BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car
BMW M goes into the 2016 MotoGP season with a Safety Car based on the new BMW M2 Coupé. The BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car is the new highlight of the MotoGP fleet and immediately takes a leading role in the quest to get the field of top-class riders round the racetrack quickly and safely in the coming rounds of the World Championship.
The BMW M2 Coupé (combined fuel consumption with M DTC: 7.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 185 g/km), which was unveiled in Detroit in January 2016, provided the ideal basis for a MotoGP Safety Car, particularly as its distinct racing genes are part of the product DNA. The new inline six-cylinder engine with innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology and three-litre capacity guarantees extremely sporty performance. With a maximum output of 272 kW/370 hp and a maximum torque of 7,000 min-1, the extremely rev-happy power train really makes its mark out on the track. The intelligent, lightweight concept, low point of gravity and small, unsprung weight are further trump cards, which help ensure the maximum agility and dynamics of the high-performance coupé.
In the BMW M factory in Garching, the production car was modified, optimised and prepared by hand for its new role in MotoGP. As well as exclusive tailor-made solutions and mandatory safety features, the engineers at BMW M Division also equipped the Safety Car with extensive BMW M Performance Parts. This not only gives the car an eye-catching appearance, but also plays a practical role in the areas of aerodynamics, cooling and lightweight design. 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.
2016 BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car
FROM COUPÉ TO SAFETY CAR
Transformation in the BMW M factory.
Back in early October 2015, a team of BMW M experts began preparing to assemble the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car. Two weeks later, a basic production model rolled into the halls of the M factory. That signalled the start of the task of manually converting the BMW M2 Coupé into an exclusive safety car. The modifications took a good ten weeks to complete. The prototype workshop, which is responsible for innovative detailed solutions and perfect customisations within the BMW M factory, played a central role in the project. It is here that a team of highly-qualified specialists implemented the most demanding specifications by hand.
As well as the installation and addition of BMW M Performance Parts, the prototype workshop’s key roles included preparing tailor-made components, capable of coping 100 per cent with the high-performance demands faced on the racetrack. It is ultimately this combination of innovative technology and skilled manual perfection that make the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car truly one of a kind.
Step by step to the Safety Car.
One of the first tasks facing the technicians was to remove the rear sight on the basic model and free up the undercarriage. The supports for the roll cage, anchors for the six-point harness and bracket for the fire extinguisher were then welded into place. The cage itself was manufactured based on the BMW M4 GTS and adapted to the spatial requirements of the M2 Coupé.
The flat light bar on the roof features the very latest LED technology and control electronics. The prototype workshop manufactured a bracket accordingly, the design of which boasted both impressive aerodynamics and an athletic look. The lightweight, sandwich-style bracket consists of an under laminate, a perforated sheet in the centre and a carbon-fibre covering in the same colour as the car, which fits in superbly with the overall look. The internal metal panel not only absorbs tensile forces, but also helps secure the light bar, which can easily be removed for transport purposes.
The light bar is controlled via a specially developed control panel in the cockpit. Here, the crew can select from various lighting programmes and flash frequencies. The electrics experts have also installed additional flashing LED lgihts on the front and rear of the car. The respective control units stem from the SES specialists and were adapted for use in MotoGP. Blue LEDs are used on the front grille, while the Corona rings surrounding the headlights also flash. On the rear of the car, flashing red LEDs replace the reversing lights found on the production car. All signalling systems can be controlled separately and ensure maximum attention out on the racetrack.
COMPONENTS PERFECTLY ATTUNED TO ONE ANOTHER.
As the project continued, it was the fluid dynamics experts who were put to the test. Although the light bar and roof brackets are designed to be very flat, they still affect the outstanding aerodynamics on the BMW M2 Coupé, particularly at racetrack speed. For the technicians at the prototype workshop, this meant having to come up with suitable countermeasures to compensate for the distruption to the aerodynamics. Inspired by the BMW M4 GTS, they developed an easily adjustable rear wing made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic for the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car. This improved the airflow, which had been disrupted by the light bar on the roof, thus reducing the amount of lift on the rear axle.
As the entire chassis functions as one aerodynamic unit, the interaction with the front of the car also had to be optimised. The challenge here was to design a suitable front flap and to adapt it to the existing front skirt. The additions to the front of the car from the M Performance Parts range were to be retained. However, the final version gives little indication of the effort that went into it, as the prototype, consisting of an adapter and splitter, was integrated perfectly in the front skirt. Here too, the BMW M specialists opted for a lightweight layer construction with glass fibre laminate and carbon fibre inlays. As a result, the front flap, rear wing and diffusor work perfectly together and guarantee the required amount of downforce and traction.
DESIGNED FOR THE RACETRACK.
Although the M Performance coilover suspension and Michelin Cup tyres are wonderfully in harmony with the standard M compound brakes on the BMW M2 Coupé, the management in the M factory opted for carbon-ceramic brakes derived from the BMW M3/M4.
The lightweight carbon-ceramic brakes are corrosion-free, extremely thermally stable, particularly hard-wearking and significantly reduce the unsprung weight. Despite the optmised performance, the Safety Car is actually easier to maintain – another advantage, given the packed MotoGP calendar.
When it comes to the exhaust, the engineers have put their faith in tried-and-tested M Performance material. However, the system was stripped down completely for its outings in the motorcycle world championship. The reason: without silencer, catalytic converter and flap system, the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car can still be heard over the roar of the prototype motorcycles on their installation lap.
Finally, a racing hood latch was fitted in Garching. And because the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car will also be used in overseas races, a battery master switch and fuel pumping device help to guarantee safety when being transported by air.
PURE RACING KNOW-HOW.
Shortly before the end of the project, the attention switched back to the upholsterers. Many trim parts in the interior were re-upholstered – a task that required considerable effort. Again, it is hard to imagine the amount of work involved, as new unfinished parts were required for all the trims. These then had to be covered with leather or Alcantara, before being welded using ultrasound.To cut a long story short: the interior and exterior of the new BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car represent the racing know-how of BMW M Division in its purest form. Many of the prototype parts on the new highlight of the Safety Car fleet feature the colour gold. As well as the basic paintwork in Alpine White and the typical BMW M livery, the car also features striking gold components, such as the roll cage, wheels, brake calipers, rear wing mounts, seat brackets, steering wheel spokes and contrast stitching. The golden badge in the decorative trim is proof that the staff in the M factory give their full attention to even the smallest of details. It features a special engraving, underscoring the fat that the new BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car is one of a kind.
Modifications for the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car.
- BMW M Performance exhaust system with carbon finishers
- BMW M Performance carbon side skirts
- BMW M Performance front grille high-gloss black
- BMW M Performance Air Breather high-gloss black
- BMW M Performance carbon mirror caps
- BMW M Performance carbon aerodynamic kit front (blades)
- BMW M Performance carbon rear diffusor
- Front flap CFK/GFK underframe (newly developed)
- Carbon rear wing with closed mounts
- BMW M Performance coilover suspension
- Carbon ceramic brake (prototype)
- Cup tyres
- Bonnet with “motorsport lock”
- Fuel suction pump
- Battery master switch
- Flashing corona headlight rings
- LED lights on the roof with bracket (newly developed)
- LED lights in the front grille
- LED lights in the rear lights
- RECARO racing seats with Schroth belts
- Roll cage
- Fire extinguisher with bracket
- M Performance alcantara steering wheel
- BMW M Performance carbon fibre interior trim
- BMW M Performance stainless steel pedal pads
- BMW M Performance floor mats
RETROFITTED ADRENALIN.
The new BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car is fitted with numerous parts from the product range of BMW M Performance Parts. BMW M Performance Parts are also installed in the other official cars of the MotoGP safety car fleet, optimising both the sporty appearance and the performance. These retrofitting components enable BMW customers to implement their visions of sportiness retroactively and customised for their vehicle. Developed using motorsport expertise, perfectly tailored to the relevant model and combinable as desired – this is how the current BMW M Performance Parts programme presents itself.
The retrofit components for the drivetrain, chassis, aerodynamics and cockpit are developed in close cooperation with BMW M Division. They significantly improve driving dynamics and underline the sporty tone of both the exterior appearance and the interior ambience of the car in question.
More performance, more adrenaline, more character: every customer can put together a made-to-measure package with the BMW M Performance products, which can be retrofitted individually. The aerodynamic accessories reduce lift and give the car a striking look. Front splitter, diffusor, spoiler and carbon mirror caps show that athleticism and aesthetics can work in perfect harmony.
The BMW M Performance Chassis, with its rigidly designed springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bar is designed to allow an uncompromising sporty style of driving. The outstanding performance of the production engines can actually be surpassed, thanks to the BMW M Performance Power Kit. The innovative BMW M Performance products for the cockpit apply the finishing touches when it comes to sportiness. The BMW M Performance Steering Wheel resembles the kind of steering wheel found in a racing car.
