When BMW had the idea to facilitate a racing programme back in the 1960s, it never expected the response to be that good. The success of it compelled the German carmaker to establish the BMW M, supplementing BMW’s vehicles portfolio with specially modified models. The BMW M cars included modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics and exterior modifications that set them apart from the regular models.
Well, it’s been 44 years since the birth of BMW M and a part is certainly in order. In this region, celebrations took the form of Asia’s first BMW M Festival on 22-23 April, at the old Kallang Airport, where some 300 invited guests got up close with the most iconic M race cars ever built, including the classic M1 and M3.
The highlight of the event was the launch of the first-ever BMW M2 Coupe, which later powered various stunts on rather tricky road conditions. Guests were also taken on an intimate tour of the ideas behind the car before being given the keys to take it for a spin. Lucky us, we were among the first to get behind its wheel and take it around an obstacle course and the city. It’s impressive, even on a rainy day. There’s plenty of grip, balance and aggression (465Nm of torque) coming from this compact coupe that makes it worth its weight in gold.
