What's the news?
BMW has announced that it is launching a new race car based on the most powerful version of the yet to be launched 2 Series Coupé. The M235i Racing, as it will be called, will be available to buy through the BMW Sports Trophy Customer Racing Programme at a cost of €59,500 plus taxes and effectively is an off-the-shelf factory race car. As it is based on the road-going version it should be eligible for a number of different motorsport categories such as the VLN Endurance Championship and events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours in Germany.
Exterior
Due to the varying regulations for different race series around the world, the M235i Racing retains the production car's overall design, but is updated in include additional parts to give it an extra edge on track. These include front and rear spoilers which come from BMW's M Performance Parts range as well as carbon fibre wing mirrors and a more aerodynamically efficient rear diffusor. (Note: in case our amazing Photoshop skills fooled you, the image used here is not the real thing!)
Interior
As one would expect from a race car, much of the interior of the M235i Racing has been removed in order to save weight. Naturally it meets all the very latest safety requirements and is fitted with an FIA-certified safety cell as well as a race seat with full safety harnesses. The fuel tank has also been replaced with a modified safety tank to further enhance the race car's safety standards.
Mechanicals
Although the M235i Racing has undergone a lot of changes from the donor production car, safety systems such as the ABS, DSC and traction control remain in place so that any novice racers will have a helping hand. The car is fitted with a mechanical limited slip differential as standard. This can actually be ordered and fitted to the production car too via the M Performance Parts range. The straight-six-cylinder engine produces 333hp.
Anything else?
If a BMW M235i Racing isn't quite potent enough for you, BMW's Sports Trophy Customer Racing Programme can also supply a Z4 GT3 car, although at a slightly higher price!