The Mighty BMW M2 G87: Conquering Nürburgring Under 8 Minutes!
Often overshadowed by its more heralded siblings, the BMW M2, affectionately known as the 'baby M,' has now etched its mark on one of the world's most formidable racetracks. We're talking about the famed Nürburgring in Germany, a track that has humbled many high-profile cars. Yet, in the hands of Sport Auto magazine's test driver Christian Gebhardt, the M2 has proven to be anything but underwhelming.
In an eye-catching Brooklyn Grey, the G87 M2, equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission—yes, even the purists have to admit, faster laps over the manual—has impressively lapped the Nordschleife. Setting the greyhound off were the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, culminating in a jaw-dropping lap time of 7 minutes and 38.23 seconds. It's a message loud and clear; this M2 is no slouch.
Strapped into optional carbon bucket seats—clearly a must for any serious track endeavor—the journey was as thrilling as it was groundbreaking. This moment was immortalized in a full onboard video courtesy of Sport Auto, allowing us all a passenger seat in this record-setting run. It's not just a display of automobile agility; it's an immersive experience into the raw intensity of Nürburgring.
But how does this lap stack up in the grand scheme of things? The M2's official lap time mirrors this achievement, clocking in at a near-identical 7 minutes and 38.7 seconds on the 20.8-kilometer course. For record aficionados, it's worth noting that on a slightly shorter configuration, the G87 shattered expectations further with a time of 7 minutes and 33.906 seconds.
Gebhardt's Notable Nürburgring Narratives
Gebhardt is no stranger to the Nürburgring’s challenging turns and treacherous bends, having previously piloted a variety of BMW machines around this iconic circuit. His past adventures include a 7:34 lap in an M3 Touring and an astounding 7:17 in the M4 CSL. An ALPINA B4 Gran Coupe and an M4 Competition xDrive are also part of his illustrious track record, with lap times that only add to BMW’s legacy on this revered track.
As we glance into the future, we find ourselves on the cusp of even more exhilarating times. BMW plans to unleash a more ferocious M2 CS, rumoured to flex over 500 horsepower and shave off some extra weight for enhanced nimbleness. With an expected power boost in the regular model and an all-wheel-drive version on the horizon, the M2’s story is only getting more gripping.
Final Thoughts
The G87 M2's achievement at Nürburgring is a testament to BMW's engineering prowess and its unyielding pursuit of perfection. It's a narrative that challenges the underdog label, showcasing the boundless potential of what many considered the 'lesser' M. For those of us who relish automotive excellence, this lap serves as a thrilling chapter in the ever-evolving story of BMW's M series. Once again, the 'baby M' has roared loud, proving that size is merely a detail when heart and spirit take the wheel.
Experience the thrill and watch the full lap on Sport Auto's YouTube channel.