For budding track-day enthusiasts and aspiring racers, the path to competitive motorsport just got a lot more accessible as BMW M Motorsport has unveiled its latest creation, BMW M2 Racing. Wearing the famous inception livery, this track-only machine builds upon the legacy of its predecessors like the M235i Racing, M240i Racing, and the M2 CS Racing, and is set to redefine the entry-level segment, starting from the 2026 season.
One noteworthy change is under the hood. While past race-spec models and even the current road-going M2 pack an inline six, the latest M2 Racing takes a different route with a tuned version of BMW’s familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder (B48) engine, the same one found in the 230i. Despite the downsizing, the M2 Racing still packs a punch, delivering 313 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, which is 58 horsepower and 15 pound-feet more than the 230i. While it is a noticeable step down from the more potent six-cylinder mill, BMW believes that this level of performance is ideal for an entry-level racer and driver development.
According to BMW, the rationale behind the move is simplicity and lower running costs for amateur racers. The lighter four-cylinder unit puts less stress on components, allowing the car to utilize existing M2 street car parts like the brakes and cooling system for closed-circuit racing. The BMW M2 Racing tips the scales at 3,302 pounds, shedding a substantial 512 pounds compared to the standard M2. So, power may be down, but so is weight. Expect the power-to-weight ratio to be similar to the M240i. What could have made this car even lighter is a manual, but we’ll have to settle for a standard 7-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission.
Beyond the powertrain and drivetrain, the BMW M2 Racing comes with a host of motorsport-specific upgrades. To ensure that the four-cylinder sounds good, BMW has thrown in an exhaust system derived from the M4 GT4, paired with a racing catalytic converter. You also get (non-adjustable) KW shock absorbers based on BMW’s GT3 program, along with adjustable front and rear anti-rollbars.
BMW also offers an extensive range of upgrades, like a rear wing, racing brake pads, a flap-controlled exhaust, and an air jack system, to name a few. Being a racecar, the M2 features a stripped-down cabin with a racing seat and a beefed-up roll cage. Having said that, it retains the all-digital dash, which can display racing telemetry, and creature comforts like air-conditioning and a passenger seat are available as options.
BMW was keen to keep the price under €100k, and they’ve certainly achieved that. Starting at €98,000 ($111,600) before options, the M2 Racing is positioned as a significantly more accessible option compared to higher-tier offerings from BMW’s M Division like the M4 GT4 EVO. Sales are slated for June, with deliveries expected by the end of the year, before the 2026 season. From the Nürburgring to a wide variety of racing cup series, customer teams can participate in a wide variety of events with the BMW M2 Racing.
Image Source: BMW
