BMW has pulled the covers off its latest creation: a brand-new BMW race car designed to offer thrilling track performance at an accessible price. Starting at €98,000 — equivalent to around $111,421 or SAR 417,828 — the new model arrives fully equipped for competition straight out of the factory. However, there’s a notable departure from the traditional formula: unlike the road-going M2, this BMW race car ditches the six-cylinder engine in favor of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder setup.
For fans of the brand, this might come as a surprise, especially given BMW’s rich legacy of high-performance engines. Yet the move to a four-cylinder powertrain highlights a smart shift that aligns with modern racing regulations, performance strategies, and evolving market demands.
Performance Breakdown of the New BMW Race Car The heart of the new BMW race car is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, adapted from the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. It generates a strong 313 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, helping the M2 Racing reach speeds beyond 270 km/h (167 mph). The power is channeled exclusively through a seven-speed ZF automatic gearbox, tightly integrated with the BMW M Motorsport engineering program.
Built with a focus on pure track performance, this BMW race car features a mechanical differential lock with its own cooling system, BMW M performance brakes, KW non-adjustable shocks, and adjustable anti-roll bars at both the front and rear. The lightweight construction is complemented by LED headlights, a front splitter, a rear fog lamp, and a specially designed lightweight roof. A clean U300 Alpine White III finish completes its racing look.
Inside the cockpit, BMW equipped its latest race car with a DMSB-certified welded roll cage meeting current FIA safety regulations. Racing essentials like a Sabelt GT-AM seat, a fire extinguisher, and air conditioning come standard, alongside advanced features including M Motorsport driving modes and an adjustable pit-lane speed limiter. For teams looking for customization, BMW offers optional upgrades like a rear wing, a weight distribution box, data logging tools, Endless Endurance brake pads, a Sabelt GT-Pro driver’s seat, an integrated air jack system, a start number light, a silencer with adjustable exhaust flaps, passenger seat options, a car cover, and official M Motorsport decals.
Why BMW Opted for a Four-Cylinder Setup in Its New Race Car Superior Weight Balance By choosing a smaller engine, BMW ensured that the new race car achieves better weight distribution and reduced overall mass, enhancing agility, cornering precision, and overall handling — key advantages when battling for every tenth of a second on the track.
Turbocharged Power and Efficiency The turbocharged four-cylinder matches or exceeds the performance of older six-cylinder setups while offering better efficiency. BMW’s expertise in turbocharging technology ensures that this BMW race car delivers thrilling acceleration without the compromises of additional weight.
Conformity with Racing Regulations Many racing series impose strict limits on engine displacement and emissions. The compact four-cylinder allows this BMW race car to meet various class requirements while maximizing output within those boundaries, ensuring it’s eligible for a wide range of competitive events.
Affordability and Running Costs Producing and maintaining a four-cylinder engine is generally more cost-effective than larger units. By basing the powerplant on a production model, BMW keeps costs manageable for teams — an important factor for long-term participation and racing success.
A Nod to Sustainability With motorsports gradually moving toward greener practices, the decision to equip the new BMW race car with a smaller, more efficient engine showcases BMW’s readiness for a future where environmental responsibility and performance go hand in hand.
Development Milestones and Future Plans BMW began developing the M2 Racing in November 2023, focusing on engine tuning, chassis dynamics, and endurance trials. The testing phase saw the BMW race car cover a grueling 184,641 miles (297,150 kilometers) under real-world racing conditions. Sales for customer teams are scheduled to kick off in June, and the car will officially hit racetracks in 2026.
While some traditionalists might miss the roar of the classic six-cylinder, the new BMW race car represents a smart evolution, blending lightweight construction, turbocharged power, regulatory compliance, and racing excitement. It’s a bold step that positions BMW at the forefront of a changing motorsports world — and fans will soon find out just how well this leaner, meaner machine performs when the lights go green.
The New BMW race car Gallery:
