BMW M2 Racing: Why the New Race Car Ditches the Beloved Six-Cylinder Engine

The BMW M2 has been a hit since its second-generation release, but the track-only **M2 Racing** version is turning heads for a surprising reason: it swaps the inline-six engine for a smaller four-cylinder. Is this a downgrade? BMW says no, and here's why.

Laura Claesgens from BMW M Motorsport clarifies that this decision boils down to cost and simplicity. The lighter 2.0-liter engine puts less strain on components, which allows engineers to use existing M2 street car parts like the brakes and cooling system. This translates to significant cost savings for amateur racers, the car's primary target audience.

The M2 Racing packs a tuned version of BMW's B48 engine, originally from the 230i. It now delivers 308 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a notable increase over the standard 2 Series Coupe. While it falls short of the road-going M2's 473 hp, BMW insists that the performance is perfectly suited for beginner racers focused on mastering the basics. This echoes the spirit of the E30 M3, as noted by Carscoops, which dominated the DTM with a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.

This downsizing strategy also dramatically reduces weight. The M2 Racing weighs in at just 3,302 pounds (1,498 kg), a substantial 512 lbs (232 kg) lighter than the standard model. While the street version offers both manual and automatic transmissions, the race car uses a seven-speed ZF automatic.

Interestingly, the **M2 Racing** shares its production location with the standard **M2** in Mexico. However, it receives several crucial motorsport upgrades, including an M4 GT4-derived exhaust with a racing catalytic converter, adjustable anti-roll bars, and fixed KW shocks inspired by BMW’s GT3 program. Despite its stripped-down interior, air conditioning is standard, and a passenger seat is optional.

At a price of €98,000, the M2 Racing is far more accessible than its larger siblings, the M4 GT4 EVO (€219,000) and the M4 GT3 EVO (€578,000). Buyers can also customize their cars with optional rear wings, racing brake pads, flap-controlled exhausts, and air jack systems. Sales are slated to begin in June, with first deliveries scheduled for later this year, just in time for the 2026 motorsport season. However, it starts at €77,500 in Germany.

According to Jens Klingman, BMW M Works driver, the M2 Racing is closer to the production model than a GT car like the M4 GT3. He described it as a “great entry-level car that is very easy to operate, has very low running costs due to its closeness to the series, but at the same time is a full-fledged race car with a high level of performance.”

For those concerned about the street-legal **M2** losing cylinders, rest assured. The "G87" will retain its 3.0-liter, six-cylinder mill. Rumors suggest a hotter Competition Sport (CS) variant and an xDrive version are also in development.

The BMW M2 Racing might not pack the same raw power as its street counterpart, but its focus on affordability, simplicity, and a link to BMW M's heritage makes it a compelling entry-level race car. Will this strategy pay off, attracting a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts? What do you think of BMW's decision to use a four-cylinder engine in the M2 Racing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• BMW
• M2 Racing
• Motorsport