Video: BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car Kicks Off

At the heart of the commitment is the provision of the Safety Car fleet. BMW M implements the latest technology in order to guarantee the safety of the MotoGP riders, whatever the conditions. The Safety Cars are high-performance BMW M cars, whose outstanding driving properties make them the perfect foil to any challenges out on the racetrack. The latest example is the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car, which makes its debut this season. The Safety Cars are specially modified at the BMW M factory for their use as lead cars on the motorcycle racing scene. The same goes for all the other vehicles in the fleet.

BMW M Division’s commitment to MotoGP also includes numerous other activities. Since 2003, the BMW M Award has been presented at the end of the season to the best MotoGP qualifier. The BMW M MotoGP Experience allows visitors to experience the fascinating world of MotoGP up close and personal. BMW M MotoGP experts offer exclusive, first-hand insights. On selected Grand Prix weekends, BMW M Division presents its latest models and products with on-site campaigns.

New extensive range of BMW M Performance Parts for the new BMW M2 Coupé

Munich. The new BMW M2 Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 199 g/km)* sets the benchmark in the segment of compact high-performance sports cars when it comes to driving dynamics and performance. Its extrovert design further underscores the car’s highly dynamic character and outstanding suitability for the race track. From March 2016, the dynamic qualities and the visual appearance of the BMW M2 Coupé can be further enhanced with the newly presented range of BMW M Performance Parts. They comprise components derived from motor racing for the areas of aerodynamics, engine, cockpit and suspension which meet the very highest standards in terms of functionality and design.

Aerodynamic components for an improved appearance and driving response

The M Performance Parts product portfolio features a particularly extensive range of aerodynamic components made of carbon-reinforced plastic (CFRP or carbon fibre). These include front and side sill attachments, rear diffuser and mirror caps that are perfectly harmonised in their aerodynamic effect and additionally emphasise the powerful exterior design of the compact high-performance sports car.

The front and side sill attachments in combination with the rear spoiler and diffuser from the BMW M Performance range optimize the airflow around the vehicle, for example, which in turn impacts positively on handling and driving performance. Matching these there are carbon fibre exterior mirror caps which stylishly round off the car’s enhanced sporty appearance with their striking look. The same applies to the M Performance radiator grille for the front and side in high-gloss black with integrated BMW M logo in the BMW M colours red, blue and light blue.

Options for engine, suspension and brakes that enhance dynamic performance

The M Performance flap silencer system makes for more intense perception of the engine sound. Its two operating modes Sport and Track can be set by Bluetooth remote control. The Sport mode is intended for use on public roads and indulges the driver with a distinctive sporty sound that has been specially harmonised with the BMW M2. Meanwhile the Track setting further intensifies the volume and character of the exhaust sound, perceptibly enhancing its emotional flair. This creates a much more intense driving experience and makes the driver feel more closely connected to the car. The M Performance flap exhaust system further enhances the BMW M2 visually, too, with its high-gloss silencer unit including deep-embossed M Performance logo, tailpipes with a diameter of 80 millimetres and perforated inner pipe. As an alternative there are also carbon fibre tailpipe trim elements available for the M Performance exhaust system with a diameter of 93 millimetres and integrated BMW M logo.

The BMW M2 Coupé can be fitted with the BMW M Performance coil-spring suspension so as to optimise road holding and handling. This reduces ground clearance by at least five millimetres as compared to the standard suspension. And the coil-spring technology can be used to lower the vehicle by an additional 20 millimetres. What is more, the shock absorbers can be adjusted to 16 levels in the rebound stage and 12 in the compression stage. This means the driver can create his own suspension set-up according to personal preference. Whichever setting is selected, the tighter basic set-up as compared to the standard suspension reduces the pitch and roll movements of the vehicle superstructure, thereby ensuring a highly neutral driving response and maximum direct feedback to the driver.

The BMW M Performance sports brake pads offer increased suitability for the race track as well as enhanced active safety. Their composition is derived from the long-distance brake pads that have become well-established in motor racing. This means the BMW M Performance sports brake pads have a particularly high resistance to thermal stress and do not show any fading tendencies even when constantly subjected to extreme use. They also offer an improved, more direct response as compared to the standard brake system.

Options for the interior inspired by motor racing

The interior of the BMW M2 Coupé can also be given a definite touch of personal sporty style with the addition of BMW M Performance Parts. For example, the BMW M Performance LED door sill cover strips for the driver and passenger side add a stylish and striking accentuation directly as the door is opened. The same applies to the M Performance floor mats, which are not only sporty in design but also offer optimum grip due to their non-slip surfaces made of rubber and textile fibre. The stainless steel pedal covers are a perfect match here: with their pronounced rubber profiles they effectively prevent the foot from slipping off the brake and clutch pedal.

BMW is one of very few automobile manufacturers in the world to offer its own steering wheels with Alcantara cover for retrofit purposes, and the BMW M Performance range actually includes two different models. The M Performance Pro steering wheel with grip areas covered in Alcantara is particularly marked in its shaping and generally has a harder foam body than the standard steering wheel, resulting in better grip and a more precise steering feel. It also has a light blue central marking at the 12 o’clock position. The three-colour M seam and the optional open-pore carbon fibre trim element with M Performance inscription give the M Performance Pro steering wheel an especially attractive visual appearance.

In addition, BMW offers the M Performance steering wheel with race display and carbon fibre trim as standard. With an integrated function display in the upper steering wheel rim, the driver always has a perfect view of information such as section and lap times, longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The functions are intuitively controlled by menu buttons integrated in the thumb recesses of the steering wheel. In addition to the race display there is also a gear shift indicator: two bi-colour LED light strips on the right and left that run towards each other.

The BMW Performance range for the interior is rounded off with the M Performance Interior Kit Carbon, featuring trim elements for the twin-clutch transmission gear selector level, centre console and handbrake handle and the M Performance interior trim finishers with their especially attractive blend of Alcantara and carbon fibre.