BMW’s successful partnership with MotoGP organiser Dorna Sports dates back to 1999. Since then, the fleet of M models and M Performance models has helped to ensure that race events run safely. The latest M car from BMW given the responsibility to act safety car is the M2 Coupe, which enjoyed a high-profile world debut in Detroit in January. Even more recently it made a surprising entrance into the Malaysian market, so soon after its global unveil.
To fit into its demanding role, the production car was modified, optimised and prepared by hand with exclusive tailor-made solutions and mandatory safety features.
In terms of performance, enhancements were given to provide improved aerodynamics, cooling and lighter mass. Many of the M Performance Parts, including the lowered thread chassis and exhaust with flap system, are also available as retrofit components for the BMW M2 Coupé.
The new inline six-cylinder engine with innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology and three-litre capacity guarantees an extremely sporty performance. With a maximum output of 370 hp, the extremely rev-happy powertrain is well tuned to the task of keeping the MotoGP pack in decent speed safely.
In the 2016 season, the fleet of official MotoGP vehicles includes a total of six different BMW M and BMW M Performance models. Alongside the new BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car, the BMW M4 Coupé with water injection and the BMW M3 will also be in action as safety cars.
The BMW X5 M and the BMW M550d xDrive Touring will be on track this season as medical cars. BMW M Division will provide the safety officer with a BMW M5. All vehicles were further optimised for their special use in the motorcycle world championship in the BMW M factory. Two BMW S 1000 RRs, which BMW Motorrad provides as safety bikes, complete the 2016 safety vehicle fleet.
