BMW M2 ups sprint time

BMW New Zealand is set to introduce the new BMW M2 coupe later this year. 

The straight-six M twin power turbo engine of the rear-drive sports coupe now develops 353kW, representing an increase of 15kW over the previous model. 

The automatic variant also receives an increase in peak torque, from 550Nm to 600Nm. 

Advances have been made with throttle mapping and response in all selectable drive modes to provide more rapid reactions to the driver’s requests for acceleration.

The M2 fitted with the six-speed manual transmission, which continues to be offered in New Zealand, can now achieve a 4.2-second standard sprint time. This is a 0.1-second improvement over the previous model. 

For the variant fitted with the eight-speed M steptronic sport transmission, it can now hit the 100kph mark from rest in four seconds. This is also one-tenth of a second faster. 

The increase in power makes its presence felt over the 0-200kph sprint, with the automatic and manual variant shaving 0.6 seconds off their times. The former now achieves the mark in 12.9 seconds and the latter in 13.7. 

A lift in the technology offering sees the BMW M2 receive the latest evolution of the BMW iDrive control/operation system based on BMW Operating System 8.5. 

The cockpit also features a redesigned instrument panel to enhance functionality.

Pricing and specification of the BMW M2 coupe is due to be revealed in July, with deliveries commencing in the fourth quarter of this year.