Quickest LCI or mid-cycle refresh for the BMW M2.
Seems like it was just yesterday that we reviewed the G87-generation hip-to-be-square BMW M2. Actually, it kinda was. And here we are with the LCI G87 BMW M2, the quickest LCI that we know of for a BMW.
The worldwide launch is scheduled for August 2024, and the M2 LCI will be built alongside the LCI 2 Series Coupe at the BMW Group Plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
The engine remains the same three-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder, but power goes up, from 453hp for the pre-LCI, to 480hp. Torque for the optional six-speed manual version remains at 550Nm but the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox gets an additional 50Nm to 600Nm of torque.
Two single-scroll turbos, direct injection, VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS, along with a closed-deck block with the reinforced crankcase, forged crankshaft, wire-arc iron coating-sprayed cylinder bores and 3D-printed core for the cylinder head let this engine make its heady numbers.
For the purists out there, BMW has not fiddled with that which is so endearing about the M2 – rear-wheel drive only.
The century sprint is dispatched in 4.2- and 4.0 seconds for the manual and automatic respectively, while top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. Specify the optional M Driver’s Package and that too takes a bump to 285km/h.
An M-specific cooling system ensures the powertrain components maintain an optimal operating temperature even under heavy loads. The oil circuit is also designed to handle extremely dynamic driving situations. A map-controlled oil pump ensures reliable oil supply even under extreme longitudinal and lateral acceleration.
Visually, M-specific design features cater to functional requirements of cooling air routing and aerodynamic balance and aesthetics. A large, horizontal BMW kidney grille and the three-section split lower air intake optimise cooling of the powertrain components and brakes.
M2-specific LED headlights contain a single circular projector each that generates both low beam and high beam. U-shaped light guides serve as both the daytime driving lights and turn indicators.
Available as options are Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling High Beam Assistant and M lights Shadowline with dark inlays.
This LCI M2 can also be ordered as an option with an M Carbon roof that not only reduces the car’s weight by around six kilograms but also increases agility by lowering its centre of gravity.
The rear apron of the new BMW M2 features a noticeable diffuser. Dual twin-tailpipes, now finished in black as standard, add to the visual and aural theatrics at the rear.
A choice of three solid colours, five metallic shades and six BMW Individual paint finishes will be available to customers. These include the new Sao Paulo Yellow solid, Fire Red metallic, Portimao Blue metallic and Skyscraper Grey metallic colourways. Step up to the BMW Individual paint finishes and pick between Java Green, Voodoo Blue, Grigio Telesto and Twilight Purple.
19-inch and 20-inch M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design and with a Jet Black finish as standard equipment feature front and rear respectively, and give the M2 a purposeful stance.
They’re also optionally available in Silver and can be combined with track tyres if the optional M Race Track package is specified.
On the inside, the standard-fitted M leather steering wheel now has a flat-bottomed rim and modified spokes. It sports a red centre marker in the 12 o’clock position, gearshift paddles and two M buttons for selecting individual configurations.
An M Alcantara steering wheel is now also available as an option in the same design. A heating function is offered as an option for both steering wheel variants.
The M Sport seats in Vernasca leather can also be optionally ordered in a red/black bi-colour variant.
Optional M Carbon bucket seats can be specified in conjunction with the M Race Track package or as an individual option, and features surfaces in Merino leather, multi-way electric adjustment, removable head restraints and a facility for adding a multi-point harness.
M-specific content in the BMW Curved Display and optional BMW Head-Up Display further enhances the M2’s sports car aura. A 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display feature BMW Operating System 8.5.
The interior trim elements in the instrument panel and centre console come as standard in Dark Graphite matt. Interior trim elements in Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite, M Carbon Fibre or new Fine Brushed Aluminium are available as an option.
Standard equipment includes adaptive M suspension, M Servotronic steering, M Compound brakes, and M Traction Control.
Also fitted as standard are three-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a HiFi speaker system, a wireless charging tray and the BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Maps navigation system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard driving features include front collision warning, Cruise Control with brake function, Speed Limit Info function with no-overtaking indicator, Lane Departure Warning and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear.
Optional features include Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant, as are Comfort Access, sunroof, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Augmented View.
More details to come later this year. Stay tuned.
Photo Credits: BMW
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