It’s been almost 2 years since I had the pleasure of driving the M235i Coupe; a new, smaller BMW that rejuvenated the Ultimate Driving Machine slogan. But that car is an M Performance model, while this here is the real McCoy.
The all-new 2016 BMW M2 goes all in with more power from the 3.0-liter inline turbo-6, a wider track featuring a lightweight aluminum suspension, a standard 6-speed manual transmission with automatic downshift rev-matching for smoother gear changes and additional stability during hard driving, a limited-slip differential that takes traction and directional stability to a new level of control, and M high performance brakes which resist fade and reduce unsprung mass.
If you like the feel of a torquey motor you’ll appreciate the M2’s prowess with an overboost feature capable of producing 369 pound-feet starting early in the RPM range. With an output of 365 horsepower that revs to 7000 RPM the M2 is even more rambunctious than the car it replaces, the 1 M. The optional Double Clutch Transmission packages with it a launch control feature capable of taking the M2 from 0-to-60mph in only 4.2 seconds. And the exhaust note from the 4 tailpipes is unforgettable and can be tailored via the Driving Dynamic Control switch. When in Sport + BMW says that moderate, controlled drifts are in play before Dynamic Stability Control intervenes.
Priced from $52,695 including destination, the M2 can be specified in your choice of 4 colors with only 1 available option group – the $1,250 Executive Package which bundles a heated steering wheel, rear view camera and a host of driver assistive features among other items. The GoPro app and M Laptimer allows drivers to record and measure their track sessions for analysis.
By TestDriveNow Auto Critic Steve Hammes for SouthFloridaReporter.com, Mar. 12, 2016
