Tag Archives: BMW

BMW G87 M2 Track Package Spotted Testing at Nürburgring

BMW isn’t done with the G87 M2—not by a long shot. Despite its relatively recent launch, a camouflaged prototype has been caught prowling the Nürburgring, fitted with aggressive new components not seen on the current production model. While this isn’t the rumored CS or a full-blown CSL, it is our first look at what’s shaping up to be the Track Package—a more focused iteration of the M2, expected to land in 2026 as part of BMW’s M Performance Parts catalog.

The test mule, finished in São Paulo Yellow, wears substantial camouflage, but several upgrades are hard to miss. The most striking is the large fixed rear wing—a functional element rather than a visual flourish. Up front, the bumper has been re-sculpted with what appear to be larger, more aggressive air intakes. Even the M2 badge on the kidney grille has been taped over, a telltale sign that development is ongoing.

BMW has yet to comment on the specifics, but it’s clear this package will offer more than just aesthetic enhancements. It’s likely that tweaks to the suspension, chassis tuning, and braking system are in the mix—possibly influenced by the M2 Racing model or engineering insights from the upcoming M2 CS. In fact, the prototype wears the same 827 M wheels seen on the CS, albeit finished in a more subdued two-tone color rather than the signature Bronze Gold.

Enthusiasts will be pleased to know that, despite its track-oriented ambitions, the Track Package is expected to remain fully street legal. That said, buyers should be prepared for some compromises in everyday ride comfort—a familiar trade-off in the pursuit of sharper dynamics.

Performance numbers haven’t been shared, but there’s room for improvement. The standard G87 M2 posted a Nürburgring lap time of 7:38 in 2023, while the hotter CS version shaved that down to 7:25 earlier this year, setting a new benchmark for compact performance cars. If the Track Package trickles into the CS variant—or vice versa—it could push those lap times even lower.

Whether this package will be offered as a retrofit kit, an option for new builds, or strictly as a factory-installed bundle remains unclear. The heavy camouflage suggests the package is still in the late stages of development.

For now, it’s a clear signal: BMW isn’t done evolving the M2 platform. With the Track Package on the horizon, and no final word yet on an xDrive or CSL variant, the G87 story continues to unfold. One thing is certain—the M2 still has plenty of performance left to unlock.

Source: BMW; Photo: @rvdsphotography

BMW Unveils M240i Carbon Edition: A Mexico-Exclusive Taste of M Performance

While BMW’s spotlight often beams on the track-focused M2, its slightly tamer sibling—the M240i—rarely gets a moment to shine. That changes now, at least in Mexico. BMW has unveiled the M240i xDrive Carbon Edition, a limited-run, market-exclusive model that finally puts some well-deserved attention on the “not-quite-M” coupe.

Built exclusively at BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant, the Carbon Edition takes the standard M240i xDrive and infuses it with visual aggression and lightweight flair. Much like its European counterparts, the Mexican-spec M240i comes strictly with xDrive all-wheel drive. Enthusiasts in the U.S. can still rejoice in the rear-wheel-drive version, but this Carbon Edition is reserved solely for Mexican customers.

As its name suggests, the Carbon Edition is all about carbon fiber. BMW has gone beyond the usual cosmetic tweaks, adding CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) accents that are rarely seen on M Performance cars. Notably, even the iconic kidney grille receives the carbon treatment—a detail typically reserved for true M models. Additional upgrades include a carbon front splitter, side mirror caps, rear diffuser, and a trunk lid spoiler.

The visual transformation doesn’t stop there. The Carbon Edition rides on 19-inch 893M-style wheels, a design unavailable on the regular M240i, adding further exclusivity to the package. Inside, the carbon fiber theme continues with sporty trim pieces on the dashboard and center console, subtly elevating the cabin toward full M territory.

Mechanically, the Carbon Edition sticks with the proven formula. Under the hood is BMW’s venerable B58 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, pushing out 382 horsepower and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. Paired with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic and BMW’s grippy xDrive system, the coupe rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a blistering 4.3 seconds, topping out at an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph).

BMW Mexico has priced the Carbon Edition at 1,429,900 MXN (approximately $76,600 USD), marking a 160,000 MXN ($8,500) premium over the standard M240i xDrive. While that may seem steep, it’s still well below the 1,764,900 MXN ($95,000 USD) starting price of the M2. Given the performance overlap, the two are unlikely to directly compete—but the Carbon Edition could prove appealing to buyers seeking exclusivity without going full-M.

Looking ahead, the M240i is set for a powertrain update. Starting in November 2025 for Europe and August 2026 for the U.S., the model is expected to adopt the newer B58TÜ2 engine. BMW plans to continue producing the G42-generation 2 Series through 2029, offering ample runway for more region-specific special editions like this Carbon Edition.

In a market where enthusiast-grade coupes are increasingly rare, the M240i Carbon Edition stands out as a compelling middle ground—a refined blend of luxury, performance, and exclusivity tailored for discerning Mexican buyers.

Source: BMW

Gallery:

No CarPlay Ultra for BMW: Native iDrive X Takes Priority

Apple’s long-anticipated CarPlay Ultra has officially arrived, marking a major evolution in the tech giant’s approach to in-car interfaces. Offering full-screen integration across all vehicle displays—from the instrument cluster to the head-up display and even passenger-side screens—CarPlay Ultra is the most immersive version of Apple’s in-car system to date. But while some automakers are racing to adopt it, BMW is not among them.

A spokesperson from BMW AG confirmed this week that “BMW currently has no plans to integrate Apple CarPlay Ultra”, reaffirming the company’s stance dating back to 2022, when Apple first unveiled the next-generation software. At that time, BMW was initially mentioned as a future partner, but the Munich-based marque has since backed away from that path.

CarPlay Ultra goes far beyond the traditional CarPlay experience, which is typically limited to the central infotainment screen. The upgraded system turns the entire digital cockpit into an Apple-driven environment—allowing drivers to control climate, media, and navigation entirely through Apple’s interface. Features like Siri voice commands, Apple Maps displayed directly in the speedometer, and customizable widgets are just the beginning. Aston Martin is leading the rollout, with Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis expected to follow closely.

So why the hesitation from BMW?

Rather than ceding control to Apple, BMW is doubling down on its proprietary operating system: iDrive X. This next-gen platform will debut in the upcoming BMW iX3 and serve as the digital backbone for all future Neue Klasse models. A key feature of iDrive X is the Panoramic Display, a cutting-edge projection system that stretches across the base of the windshield—designed to deliver key information in a minimalist, distraction-free way.

BMW’s strategy seems rooted in a desire for tighter brand integration and a more cohesive digital experience. While CarPlay Ultra offers a unified Apple-centric environment, BMW is prioritizing a native ecosystem that blends seamlessly with its design language and in-house tech innovations. As a result, support for third-party platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will remain—but in a limited capacity, restricted to the central infotainment screen.

For BMW loyalists, this may be a disappointment, especially as competing brands embrace deeper Apple integration. But for BMW, the choice reflects a broader industry trend: the battle for digital control inside the car is just getting started—and automakers are no longer willing to hand over the keys so easily.

Source: BMW; Photo: Apple