The BMW M2 has only been alive for a couple of years now, but the smaller M4 has received quite the following in that short time. With a couple of years under its belt, it’s about time for the M2 Competition to make its debut and thanks to an “accidental” leak by BMW’s Australian portal we get to have an early look at what we can expect of the M2 Competition when it debuts later this month at the Beijing Auto Show. And, the best part is that it’s not just images—there are some specs too.

BMW M2 Competition Design

The M2 Competition doesn’t feature a different appearance compared to the standard M2. Both fascias and even the grille carry over. Of course, those corner inlets to look a bit deeper and the side view mirrors appear to be borrowed from the M4. The rear diffuser on the Competition may be slightly different as well, featuring more distinct winglets in the middle – nothing out of the ordinary or anything to write home about. The only other difference will be the new “lightweight” wheels that feature a new design and will probably shave off a couple of pounds.

BMW M2 Competition Performance Specs

In the old days, the M2 Competition probably would have gotten a larger engine from the standard M4. But, we live in a different time and, while the M4 is more powerful than the M2, it actually uses the same engine. That doesn’t mean BMW didn’t give the M2 Competition a healthy dose of M4 DNA, though. The same 3.0-liter inline-six carries over for the Competition model but it has apparently been tweaked to deliver “302 Kilowatts” or 404 horsepower. Meanwhile, torque has been increased too 550 NM or 406 pound-feet. That’s an improvement of 39 horsepower and 62 pound-feet over the standard M2.

For the record, the M4 delivers 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. That means the M2 will fall short by 16 horsepower but will offer the same amount of torque. BMW’s Australia outlet (before the information was taken down) promised that the M2 competition can make the sprint to 62.1 mph in 4.2 seconds with the M dual-clutch transmission (one second slower than the M4.) As for three-pedal performance, that’s a mystery as there was no mention of a six-speed on the page while it was up. We do know that maximum engine speed will be pegged at 7,600 rpm.

All told, the standard M2 Coupe could hit 62.1 mph in 4.3 seconds with the DCT, so we’re looking at an improvement of 0.1 seconds. Chances are the six-speed manual will be offered and, if so, expect it to make the same sprint in 4.4 seconds – one-tenth faster than the base model with three pedals.

Standard M2

M2 Competition

Standard M4

Engine

3.0-liter Inline-Six

3.0-liter Inline-Six

3.0-liter Inline-Six

Horsepower

365 HP

404 HP

425 HP

Torque

343 LB-FT

406 LB-FT

406 LB-FT

0-to-62 MPH (DCT)

4.3 Sec

4.2 Sec

4.1 Sec


References

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M2.

Read our full speculative review 2019 BMW M2 Competition.

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW M4.

Read more 2018 Beijing Auto Show news.