BMW Asia and Performance Munich Autos have announced the launch of the new BMW M2 Competition, a car that sets fresh benchmarks in the compact high-performance sports car segment and adds marked refinement to the character of the BMW M2 Coupe.

Powering the M2 Competition is a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder in-line engine, based on the power unit from the M3 and M4. The twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine pumps out 404bhp and 550Nm of torque, allowing the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds. 

In addition to the new engine, the new BMW M2 Competition also boasts a completely new exhaust system. The dual-branch design features a new muffler and the four tailpipes.

Two electrically-controlled flaps ensure that the BMW M2 Competition delivers the distinctive BMW M Sound, which the driver can adjust by selecting a driving mode with M Dynamic Performance Control.

Drawing from the brand's motorsport experience, the new BMW M2 Competition also features a range of measures designed to deal with the increased cooling requirements. An enlarged BMW kidney grille and a new front skirt with modified air flow improve the flow for the front of the car. The car also makes use of the race-tested cooling system of the M4 Competition Package, consisting of one central radiator, two side radiators and an additional engine oil cooler. 

The BMW M2 Coupe has already set the standard in its segment when it comes to agility, driving feeling, directional stability, steering precision and controllability at the limit. These chassis characteristics have been further refined for the new BMW M2 Competition.

Key to this is the car's increased front-end rigidity, achieved through a Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) high-precision strut within the engine compartment (taken from the M3/M4).

Together with the bulkhead strut from the M4, it significantly increases front section rigidity to improve steering behaviour and precision. The M2 Competition also features forged aluminium control arms and wheel carriers on the new five-link rear axle and play-free ball joints to improve chassis rigidity and tracking stability. 

The extensive range of equipment provided as standard marks the new BMW M2 Competition out as one of the most dynamic sports cars around.

This includes the lightweight M Sport chassis, seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, electromechanical M servotronic power steering and the M Dynamic Mode for Dynamic Stability Control. The M2 Competition also comes with LED head lights and Park Distance Control as standard. 

Two new colours have been added to the range of paints available for the new BMW M2 Competition - the metallic Sunset Orange colour already featured on other BMW M Performance Models, as well as the exclusive new metallic Hockenheim Silver paint. 

Customers can also add further individual touches to their car with a handpicked range of options. Highlights include the six-speed manual gearbox with throttle blipping function (available on indent basis), or the M Driver's Package, which raises the limit on the top speed of the M2 Competition to 280km/h.

The new BMW M2 Competition is now available for viewing at the Performance Munich Autos showroom. 

Price as of press time (inclusive of COE)

BMW M Series M2 Competition 3.0 (A) - $327,888