Showing posts with label m2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label m2. Show all posts

Friday, December 6, 2024

My FH5 Log: The M Class

 No, it's not Mercedes-Benz's M Class, it's BMW's M Class. Since its inclusion in the Superrace Championship in the 2018 season, the M Class is the world's first and only race series for owners of BMW M cars that are rear-wheel-drive and powered by a 3.0L turbocharged straight-six engine as said in the rulebook.


Because of the M Class rules, the M4, the M3, and the M2 are the M cars eligible for this race series, but judging by the participants, the M4 Coupe became the king of the hill in Superrace's M Class races.

Now in their G-body forms, the current-generation models are showing us what they're capable of, apart from the fact that they're the last-ever rear-wheel-drive M cars.


The G80 M3 marks the third generation of BMW's four-door M3, following the E90 and F80 models. It features the controversial vertical kidney grille on the front, which has stirred considerable debate in the automotive community. Despite its divisive design, the G80 M3 is equipped with a powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic gearbox, especially in the more powerful Competition variant, which delivers 510 PS and 650 Nm of torque. It boasts a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds. Additionally, the G80 M3 comes with an upgraded suspension and chassis setup, making it wider, lower, more rigid, and overall more enjoyable to drive than its predecessor.


The G82 M4, similar to its four-door counterpart, the G80 M3, features the controversial vertical kidney grille at the front, which has sparked significant debate among car enthusiasts. Despite its polarizing design, the G82 M4 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic gearbox, particularly in the more powerful Competition variant that delivers 510 PS of power and 650 Nm of torque, achieving a 0-100 kph time of just 3.9 seconds. Additionally, the G82 M4 boasts an upgraded suspension and chassis setup, making it wider, lower, more rigid, and ultimately more enjoyable to drive compared to its predecessor.


The M2 G87, based on the G42 2-Series Coupe, features a distinctly different front design that sets it apart from the standard 2-Series Coupe. Under the hood, the M2 G82 is equipped with the same S58 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine found in the M4 G82; however, it has been detuned to deliver 460 PS of power and 550 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the previous M2 F87 Competition model. 

The M2 can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic. With this setup, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.1 seconds and achieve a top speed of up to 285 kph, thanks to the optional M Driver's Package—5 kph faster than the previous M2. Additionally, it is equipped with features such as the Active M Differential at the rear axle, Dynamic Stability Control, M Drive Professional with M Traction Control System, Adaptive M suspension, and other advanced dynamic technologies.




With the trio of G-body RWD M cars gathered at the festival site, let's find out which of today's M Class heroes is the king. Let's roll the tape.


And now, the results...

M3 G80 - 1m18.111s

M4 G82 - 1m17.911s

M2 G87 - 1m18.862s

It's a close result but the M4 is pure alpha of the RWD M Class cars. No wonder 9 out of 10 M Class participants go for the M4 Coupe.


The G-body RWD BMW M cars are unfortunately the last of their kind, as they are the final models to offer manual gearboxes and rear-wheel drive. While the M3 G80 and M4 G82 still have manual gearbox options and RWD, the M2 G87 is only available with RWD and offers a manual gearbox as well. However, with BMW's imminent transition to the Neue Klasse era, it's clear that these options will soon be gone, just as Audi did when it discontinued the A5 coupe range, the TT, and the R8. It's a harsh reality, but this reflects the grim situation of the "new normal" we are facing.

At this point, I'm preparing a little something for our BMW M Class friends but since Lemon has my M4 G82, she decided to decline my invitation so our little tribute show will be done by my M3 G80 and the M2 G87.





I know the M3 G80's front face looks awful but with the "Pop Step Getchu" spirit of PriPara idol Mirei Minami written all over it, I know she will cheer us up, pri!





My M2 G87 meanwhile dons the role of Liella newcomer from Love Live! Superstar!!, Tomari Onitsuka. Trust her, she's got more common sense than her big sister, Natsumi, but be warned. Because of her jellyfish insignia, she will sting your hearts out. Ouch.



With their roles assigned, my M3 G80 and the M2 G87 are ready to take on some of the coolest EventLab creations with the M3 taking on an original EventLab masterpiece while the M2 taking on what's presumably an EventLab re-enactment of the Hong Kong track from GT4. Roll the tapes.



Who performed better? Mirei or Tomari?



What will the fate of the BMW M division be as it moves into the Neue Klasse era? One certainty is that BMW will stop producing two-door coupes, similar to Audi's decision. If that happens, BMW will lack a competitive vehicle for GT3-class races, DTM, IMSA, and other motorsport disciplines. It's a tough reality, but this is the "new normal" we face.

Regardless, I appreciate that BMW has continued to make rear-wheel-drive M cars until the not-too-distant future. While this era may not last forever, they have created a lasting legacy for the M division.

Danke, M.

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

My FH5 Log: Dos Por Dos

Ah, the BMW M2. If my memory serves me correctly, this baby M car became my favorite when it was first launched nearly a decade ago. It's the car that often leaves drivers with a rather nice impression at the fit of peak. It's easy to fall in love with the M2 thanks to its driving feel.


As the sun sets on the original M2, the time's come to perform its metamorphosis.




The BMW M2 the world knew has turned and now on its G87 spec, the all-new, second-generation BMW M2 is locked and loaded to pick up the pieces where its F87 predecessor left off.


Having obtained from Forza Horizon 5's Horizon Creatives series update's Dry Season Playlist for 20 points, it's time for me to have the word on this odd-looking version of my favorite BMW M car.

Although this is based on the G42 2-Series Coupe, the M2 G87 features a totally different front face that differentiates it from the normal 2-Series Coupe. Under the hood, the M2 G82 uses the same S58 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine as the M4 G82 but it's been detuned to produce 460PS of power and 550Nm of torque, which is more powerful than the previous M2 F87 Competition model. It can be mated to either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed M Steptronic AT with Drivelogic which makes it capable of hitting a 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed up to 285kph thanks to an optional M Driver's Package. That's 5kph more than the old M2. It also features Active M Differential at the rear axle, Dynamic Stability Control, M Drive Professional with M Traction Control System, Adaptive M suspension, and other dynamic know-how involved.

The M2 G87 was designed and produced in Mexico, which makes it fit in the game's Mexican landscape.


Despite its butchered looks, it still drives just like the M2 I've remembered from a long time ago. With the added power, improved dynamics, and classic BMW M know-how, the M2 G87 still delivers just the good parts drivers are expecting. No, wait, it's far beyond expectations of what a proper M car should be. Fast, agile, and down-to-earth enjoyable behind the wheel. It's everything the all-new M2 is all about.



Having enjoyed my dibs on the M2 G87, the main question is how much improvement it gained compared to the previous M2? With that, I went back to the festival grounds to compare two generations of the BMW M2 and find out if the M2's metamorphosis from the F87 to the G87 paid off. Let's roll the VTR.


And now, the results...

M2 F87 - 1m18.445s

M2 G87 - 1m15.909s

I guess metamorphosis really paid off. The G87 model managed to beat the F87 at the rate of 2.54 seconds, I presume.


The BMW M2 G87 is still the undisputed favorite M car in this age of the new normal. Despite its odd-looking design, the added grunt and dynamics made the new M2 perform even beyond the wildest expectations. 

This baby M car has turned.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

My GT7 Log: Stars and Us

The first-generation BMW M2 and the Ford Focus Mk3 RS are the coolest things to come out from the mid-2010s. No, I'm not referring to some orangutan who drove both of these cars from a certain streaming TV show. I'm thinking about the starry feeling about these two mid-2010s sports cars.




Both the M2 and the Focus RS are compact midsized sports car wonders that satisfy most drivers behind the wheel. The dynamics and character made these two special in every way but just how different between these two?


Beginning with the Ford Focus Mk3 RS, is known to be the last American hot hatch offered on American soil, although it was fully imported from Europe. It has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine that produces 320PS and it has the strongest braking system ever made for a Ford. Despite being 4WD, the Focus Mk3 RS features Drift Mode that allows this hatchback to drift like a rear-wheel-drive car.


When the first BMW M2 was launched, this successor to the 1M Coupe is powered by a 3.0L six-cylinder turbo engine that produces 370HP of power and 465Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed M DCT for the purpose of being quick on the line. The M2 featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the facelifted version, the M2 Competition. This version saw its engine power bumped to 405HP thanks to a new S55 engine sourced from its M4 big brother, capable of hitting a top speed of 280kph thanks to an optional package.



Having gotten to know these two, it's time to give these shining stars a one-lap drive toward memory lane at Brands Hatch. Man, it's just like I remembered. A long time ago in an upside-down country far far away, I put these two on a heated sprint race and found out that the less powerful Focus RS trumped the M2 by a narrow margin.

Now, here we are. Doing this stint again but this time, this is Gran Turismo 7. The M2 went through greater heights while the Focus RS remained the same. Still, what a reunion these two stars are, and looks like they're going to settle this again, this time at Brands Hatch. Roll the tape.


After the two have the time of their lives, here are the results;

BMW M2 Competiton '18 - 1m45.442s

Ford Focus RS '18 - 1m48.725s

It looks like the M2 is the winner of this...friendly rivalry between the two stars.


Rivals! Friends and foe alike, today and tomorrow! It's been an honor to drive these two machines once more even in a different game like Gran Turismo 7.

Sure, the Focus RS is already gone for good while the BMW M2's story continues in new and exciting ways, but these two are proven to be the most enjoyable machines not because of the performance and dynamics but because of the charm they possess. Something reminded us of a certain rivalry a long time ago. 

Sounds girly but it's all about dreaming and rolling. Get it? Dreaming and rolling, that's what these two cars are all about and I love them for it.

Keep your dreams rolling, no matter where you are!

Sunday, April 30, 2023

BMW M2 G87

The BMW M2 is regarded as one of the best M cars ever made thanks to its back-to-basics approach and its all about bringing driving back to the drivers. With the all-new G87 model, does the all-new M2 retain the mantra from its predecessor even with its questionable looks?

2024 BMW M4
2024 BMW M2

With prices starting at 72,800 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new BMW M2 G87 promises to retain the magic of its well-loved predecessor but despite its promise, the questionable looks will make speedo boys think twice before laying their finger on it.

While this is based on the G42 2-Series Coupe, the all-new M2 swapped the normal 2-Series Coupe's front design for a butchered one judging by its new headlamps and a rather un-BMW-ish frameless kidney grille design, among the other aerodynamic upgrades implemented to it. Inside, it works just like the normal 2-Series Coupe but the all-new M2 is packed with a choice of either M sports seats or M Carbon bucket seats with the latter weighing 10.8kg less than the former. Easier said than done, they said but whatever.

Under the hood, the all-new M2 is armed with the same S58 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine as its hideous big brother, the M4, but it's been detuned to produce 460PS of power and 550Nm of torque. That's more than what you get from the old M2. As expected, it can be mated to either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed M Steptronic AT with Drivelogic which makes it capable of hitting a 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed limited to 250kph. 285kph if you opt-in for an optional M Driver's Package. That's 5kph more than the old M2.

Because the all-new M2 is rear-wheel-drive only, you'll fall in love driving with it more than the previous one, and because of its Active M Differential at the rear axle, Dynamic Stability Control, M Drive Professional with M Traction Control System, Adaptive M suspension, and other dynamic knowhow involved, you'll find various ways to get addicted to it either on the streets of Berlin or at a track day in the Nurburgring, not necessarily in that order.

Despite its controversial looks, the added performance and dynamics made the all-new M2 the one to have at this moment in time. Love it or hate it, this baby M Coupe is ready to show its magic to those behind the wheel, and between you and me, we're getting anxious and jealous to drive one someday. Bring it on, BMW!

Photo: BMW AG

Friday, October 13, 2017

Forza Motorsport 7: Driving the M2

The BMW M2 can be easily criticized by some for not being a proper M car because it has an ordinary BMW engine, basically a turbocharged 3.0L l6 engine on the front, but thanks to its back-to-basics approach, it can be easily regarded as one of the best M cars ever made, which is very exaggerating to think that the baby M car is the best car to live with. Despite being slower than any other M cars of today, the M2 is all about bringing driving back to the drivers and that really is perfection on so few levels.



It's hard to say why I am falling in love with the M2 not because of being small but because it has a unique characteristic I had fallen in love since I first set off with this thing back in Down Under years ago. Why? Because it's enjoyable at so many levels, which is unheard of for a baby M car powered by an ordinary turbocharged BMW engine.



Yes, I know that this car can get a bit twitchy and can be a real pain in the corner in the event of the understeer but with so much character on it, this is exactly why I am starting to fall in love with the M2 more than its M4 big brother, in fact, there's so much to tell about it.



So, the M2, 3.0L straight-6, turbocharged, 365HP, stronger and lighter wheel carriers, improved suspension components, and locking differential from the M3, this M car is all about getting familiar with this car, and even though it's not the fastest M car around, it's still one of the most enjoyable M cars to drive even though you are new to this. No wonder Top Gear host Chris Harris likened it to the old M3s of the last century but he mostly preferred its 1-Series M Coupe predecessor. Speaking of which, who wants to see the M2 round the Top Gear Track? Basically, the prime target was the BMW 1M's 1:25 lap time and let's see if I can do better with its successor. Ready? Cue the tape...



After a lap around the Top Gear track, which took me a fortnight, it did it in 1:24.932, which is amazingly similar to the 1M's lap time. Not bad, even though it wasn't a quick car to do the job rather nicely.

I'm already in love with this M2 because while this isn't the fastest despite its size, this is the car that you can spend a lot of time with until you had enough of it, and no matter how hard I try, it often left me with a rather nice impression at the very end.

Friday, June 2, 2017

FH3 Hot Wheels: To Greater Heights

The BMW M2 has been one of my favorite M cars in Forza Horizon 3. I once challenged it against a Ford Focus RS as well as a Bentley Bentayga for some all intents and purposes and it shows that even though it's not as sharp and as powerful as any of the BMW M-cars, the M2 is better in every tangible way and I can get around with this Bimmer as long as I want, as long as that design I made is with me.



Now, it's ready to take on a brand new challenge, this time at Hot Wheels Thrilltopia because we're in a middle of our Hot Wheels arc of our Horizon trip, and to get itself prepared for this new kind of challenge, I've created a masterpiece just for the M2.







Love the new design I made for this? Made to replicate Yume Nijino's new outfit on the second season of Aikatsu Stars. I know, I know, it's an S4 uniform and with Yume wearing the outfit only the most elite students should wear, it feels great that she finally got the dream of becoming one of them. But even though her dream to be an S4 was fulfilled, there's more work need to be done to defend her title and to that, she needs help from one of her friends. Someone who spins herself like she was thunderstruck, someone who loves to poke her belly, and there she is.



Well, if it isn't the turbocharged, all-wheel drive, Ford Focus RS, with the Rola Sakuraba-themed look I made for it. However, it looked different from the last time. Wonder why...











Okay, now that explains everything. Rola in the same uniform as Lily Shirogane really mean one thing. No, she's not as desperate as she is but because she was easily defeated by Yume, all she ever does is to work as hard as she can before she can join the elite ranks some other time. Now that she's on the same boat as Yume and the others, they're officially partners again. Just like old times.



Anyway, with their designs updated to keep up with the times, as well as some new tricks to their sleeves since our last encounter with these things, let's see if they are ready to go through new heights in this epic roller coaster paradise we are venturing right now. Are these gals ready for the trip of a lifetime?






After a little night out at the Thrilltopia, it's fair to say that even through they've changed a bit, their attitudes never changed a bit and looks like they're up to greater heights, literally! The one who achieved the dream and the other one trying hard to be like her, they're in sync with each other! Speaking of which...



Heh? What's that queenly majesty doing here? Something tells me this isn't over between those two. He he he. Anyway, let's leave it at then and in the meantime, we have the whole Thrilltopia to go around for more as the journey continues.