*NOW UPDATED WITH VIDEO* BMW unveils new M2 Safety Car for 2016 MotoGP season
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0-100kph | Top speed | Weight | Basic price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inline 6cyl, TwinPower Turbo, 2979cc | 370hp @ 6500rpm | 465Nm (343lb ft) @ 1400-5560rpm | 4.3secs | 250kph | 1495kg (248bhp/ton) | $63,900 |
Can the hardcore MotoGP fans amongst you name a manufacturer that’s been on the grid for every race since 1999? Yamaha? Absolutely. Honda? But of course. BMW?
Yep. Albeit represented on four wheels rather than two, BMW’s M performance arm has been on the MotoGP grid as the series’ Official Car since the turn of the century, starting with the Z8 in 2001, then continuing with both the M6 Gran Coupe in 2013 and M4 Coupe as safety cars, the latter of which has now been put out to pasture after two seasons of hard graft.
Into its wheel tracks slides the brand new M2, following a new agreement between BMW and series organiser Dorna Sports that will keep the German manufacturer on the grid until at least 2020.
At the base of the M2 lies the same 3-litre TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder found in the M235i, albeit producing 370hp and 465Nm (343lb ft) of torque, though the powertrain and the seven-speed dual clutch gearbox connected to it remain unchanged. BMW M Performance parts to have been loaded up include a new exhaust system, carbon side skirts and rear diffuser, while carbon-ceramic brakes have been derived from the M3/M4 and Michelin Cup slicks have been fitted as standard. The required roll cage meanwhile is based on that found in the new and exclusive M4 GTS, while M Division’s customary livery makes a return as do the blues-and-twos light bar mounted to the roof. Flashing red LEDs replace the reversing lights on the production model.
This year’s MotoGP season kicks off on 20 March at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, concluding 17 rounds later on 13 November in Valencia.
Technical specifications available on page 2
Source – BMW M
