Test – BMW M2 (2023): one last for the road (and the circuit)

* For example for the version (G87) Cup 3.0 m2 460 BVA8.

That’s it, the last BMW V12 in history has been built

BMW stops the V12 and the last motorized copy has just been built. It is therefore time to tell him goodbye and to come back to his story which is an integral part of that of BMW.

V12 at BMW, it’s really over. The tightening of regulations on emissions and small production of the N74 engine killed it. Indeed, very little widespread and assailed by European standards, the V12 from BMW cannot resist. If the new BMW series 7 restyled made its debut in April with six -cylinder online and V8 engines under the hood, there is a reason. Earlier in the year, the brand has the propeller announced “The Final V12” as a special series of only 12 luxury sedans. There will therefore be 12 ultimate BMW M760i with the latest V12 engines for a BMW on the road.

But the time has now come for us to say goodbye to this special engine because “the latest BMW 7 Series vehicles with the V12 were produced,” a spokesman for BMW told our fellow carbuzz colleagues. “We have made a last edition for the United States, which has really sold quickly”. The V12 engines have however always been traditionally the favorite radius of action of Italian brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, but the V12 BMW was one of the best engines in the world, even if it never ended up under the hood from a helix supercar. The Munich manufacturer has manufactured modern V12 engines since the late 1980s: the M70, a 5.0 -liter V12 engine at 60 degrees developed 295 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque at 4.100 rpm. Since then, the brand has developed this engine with the M73 (1993-2002), the N73 (2003-2016) and finally the N74 from 2018, which was only used in a single BMW: series 7.

The end of a legend

In its most recent form (with the most powerful M760i), this 6.6-liter bi-turbo V12 developed 610 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. It was associated with an all -wheel drive and an eight -speed automatic transmission that allowed the 7 series to reach the status of “flagship” more than ever. But before that, the V12 BMW has propelled automobile icons like the 850 CSI, the Rolls-Royce Phantom or the emblematic McLaren F1 Supercar. But it is not his only feats of arms: a prototype of 700 horsepower BMW X5 called “Le Mans” in the 2000s, an M8 which has never seen the light of day or a prototype of BMW Z3 Survitamin. In short, it is part of the story of BMW.

And then ? The new series 7 has only six and eight cylinders engines, and between the rechargeable hybrids and the 100% electric i7, BMW has found alternatives to Bi-Turbo V12. While at present, the 760i XDRIVE only develops 540 horsepower thanks to its bi-turbo V8, BMW may well use a rechargeable hybrid GMP to strengthen the power of this block, as the XM concept also provides. In the latter, this motorcycle group should develop up to 800 horsepower and may well find itself sooner or later under the hood of the 7 series. Farewell V12.

Test – BMW M2 (2023): one last for the road (and the circuit) !

During this most complicated period for the thermal automobile, there are oases that smell the scent of octane good. And when it comes to BMW M2, the heart of aficionados is stronger. Rightly, because it could also be the singing of the swan. Exclusive test in a western setting ..

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We are in Scottsdale, in the close suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona. With more than 330 days of sun per year, it is “the” destination of choice for golfers around the world, the city with more than 200 places dedicated to this sport. Even more, it is now a refuge region for (rich) California, which recent climatic episodes have convinced to move under more hospital skies. Enough tourism, let’s move on to the attraction of the day. It is no coincidence that we are in the United States. There, the BMW M swarms. The USA represent almost 20% of M2 world sales. It is as much as in Germany, against 11% in England, ditto in China, and 6% in Japan. Additional reason for this location: the little one is produced alongside the 2 series cut at the San Luis Potosi factory, in Mexico, almost close to our playground of the day.

Within this Galaxy M which celebrates its 50 years of existence, this M2 G87 is Grail, and not only for unconditional amateurs of the propeller with the propeller. Any enthusiast can be seduced by a compact with a large petrol engine, and equipped with rear motor, obviously. That said, over the years – like the rest of the automotive production – the M2 could not help swelling. Far the time of 2002 or the 1 M series Coupé.

With its 4.58 meters long, it takes 3 cm more than the previous generation, and even 6 cm in width. For weight, it’s still more obvious: 150 kg in addition. Note in this regard that certain configurations accuse more than 1,800 kilos to the weighing, which could still increase the ecological penalty already murdered ! Consequence, to further improve performance despite this overweight, it was necessary to build the cavalry.

And therefore, the 3-liter engine taken from the M3-M4 claims here 460 horsepower, 90 more than the original version unveiled in 2016 ! Even the M2 CS of 2019 is upgraded, it which then did not affect “450 bourrins … whatever it is, it is urgent to appreciate this object as it should be. Because even if it is in “off”, the BMW officials present on the spot confirmed it well: this m2 is the der of the ders. She will not have a thermal succession. You will deduce the continuation !

Square, that’s the word

We are not used to expanding on the aspects linked to the design. Tastes and colors … But that does not prevent us from having an opinion on this new bodywork rather “square”. The flanks, particularly at the back, evoke those of the legendary M3 E30 of the 80s and 90s. As for the grille, however prominent, it seems very wise compared to the growths of the rear part, in particular the air extractors framing the four outputs of exhaust.

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And then there are the rims, specific to this model, imposing 19 -inch rings at the front, 20 at the rear. Finally, those who find this dress not yet expressive enough can draw in the “M performance” catalog and opt, for example, for a carbon chest deflector or an exhaust output like Honda Type R … as we written above, to everyone their tastes !

Well integrated digital

Inside, the previous generation has often been criticized for being a little too wise and not reflecting external dynamism. Here, even if the Germanic seriousness remains in place, it seems to us that the whole is both coherent and of its time. This is the case with the excellent integration of the curved screen slab. These are actually two distinct parts, one devoted to the digital dashboard (12.3 inches), the second, central, tactile and a width of almost 15 inches, manages the info system -entertainment. This is quite similar to the recent BMW productions, but, Status M obliges, the M2 benefits from additional functions and a more original presentation. Thus, the driver that lies sleeping in you may – via the “set up” command – modulate the response of the accelerator or transmission. Ditto for the suspension, the ESP and even the brake pedal ! Not to mention the “M Drift analyz” and “m laptimer”, for those who will take their racing car on the circuit. Finally, for the most geeks, know that the OS Idrive 8 operating system.0 is provided with a voice command for many functions such as, for example navigation, air conditioning and even the opening of a window ! The system offers a large personalization of all these functions with the “My BMW” application as well as the use of an “ESIM” and a 5G antenna. Apple, because play and other Android Auto can obviously integrate into this ecosystem.

• Length: 4.58 m
• Width: 1.88 m
• Height: 1.40 m
• Number of places: 4 places
• Chest volume: 390 L / NC

• Gearbox: Auto. 8 -speed
• Fuel
• CO2 emission rate: 218 g/km
• Malus: € 3,9964
• Date of marketing of the model: October 2022

* For example for the version (G87) Cup 3.0 m2 460 BVA8.

The bonus / penalty and the CO2 emission rate are given as an indication for the most ecological version.

The bonus / penalus displayed is that in force at the time of the publication of the article.