A trusted Cars.co.za source has confirmed the prices of the BMW M2, which will become available in South Africa in April 2016. Producing 272 kW and 465 Nm, the eagerly anticipated sportscaris said to rocket from zero to 100 kph in just 4,3 seconds…

If the rather impressive BMW M235i just wasn't hot enough for you, BMW is readying the M2 for introduction to the local market. Featuringlightweight aluminium front and rear axles from the BMW M3/M4 models, forged 19-inch aluminium wheels with mixed-size tyres, M Servotronic steering with two settings and suitably effective M compound brakes, the BMW M2 promises entertainment by the bucketload. There's also an electronically controlled Active M Differential, which optimises traction and directional stability. The bonus is that the Dynamic Stability Control system's M Dynamic Mode (MDM) allows wheel slip and moderate, controlled drifts on the track. Should be music to the ears of driving enthusiasts the world over.

Engine and Performance

Like the M235i, the M2's motor is a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, but this version delivers peak outputs of 272kW and 465Nm. What's more, the torque increases to as much as 500Nm for short periods of time in Overboost mode. According to BMW, the 0-100 kph sprint is dispatched in 4.3 seconds (in the case of the seven-speed M DCT-equipped version), with the manual version fractionally slower. Top speed is limited to the pretty standard 250 kph, but this can be stretched to 270 kph if buyers opt for the M Driver's Package. It's not all about the performance though as BMW is claiming this model is efficient too, with a fuel consumption figure of just7.9L/100km.

BMW ConnectedDrive Services

BMW, of course, has already made significant progress inintegrating connectivity tech into its vehicles and the M2 will receive some very cool applications such as a GoPro appandan M Lap-timer app. The Lap-timer apprecords the car's speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, engine speed, the gear engaged at any one time, the steering angle, the accelerator position and fuel consumption. All of this data allows drivers to analyse their driving andgives them the option of comparing their laps with those of other drivers. The GoPro app allows drivers to use a GoPro camera to film fast laps of the race track. Thecamerascan be operated using the iDrive Touch Controller and viewed in the Control Display.

Exclusivity

We're likely to see only a few BMW M2s make their way to South Africa.There are four colours available: Long Beach Blue metallic, Alpine White, Black Sapphire and Mineral Grey. Some nice interior touches include M sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, an M footrest and a knee pad on the centre console, trim strips in porous carbon fibre, instruments in M2-specific design and the M logo on the door sill plates, gearshift lever, steering wheel and rev counter. As it stands, the BMW M2 has been confirmed for a South African launch in April 2016.

Standard and Optional Features

Standard features for the BMW M2 will include Dakota leather seats with blue contrasting stitching, an anthracite headliner, BMW Professional radio with hi-fi loudspeaker system and an instrument cluster with extended content displays. A hands-free smartphone facility with USB connectivity will alsobe standard.

Optional features will include: steering wheel heating, electrically operated glass roof, interior and exterior mrrors with anti-dazzle function, electrically adjustable seats with memory function, heated seats, rear park distance control, rear camera andnavigation. In addition, a Harmon Kardon sound system willbe on offer and buyers can also opt for other other services such as real time traffic information and concierge services.

BMW M2 Price in South Africa

BMW M2 6-speed manualR791 000

BMW M2 M-DCTR841 900

BMW M2 Launch Video