Tag Archives: M2
2018 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS vs 2018 Audi TT-RS vs BMW M2
The redesigned Porsche Boxster, which was first introduced back in 2012, took styling cues from the 911 and the 918 Spyder. Aside from that, this model also has a more rigid chassis and a revised engine lineup that includes smaller, turbocharged flat-four powerplants.
The spy shots did not reveal much of the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS design but if we are basing our judgment on the previous model, we can expect that the car would have a more aggressive front fascia with larger air intakes below the headlamps. A wider lower grille can also be expected because it would work on improving the roadster’s aerodynamics.
We didn’t see the new bumper yet but if the spoiler lip is any indication, it looks like Porsche is getting ready to treat the car to a better downforce. All of these should be finished with dark matte gray color.
Audi TT-RS
The Audi TT-RS made use of the company’s latest styling language, which has more angular lines and sportier stance compared to the previous design. The TT-RS definitely isn’t as sleek as the Boxster GTS, but fans of a massive “singleframe” grille and big bumper intakes should be happy to note these on the Audi. The race-inspired look of the TT-RS is menacing, to say the least, and that’s also thanks to the carbon-look mirror caps, massive spoiler, and muscular wheel arches.
BMW M2
The M2 is bigger than the Boxster since it is essentially a smaller M4 with better proportions. It has a more compact size, though, than the M4. This makes the coupe look lighter, faster, and easier to handle. The M2 is sportier than the TT-RS, but it still might fail in comparison to the Boxster GTS because the Porsche has that race-car layout of putting the engine in the rear. It’s all a matter of taste, really. Plus, we haven’t seen the convertible model of the M2 yet.
Four Key Features Of AC Schnitzer 2016 BMW M2
AC Schnitzer specializes in aftermarket tuning of Bimmers, and what they did with the 2016 BMW M2 from front to back and top to bottom is the stuff fairy tales are made of. The tuning upgrade brought the M2 to the sports car echelon of the automobile industry.
Here are some new features you need to know about AC Schnitzer’s M2 tuning:
Aerodynamics
Tinkering with the aerodynamics is one of the staples of an AC tuning. The program for the M2 did not differ. The aerodynamics kit has carbon front side wings and carbon rear wing that enhance the M2’s looks. But aside from it, the carbon also works well together with the new front splitter, rear roof spoiler, and carbon rear diffuser. It allows well-tuned handling experience even when the car is running on high speed.
Interior
Interior has always been overlooked by every tuning company that upgraded a vehicle. That cannot be said with AC, though the changes are minimal like the aluminum pedal set and footrest, key holder, handbrake handle, aluminum cover for the M2’s iDrive Controller, and velour floor mats.
Drivetrain
The AC Schnitzer’s tuning of the M2 was focused on the engine modifications, though these are mostly software upgrades. Still, AC offers a charge cooler that can help improve the capacity and efficiency of M2’s 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. After the tuning, the M2 can now produce 420 horsepower, a 50 ponies upgrade from the standard 370 horsepower.
Suspension and brakes
AC Schnitzer specifically built RS coilovers for the M2. They are height-adjustable, and come with compression and rebound setting. It can also be lowered from 1.18 inches to 1.57 inches. There’s also the suspension spring kit that can drop the M2 from the height of 0.98 inches to 1.18 inches at the front and from 0.59 inches to 0.79 inches at the back.
Is BMW Coming Up With A 4-Door M2 Gran Coupe?
Rumors have it that BMW is set to build a sedan version of the 2-Series, especially after the pronouncements made by the company’s head of development, Klaus Frohlich, to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.
With a sedan version of the 2-Series possible on the horizon, can we now dare to dream that a four-door BMW M2 Gran Coupe will also grace the company’s senses?
The UK publication Autocar believes that not only is a 2-Series Gran Coupe sedan possible, but an M version of it might also be in the works. Can you imagine what will be offered? You’ll get the M2 with a 365-horsepower engine, as well as two more doors.
It’s quite possible we’ll also see a hatchback version of the M2 Gran Coupe. That’s pretty incredible, right?
Reports also said that all versions of the 2-Series Gran Coupe will get an extended wheelbase, which would put the Gran Coupe somewhere between the regular 2-Series Coupe and the 3-Series Sedan. Both versions of the Gran Coupe are being planned for unveiling in 2019.
The expectation is that the four-door 2-Series would be sold in major markets since another model is bound to be exclusive to the Chinese market.
It can be remembered that late last year, BMW introduced the Concept Compact Sedan at China’s Guangzhou Auto Show. This has given us a preview of a Mini-based sedan with front-wheel drive. That would be the model built exclusively for the Chinese market.
The question, of course, would be the availability of the 2-Series sedan in the United States. Offering the 2-Series Gran Coupe in the US market would be wise step for BMW if it wants to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Audi A3.
However, this would pose a serious problem with the presence of the 3-Series in the market. A 2-Series Gran Coupe could potentially affect the sales of the 3-Series.