BMW M2 Smashes 1 Series M Coupe Nurburgring Lap Time

2016 BMW M2 (Credit: BMW)

Not only has the 2016 BMW M2 broken cover, it’s smashing some Nurburgring lap times. The new performance coupe reportedly has exceeded the venerable 1 Series M Coupe, which boasts a ‘Ring lap time of 8:12. The M2, on the other hand, whipped around the Green Hell in 7:58, according to BMW.

This confirms what many have suspected, that the new M2 coupe demonstrates how BMW is actually remembering its roots and what made it great. Fourteen seconds’ difference is a big deal, considering that the BMW 1 Series M Coupe isn’t exactly a performance slouch.

For those who don’t recall, the BMW M4 busted around the Nurburgring in 7:52. The M2 is powered by a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, yet it beat out the V-8 M3’s time by a full seven seconds. The new performance coupe’s time also squeezed past the Audi V8 R8, Viper SRT-10 and Cayenne Turbo S, to name a few. Not to belabor the point, but that’s impressive.

With this kind of news, be prepared to scoop up the 2016 BMW M2 coupe quickly, because it’ll likely be a super-hot commodity. Enthusiats crave a hardcore modern performance vehicle from BMW, and this is unfortunately one of the few left around these days.

Of course, haters are gonna hate on the M2, Nurburgring lap time and all. After all, a number of people decry using such a performance measure at all, saying that it’s rife with problems.

Right now, BMW is keeping pretty tight-lipped about details for the M2’s run around the ‘Ring. For example, we have no idea if the car that set the time was equipped with the dual-clutch or manual transmission, although one could guess (and may end up wrong).

If you’re still not a believer, or you just want to be thrilled even more, check out BMW’s official launch film for the M2 below.