by BMW has introduced the new BMW M2 Racing car, which serves as an entry-level vehicle into the world of racing for the 2026 season. This new racing car is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 308 hp. The car features an upgraded chassis with KW suspension and a roll cage. BMW M Motorsport has unveiled a new racing car for private teams, based on the latest generation M2. The BMW M2 Racing will compete in the 2026 season, succeeding the racing versions of the previous generation M235i and M240i.
The main innovation is the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine replacing the previous 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, tuned for track use. The engine generates 308 hp (230 kW / 313 hp) and 420 Nm of torque, which is less than the 473 hp (353 kW / 480 hp) and 600 Nm of torque of the standard M2. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed ZF gearbox and a mechanical differential with separate cooling. The chassis has been enhanced with racing components such as KW dampers, adjustable motorsport anti-roll bars, and BMW M Compound brakes. Visually, the M2 Racing features the same aggressive body kit as the base model, with a new splitter and an optional rear wing.
Other changes include a flip-up hood and trunk, rear side windows made of Makrolon, and tow hooks at the front and rear. Additionally, the M2 Racing rides on a new set of matte-black 18-inch cast wheels fitted with slick Goodyear tires. Inside, there is a Sabelt GT-AM racing bucket seat for the driver, an FIA-approved roll cage, and a fire extinguisher. A passenger seat is optional, but air conditioning is standard. BMW racer Jens Klingmann noted that the M2 Racing is ‘much closer to the production model than highly developed GT-class racing cars like the BMW M4 GT3.’ He described it as ‘a fantastic entry-level car that is very easy to drive, has very low operating costs due to its closeness to production models, but at the same time is a full-fledged racing car with a high level of performance.’
BMW designed the M2 Racing to be affordably priced, starting at €98,000 ($111,100) in Europe.
For comparison, the standard BMW M2 starts at €77,500 ($87,900) in Germany, while the M2 GT3 starts at €415,000 ($470,600). The M2 Racing was unveiled at the season opener in Oschersleben, Germany, and sales will begin at the end of June. BMW M Motorsport continues to develop and test the car to be ready for the 2026 season and will provide support to private teams competing with its new entry-level racing car.
