that made the base car one of the most anticipated arrivals of 2016, and improve on it.