The 2016 BMW M2 is barely out of the box, and it's already making its debut at SEMA. The new high-performance coupe combines BMW’s 370-horsepower twin-turbo engine and the M Division’s racing expertise into a pint-sized package, and the result is getting rave reviews. Is it ever too early for aftermarket parts, though? The M2 showed up at SEMA displaying a host of new M Performance Parts designed for it. The show car is fully decked out with looks reminiscent of the classic race-bred 3.0 CSL, just in case the M2’s link to BMW’s racing heritage is too subtle.

It may be sitting on the show stand like a one-off concept, but this M2 is displaying parts that will be available in the spring of 2016. The M2’s performance is very well dialed-in already, and M Performance has focused on the car’s appearance instead, with a range of interior and exterior upgrade components.

Updated 07/08/2016: BMW dropped a new video showing the M2 Coupe equipped with M Performance Parts in action on the race track. Hit "play" to watch the new video.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW M2 Coupe With M Performance Parts.

2016 BMW M2 Coupe With M Performance Parts

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 BMW M2 Coupe With M Performance Parts
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

The M2 doesn't need much custom work, thanks to the brawn already baked into the styling by the M Division.Massive lower air intakes with aerodynamically optimized folds re-form the front fascia.The fenders are deeply scalloped with brake-cooling gills and the rear fenders are massively blistered to cover large rear wheels.The CSL-inspired red and blue stripes on the white M2 bring to life the spirit of BMW's much modified racing models.This vehicle is positively covered in accessories, from the gloss black grilles for the front and fender gills, to the carbon-fiber mirror caps and rear spoiler.The tailpipes are also trimmed in carbon fiber.

Interior

The M2 features a snug and purposeful interior, considerably more high-tech than the stripped-down cabin of the CSL.A flat-bottomed racing wheel is equipped with paddle shifters and other controls, and the red-illuminated gauges in BMW's familiar style.The dash-topping information screen provides infotainment as well as vehicle-information functions. M Performance's upgrades for the M2 extend to the interior with lots of textured, open-pore carbon fiber.The M Performance steering wheel and center console combine the material with Alcantara.The shifter knob and surround are both carbon fiber as well.M Performance also provides stainless steel pedal covers.

Drivetrain

M Performance focuses on upgrades that can be used to enhance both the M2 and the standard 2-Series, so the engine and transmission are untouched.As the 3.0 liter twin-turbo straight-six under the hood produces 370 horsepower, it seems like they've left well enough alone in this instance.The track-bred engine features an oil pump and variable valve timing, and catapults the M2 to 60mph in less than five seconds.The SEMA M2 gets an M Performance sport exhaust.

The handling does benefit from some quick upgrades, including an M Performance suspension that offers a lowered stance.

Conclusion

Although the CSL stripes might be the most visually exciting thing about the M Performance Parts-enhanced M2, this upgraded BMW is like many of the cars on display in that the significance is in the components.BMW is making the new M2 a full-fledged member of the family by quickly offering performance and aesthetic upgrades for its junior coupe, and that should please BMW's enthusiast fan base.With luck, maybe that stripe kit will be on the options list as well.

Updated History

Updated 06/02/2016: BMW dropped a new video in which it highlights the M Performance Parts offered in the new M2. Hit "play" to watch it!