Has the BMW M division just pulled the wraps off their most legitimate E30 M3 successor? Let’s look at the M2 Racing’s credentials: Motorsport homologation? Tick. Two door bodyshell? Tick. Four pot engine? Check.

Okay, it won’t be piloted by touring car legends such as Johnny Cecotto and Roberto Ravaglia – the car will compete in the hands of privateers – and the engine isn’t the hallowed S14, but the parallels are clear to see.

The logic is simple – take an M2 chassis, cut the weight to sub-1,500kg, gear everything up for competition and fit a 313bhp version of the turbocharged B48 inline four cylinder, commonly found in the Mini Cooper S, JCW, M135 and entry level variants of the three and five series.

The motivation is twofold: increase eligibility and reduce running costs. The engine switch opens the M2 Racing up to much wider scope of regulations, whilst pegging the price to “a more accessible” €98,000 (plus taxes), backed up with more reasonable parts and running costs.

Presented to the public during the DTM season opener at Oschersleben, the car is undergoing final testing and will be eligible to compete in 2026. The chassis features GT3 derived KW suspension which, perhaps surprisingly, is non-adjustable. The anti-roll bars however, are, allowing owners to customise the handling balance and brake-away characteristics of the car.

With 10x18” forged alloy wheels wrapped in 265/660 section Goodyear slicks, grip levels are expected to be suitably high, although with aero enhancements limited to a carbon front splitter and ducktail spoiler at the rear, downforce will be minimal. The bonnet and bootlid have also been modified with quick release locks. M14 studs and lug nuts for the wheels also speed up pit stops, as will the optional air-jack system.

While the headline figures are 313bhp and 309lb/ft of torque, the M2 Racing is fitted with a power management system, meaning engine output can be adjusted according to respective regulations. In order to increase hot-lap endurance, the cooling system has been lifted from the M2’s S58 engine, while the mechanical locking differential has been fitted with standalone cooling. The M2 Racing is also equipped with a motorsport-specific exhaust system with racing catalytic converter. Brake cooling has been enhanced too.

Underlining the affordability mantra, the M2 racing retains the road car’s compound brakes fitted with motorsport specific brake pads on both axles. Furthermore, the gearbox is not a sequential or DCT – it's a seven-speed version of the road car’s ZF 8HP automatic remapped with BMW M Motorsport software. Yes, motorsport motorsport software. Another software feature is the road car’s excellent 10-stage traction control system.

Despite not being on display, the Racing is fitted with the M2’s optional CFRP roof. Other weight saving measures include plexiglass rear windows with a motorsport fuel filler giving direct access to the FIA-homologated ATL FT3-safety fuel cell behind the rear seats. Weighing-in at 1,498kg, the M2 Racing is 232kg lighter than its roadgoing counterpart. Despite losing two cylinders, the top speed of the M2 racing is still an impressive 167mph. BMW has not quoted any acceleration figures.

The interior is equal parts production car and racing car. The driver will have to negotiate a fully welded FIA approved roll cage manufactured by BMW M, and slot into carbon Sabelt race seats, closing the door via a cloth door pull. But once clamped down by the harnesses, the view ahead is more familiar with the M2’s button clad steering wheel, full length LCD screen and centre console remaining in situ. A full suite of datalogging software will be optional, as will a passenger seat.

BMW M works drivers have been involved in the development and setup of the car. Among them is Jens Klingmann: “Buyers of a BMW M2 Racing can look forward to a fantastic entry-level car that is very easy to operate on the racetrack, and delivers the same driving pleasure that is deeply rooted in the DNA of all BMW M and BMW M Motorsport vehicles.

“Our focus is to ensure that the BMW M2 Racing, thanks to its characteristics, is the perfect car for everyone – from a novice on a track day to an ambitious racer. And I am very pleased with the result.”

Cynics might argue BMW is laying the groundwork for a potential future M2 with four cylinders. The reality is the M4 GT4 is already putting the S58 straight six to good use, and the M2 Racing merely carries on where the M240i Racing left off as the M divisions’ entry-level racing car. We can’t help but feel it would make an ideal candidate to enter into the ADAC 24h Nürburgring.