We didn't think the aggressive BMW M2 could look much better. We were mistaken. Just take a look at this safety car.
The new M2 safety car is the latest in a long line of vehicles furnished by BMW to the MotoGP racing series that stretches back to 1999. This model is based on the road-going version, but features a number of upgrades to get it ready for the track. As you can see, it has a fresh take on BMW's signature stripes over white, offset by gold trim. It also wears a low-profile LED strobe light bar on the roof, supplemented by blue LEDs in the front grille and red diodes in place of the reversing lights.
The stripped-out cockpit incorporates a roll cage (adapted from the M4 GTS), Recaro racing buckets with six-point harnesses, and an on-board fire extinguisher. BMW also fabricated an adjustable rear wing from carbon-reinforced plastic, and fitted it with Michelin Cup tires and carbon-ceramic brakes. Of course you can't buy the safety car and drive it on the road, but most of the rest of the parts come straight out of the M Performance Parts catalog – and those you can buy.
There are aero components like side skirts, front blades, and a rear diffuser, trim pieces in carbon or gloss black, all manner of interior parts, and mechanical bits like an upgraded exhaust system with carbon finishers and a coilover suspension. We're waiting on word regarding US pricing and availability of the M Performance Parts. But in the meantime you can check out the action in the pair of image galleries, the video clip below, and the press releases at bottom.
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BMW M – OFFICIAL CAR OF MotoGP™. BMW M2 MotoGP SAFETY CAR.
MotoGP and BMW M Division: these two partners have formed an ideal combination for almost two decades. MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing and features the best riders in the world on high-performance racing prototypes, in the development of which the manufacturers implement their latest technological ideas. High-performance and motorsport genes – attributes, with which BMW M Division is also synonymous. Since 1999, BMW M has been a permanent member of the international MotoGP family. The successful partnership with organiser Dorna Sports has grown consistently over the years, and is set to continue to run well into the future. In 2014, Dorna Sports and BMW M Division extended their cooperation up to and including 2020. Partnerships like this, which span decades, are extremely rare in top-class international sport.
At the heart of the commitment is the provision of the Safety Car fleet. BMW M implements the latest technology in order to guarantee the safety of the MotoGP riders, whatever the conditions. The Safety Cars are high-performance BMW M cars, whose outstanding driving properties make them the perfect foil to any challenges out on the racetrack. The latest example is the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car, which makes its debut this season. The Safety Cars are specially modified at the BMW M factory for their use as lead cars on the motorcycle racing scene. The same goes for all the other vehicles in the fleet.
BMW M Division's commitment to MotoGP also includes numerous other activities. Since 2003, the BMW M Award has been presented at the end of the season to the best MotoGP qualifier. The BMW M MotoGP Experience allows visitors to experience the fascinating world of MotoGP up close and personal. BMW M MotoGP experts offer exclusive, first-hand insights. On selected Grand Prix weekends, BMW M Division presents its latest models and products with on-site campaigns.
Aerodynamic components for an improved appearance and driving response. The M Performance Parts product portfolio features a particularly extensive range of aerodynamic components made of carbon-reinforced plastic (CFRP or carbon fibre). These include front and side sill attachments, rear diffuser and mirror caps that are perfectly harmonised in their aerodynamic effect and additionally emphasise the powerful exterior design of the compact high-performance sports car.
The front and side sill attachments in combination with the rear spoiler and diffuser from the BMW M Performance range optimize the airflow around the vehicle, for example, which in turn impacts positively on handling and driving performance. Matching these there are carbon fibre exterior mirror caps which stylishly round off the car's enhanced sporty appearance with their striking look. The same applies to the M Performance radiator grille for the front and side in high-gloss black with integrated BMW M logo in the BMW M colours red, blue and light blue.
Options for engine, suspension and brakes that enhance dynamic performance. The M Performance flap silencer system makes for more intense perception of the engine sound. Its two operating modes Sport and Track can be set by Bluetooth remote control. The Sport mode is intended for use on public roads and indulges the driver with a distinctive sporty sound that has been specially harmonised with the BMW M2. Meanwhile the Track setting further intensifies the volume and character of the exhaust sound, perceptibly enhancing its emotional flair. This creates a much more intense driving experience and makes the driver feel more closely connected to the car. The M Performance flap exhaust system further enhances the BMW M2 visually, too, with its high-gloss silencer unit including deep-embossed M Performance logo, tailpipes with a diameter of 80 millimetres and perforated inner pipe. As an alternative there are also carbon fibre tailpipe trim elements available for the M Performance exhaust system with a diameter of 93 millimetres and integrated BMW M logo.
The BMW M Performance sports brake pads offer increased suitability for the race track as well as enhanced active safety. Their composition is derived from the long-distance brake pads that have become well-established in motor racing. This means the BMW M Performance sports brake pads have a particularly high resistance to thermal stress and do not show any fading tendencies even when constantly subjected to extreme use. They also offer an improved, more direct response as compared to the standard brake system.
BMW is one of very few automobile manufacturers in the world to offer its own steering wheels with Alcantara cover for retrofit purposes, and the BMW M Performance range actually includes two different models. The M Performance Pro steering wheel with grip areas covered in Alcantara is particularly marked in its shaping and generally has a harder foam body than the standard steering wheel, resulting in better grip and a more precise steering feel. It also has a light blue central marking at the 12 o'clock position. The three-colour M seam and the optional open-pore carbon fibre trim element with M Performance inscription give the M Performance Pro steering wheel an especially attractive visual appearance.
In addition, BMW offers the M Performance steering wheel with race display and carbon fibre trim as standard. With an integrated function display in the upper steering wheel rim, the driver always has a perfect view of information such as section and lap times, longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The functions are intuitively controlled by menu buttons integrated in the thumb recesses of the steering wheel. In addition to the race display there is also a gear shift indicator: two bi-colour LED light strips on the right and left that run towards each other.
The BMW Performance range for the interior is rounded off with the M Performance Interior Kit Carbon, featuring trim elements for the twin-clutch transmission gear selector level, centre console and handbrake handle and the M Performance interior trim finishers with their especially attractive blend of Alcantara and carbon fibre.
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