Standout car of the week: BMW M2 Competition

​One of the most anticipated sports cars of the year finally broke cover this week, the BMW M2 Competition, and it comes complete with M3 and M4 power.

​The engine is slightly detuned so that it doesn’t step on the toes of the bigger and more expensive M3 and M4, but you still get a healthy 410hp from the 3.0-litre, twin-turbo inline-six.  The power output represents a 40hp increase over the standard M2, but a 21hp deficit from the M3 and M4.
 
Torque is rated at 550Nm, with transmission options being either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed double-clutch M DCT.   Its 0-100km/h time is 4.2 sec with the M DCT gearbox, and 4.4 sec with the manual.  Top speed is limited to 250km/h, or 280km/h if you opt for the M Driver’s Package. 
 
Visually, the M2 Competition has black kidney grilles whereas the standard M2 doesn’t.  It also has: side gills on the front wings; redesigned exhaust tailpipes; a new front spoiler design; an M Competition badge at the rear; and new double-arm side mirrors for improved aerodynamics.
 
BMW promises better handling with the M2 Competition thanks to a number of revisions.  Work has been done to the electromechanical steering as well as braking system, and there is also a new carbon-fibre strut brace in the engine compartment for increased rigidity and response.
 
The six-speed manual transmission also comes with an auto-blipping function, which can be disengaged when the driver wants to take full control.  The exhaust system comes with two flaps in the muffler, which can alter the level of noise coming out for a more exciting experience. 
 
The M2 Competition also comes with an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential at the rear axle – which can be varied between zero and 100 per cent lock.  Stopping power comes from 400mm brake discs at the front with six-piston callipers, and 380mm discs at the rear with four-piston callipers. 
 
The M2 Competition will be available to order starting mid-May, with a base price of CHF 77,900 in Switzerland, or £49,285 in the UK.