BMW unveils new M Performance Track Kit for M2

As the name suggests, it promises ‘even sharper handling and better performance on the track’ thanks to new features such as the adjustable front splitter, ‘wheel arch diffusers’, front flics and spectacular gooseneck rear wing. When manufacturers suggest that a part has been borrowed from motorsport it’s usually a term used quite creatively – but when BMW says here that the spoiler is used ‘on the M4 GT4 and M4 GT3 customer sport models’ it sounds very credible, even with a brake light included.

As you can see, it is huge. A Race mode can move it 50mm further back for even more downforce, while the limited Street mode ensures a Track Packed M2 complies with the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulation (StVZO). That’s probably what you call serious fun. The angle of attack can also be adjusted, so best to pack your Allen wrenches.

New suspension is also a feature of this M2 package, with BMW claiming that what it offers here is the ‘first dedicated motorsport damper system that is also road legal’. Others would certainly dispute that claim, but it sounds good: four-way adjustment (low and high speed compression and rebound), adjustable support bearings and 20mm of ride height adjustment. Between the suspension and the aerodynamics, you’ll be so busy tinkering on track day that there won’t be time to do laps…

BMW considers the Track Kit, optimized in the wind tunnel and signed by its record lap driver Jorg Weidinger, as ‘a truly special achievement that requires the exceptional know-how of a car manufacturer like BMW’. At the moment this M2 option has only been confirmed for Germany, where it will be available from July, but given what the UK press office has enthusiastically put into our hands, we can safely assume that wider availability is in the offing. We love a track day and, after all, we love an M car. The price there will be £23,500, before installation and without so-called ‘ultra-track tyres’, so assuming it gets here that should be at least £25,000 all-in. There’s a lot to spend on a £50,000 car, even second-hand, but we all know track projects that have cost much more…

To ensure that M2 CS customers do not feel left out when the regular M2 gets a new tracksuit, an M Performance exhaust has been announced at the same time for the 530 hp flagship. Although there is no extra power, an ‘exciting, exceptionally sporty engine sound’ is promised. Moreover, it is made of carbon and titanium, which makes it look cool, and it weighs eight kilos. Then there’s the little fact that your bank will be charged €8,343.50 before installation, although considering what everyone had to pay for a CS anyway, that might not be too bad. Like the Track Kit, the CS M Performance exhaust is another modification that is currently only available for Germany and could presumably make it here in time. Whether it’s the visual or mechanical change, it sounds like you won’t be confused with a standard M2 either…