2019 BMW M2 Competition Sees Track Car Star Get 405hp

If the BMW M2 wasn't quite punchy enough for you, never fear: it's spawned a new, more powerful version, the 2019 BMW M2 Competition. Replacing the old M2 Coupe, the new car gets an M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, based on what's under the hood of the not-to-be-underestimated M3 and M4.

That's still 3.0-liters, like the old car, but it now pushes out 410 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. BMW says that's sufficient to do 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds when paired with the optional M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT), or 4.4 seconds with the standard six-speed manual. Top speed is 155 mph as standard, but can be unlocked to 174 mph with the optional M Driver's Package.

The old M2 Coupe, in comparison, was never a slow-poke, but it did have "only" 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft for torque. It's about 0.2 seconds slower at the 0-62 mph run, too.

BMW's new engine isn't the only change, mind. There's a new, high-precision CFRP strut and bulkhead strut, to increase the rigidity of the front section, while a new cooling system introduces a redesigned front skirt. The BMW grille is larger, too, and now finished in high-gloss black.

At the back, there's a new dual-exhaust system, with two electrically-controlled flaps that can be used to adjust the soundtrack. M Sport brakes with grey painted calipers are optional, as are the M Sport bucket seats with integrated headrests. The latter also have an illuminated M2 badge at shoulder height: presumably light-up seats are the Next Big Thing, now that glowing grille badges are commonplace.

More useful, there are now dedicated selector switches on the dashboard for various engine and steering characteristics. The steering wheel has M1 and M2 buttons, as in the BMW M5, for recalling custom configurations. There's also the usual M badging and extra trim, including M2 Competition badging along the door sills.

On the outside, there are two new exterior colors: Sunset Orange metallic, and Hockenheim Silver metallic. There are also new 19-inch forged lightweight alloy wheels. New M mirrors and adaptive LED headlights are also included.

All in all, it's a welcome revamp of what was already one of the most entertaining cars in BMW's line-up. While the M2 may not have had the most power of the M Division models, its combination of a gleefully playful chassis and more than sufficient grunt for the curb weight left it arguably more usable than some of its more fearsome stablemates.

So, we've high hopes for the 2019 BMW M2 Competition. Pricing and full specs will be confirmed closer to its arrival in dealerships, which is expected to happen this summer.