BMW introduced the 2016 BMW M2 — a worthy successor to the limited-edition 1 Series M Coupe.
Under the hood of is a new 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged 6-cylinder that produces 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque according to the official specs by BMW. Factor the use of overboost and the torque rises to 369 lb-ft between 1,450 and 7,750 rpm. A choice of a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual clutch DCT automatic borrowed from the M4 are both available at no extra cost.
According to BMW, the launch from zero to 60 mph is accomplished in a brief 4.2 seconds. A top speed raised from 155 mph to 168 mph is possible if the M Driver’s Package is ordered.
Fitted with ultra-light suspension components forged from aluminum, the 2016 M2 boasts a near 50/50 weight distribution and tips the scales at 3,295 pounds. This puts the power to weight ratio at 1.1 horsepower per 10 pounds — meeting the gold standard of 1 hp to 10 pounds. For comparison, TFLcar’s 707 hp Dodge Challenger Hellcat has a power to weight ratio of 1.59; the Alfa Romeo 4C, a bantam weight, 2-seater sports car that weighs 2,465 pounds has a power to weight ratio of 0.96 per 10 pounds.
BMW and Dodge are notorious for being ultra conservative with their power ratings. A 2016 BMW 340i is rated at 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Dyno test results for the new 3 Series came back with 371 hp and 378 lb-ft of torque when measured at sea level. Is the 2016 M2 an ambitious overachiever like its cousin? Watch the video to learn the answer.