At this yr’s M Pageant 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 totally different, the aero elements had been apparent, and the general design appeared 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 equipment that M homeowners will be capable of retrofit by means of sellers beginning in 2026. Van Meel made some extent of clarifying that this will probably be a bundled package deal, not a pick-and-choose checklist of elements. The whole lot is engineered to work collectively, so BMW gained’t let prospects break up the equipment or strip it down. And in contrast to some track-oriented upgrades that push vehicles 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 purposeful aero that you just sometimes see on buyer racing vehicles quite than road-legal coupes. The rear carried a brand new diffuser that appeared deeper and sharper than the present M Efficiency design. And towering over all the things was a big rear wing with an built-in third brake mild. It’s the sort of {hardware} that immediately shifts the M2’s visible temperature from “enjoyable compact coupe” to “observe 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 equipment for the M2 by means of the M Efficiency Elements catalog, permitting for modest ride-height changes on each axles. Nonetheless, Van Meel emphasised that the system being examined on this prototype is one thing solely totally different—“very revolutionary, fully new” had been his precise phrases. He didn’t elaborate on the engineering behind it, however the message was clear: this isn’t a revised model of the prevailing equipment. It’s a extra technical, extra track-focused system that seems to push the M2 nearer to the territory of GT-style buyer vehicles.
Rumored CSL-Fashion 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 package deal. Tires needs to be unique to this package deal within the type of Michelin Cup 2 and/or Cup 2 R. This prototype featured Michelin PS4S “road tires”.
Not all the things is ultimate. BMW continues to be testing elements, refining aero shapes, and dialing within the new suspension. It’s additionally not but sure whether or not the Observe Package deal will probably be suitable with the upcoming M2 xDrive or the M2 CS. In concept, each vehicles may 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 improvement, the compatibility story will seemingly evolve over the following yr.
What is obvious is the intent. With the Observe Package deal, BMW M is giving M2 homeowners a factory-engineered path to one thing extra critical with out moving into full customer-racing territory. This can be a targeted, mechanical improve meant to construct on the M2’s core strengths and sharpen its observe habits in measurable methods. We count on to be taught the total technical particulars within the spring of 2026.
