At this 12 months’s M Competition in Chengdu, BMW stunned everybody by quietly rolling out a camouflaged M2 prototype. Even wrapped head-to-toe in swirl vinyl, there have been nonetheless loads of particulars to be seen. The stance was completely different, the aero components had been apparent, and the general design seemed sportier than ever. We took the chance to {photograph} the automobile up shut, and later sat down with BMW M CEO Frank van Meel for an unique interview to grasp what precisely we had been .
What BMW is getting ready isn’t a brand new mannequin, a “CSL,” or a last-minute particular version. It’s a Observe Package deal—a whole improve package that M house owners will be capable of retrofit by way of sellers beginning in 2026. Van Meel made some extent of clarifying that this might be a bundled bundle, not a pick-and-choose record of components. Every little thing is engineered to work collectively, so BMW received’t let prospects break up the package or strip it down. And in contrast to some track-oriented upgrades that push automobiles exterior regulatory boundaries, the M2 Observe Package deal retains the automobile absolutely street-legal.
Ought to Present A Lot Of Downforce
Even with camouflage, the entrance finish revealed an adjustable splitter that drops noticeably decrease than inventory. Tucked into the corners had been detachable dive planes—correct useful aero that you just usually see on buyer racing automobiles slightly than road-legal coupes. The rear carried a brand new diffuser that seemed deeper and sharper than the present M Efficiency design. And towering over all the pieces was a big rear wing with an built-in third brake mild. It’s the form of {hardware} that immediately shifts the M2’s visible temperature from “enjoyable compact coupe” to “monitor toy with a license plate.”
Model New Suspension
However probably the most intriguing piece isn’t the aero. It’s the suspension. BMW already sells a coilover package for the M2 by way of the M Efficiency Components catalog, permitting for modest ride-height changes on each axles. Nevertheless, Van Meel emphasised that the system being examined on this prototype is one thing completely completely different—“very revolutionary, fully new” had been his actual phrases. He didn’t elaborate on the engineering behind it, however the message was clear: this isn’t a revised model of the present package. It’s a extra technical, extra track-focused system that seems to push the M2 nearer to the territory of GT-style buyer automobiles.
Rumored CSL-Type Carbon Bucket Seats
Contained in the cabin, the prototype retained commonplace M2 seating. However we unofficially discovered that CSL-style carbon buckets may very well be provided individually, or a part of the bundle. Tires must be unique to this bundle within the type of Michelin Cup 2 and/or Cup 2 R. This prototype featured Michelin PS4S “avenue tires”.
Not all the pieces is ultimate. BMW remains to be testing parts, refining aero shapes, and dialing within the new suspension. It’s additionally not but sure whether or not the Observe Package deal might be appropriate with the upcoming M2 xDrive or the M2 CS. In principle, each automobiles might settle for a lot of the {hardware}, however BMW isn’t prepared to substantiate something publicly. With the G87 CS arriving in restricted numbers and the xDrive model nonetheless underneath growth, the compatibility story will seemingly evolve over the subsequent 12 months.
What is evident is the intent. With the Observe Package deal, BMW M is giving M2 house owners a factory-engineered path to one thing extra critical with out getting into full customer-racing territory. This can be a targeted, mechanical improve meant to construct on the M2’s core strengths and sharpen its monitor habits in measurable methods. We anticipate to be taught the complete technical particulars within the spring of 2026.
