A Faster M2 For The Track

While we wait for the M2 xDrive to go official, BMW is elevating its baby M car in another way. The M Performance Track Kit makes the rear-wheel-drive sports coupe faster without touching its inline-six engine. Although the twin-turbo, 3.0-liter remains unchanged, there are plenty of modifications designed to shave precious seconds off lap times. The most obvious are the front splitter and rear wing.

Both aerodynamic elements are manually adjustable, but there’s an important distinction: you can’t drive the M2 on public roads with the splitter and rear wing fully deployed. On a circuit, the splitter extends to merge with the diffuser for maximum aero. The rear wing has a Street Mode that keeps it from protruding from the body. Race Mode shifts the rear aero element nearly two inches (50 millimeters) rearward for greater aerodynamic effect.

BMW didn’t develop the swan-neck rear wing from scratch. It’s lifted straight from the M4 GT4 and M3 GT3 race cars, now featuring an integrated third brake light. The German automaker doesn’t explain why this was necessary, given that the M2 already had one to comply with an EU regulation dating back to 1998. It’s possible the wing obstructed the original brake light mounted at the top of the rear glass, requiring relocation to maintain visibility.

Beyond the two major aerodynamic upgrades, the M Performance Track Kit also revises the suspension. BMW says it has developed its first motorsport-spec damper setup for a road-legal vehicle. The M2 gains four-way adjustable rebound and compression damping, along with adjustable support bearings. Compared to the standard car, ride height can be lowered by up to 0.8 inches (20 millimeters).

In Germany, BMW is charging €23,500 ($27,500) before taxes, plus installation fees. For that price, the kit also includes non-adjustable wheel arch diffusers and a scoop beneath the upstream engine oil cooler. The company plans to launch the package in July.

Coinciding with the Track Kit’s debut is an optional exhaust system for the M2 CS. Available through the M Performance Parts catalog, it gives the inline-six a more aggressive soundtrack while shedding about 17.6 pounds (8 kilograms). It also beefs up the rear with new carbon and titanium tailpipe trims. The price is €8,343 (nearly $9,800), excluding installation.

For those seeking a dedicated track machine, the M2 Racing starts at €98,000 but isn’t road legal. The stripped-down model swaps the S58 for a smaller 2.0-liter, four-cylinder B48 engine. BMW’s rationale is that racing series are typically class-restricted, so a larger engine isn’t necessary. The lighter four-cylinder also reduces strain on components and allows the use of more street-car parts, helping to lower maintenance costs.

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Source: BMW

Motor1’s Take: The M Performance Track Kit bridges the gap between a road-legal M2 and the M2 Racing built for amateur race car drivers. It’s an ideal compromise for enthusiasts who enjoy occasional track days without committing to a full race car. Adjusting the front splitter and rear wing makes it relatively easy to switch between road and track use.

BMW likely isn’t finished with the second-generation M2. Production is reportedly set to continue until mid-2029, leaving room for further updates. Following the Track Kit and the upcoming xDrive variant, a hardcore CSL wouldn’t be out of the question as the ultimate street-legal M2.