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MotorTranscript
00:0021 vehicles attended our 2024 Performance Vehicle of the Year, a broad spectrum, from
00:09compact sports cars to full-size trucks, hardcore hypercars to high-horsepower EVs.
00:17But there could only be one winner.
00:19And from a field including the likes of Porsches, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Fords,
00:25one car stood firmly above the rest.
00:31And so the winner of Motortrend's 2024 Performance Vehicle of the Year is the MW M2.
00:51Let me tell you why it won.
00:56So let's begin with a few of the superlatives that our judges used to describe the BMW M2.
01:04Crazy.
01:05Unhinged.
01:06Wild.
01:07Are you beginning to sense a pattern?
01:14How about this one?
01:15Performance Bargain.
01:16Yeah, that's what the BMW M2 represents.
01:21It is a phenomenal amount of car, for what is, relatively speaking, not a lot of money.
01:28The engine is a 3-litre inline-six, which has been twin-turbocharged, a lot that you
01:35know.
01:36Such is the immediacy and potency of the power that is on offer at pretty much any moment.
01:43Doesn't matter where you are in the rev range, doesn't matter what speed you're doing, what
01:47gear you're in.
01:49If you plant your right foot, you're going to go places.
01:58That power, by the way, is 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, more than enough.
02:05And on the subject of feet, my left foot has been kept busy in this car because, yes, as
02:11well as the very charming eight-speed automatic, you can spec this car with a six-speed manual.
02:20The chassis feel, the steering feedback, the suspension work provoke the days when BMW
02:26led the industry in performance-oriented sedans and coupes.
02:33It's fantastic.
02:34Oh.
02:38Despite being a fairly heavy vehicle, it's around 3,748 pounds, the M2 has a decidedly
02:47light feel.
02:49The steering, for example, is wonderfully light but nicely weighted, allowing for accurate
02:56driver input, which translates to a pin-sharp, predictable yet predictably manic output.
03:06They've really done a spectacular job of dialing this car in.
03:12The brakes grab exceptionally.
03:15It's a very, very confidence-inspiring car, this.
03:21And the more that you push it, the more that it gives and the more that it pushes you,
03:25Oh, gosh.
03:27When was the last time you stepped out of a car and really felt lucky to have driven it?
03:33And this isn't some quarter-million-dollar car.
03:37This is a BMW 2 Series.
03:41You can feel the short wheelbase at work as well.
03:45There's a terrific amount of front-nose dive into the corners.
03:49This, of course, is a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive car, so the balance is pretty nice.
03:55Yeah, there's a good amount of rotation.
03:59Brakes are spectacular.
04:01Steering's great.
04:02Suspension's awesome.
04:05And the interior is a brilliant mix of performance-engineered cabin and luxury space.
04:13These sports seats, which are optional, are brilliantly supportive, but they're not too hard when you're commuting.
04:20I've kind of thought of everything in here.
04:22It's really nice.
04:23Great screens, awesome entertainment system.
04:27Steering wheel is brilliant.
04:29Yeah, it's good.
04:31In case you can't tell, we really like the BMW M2.
04:36And its looks will let you make your own opinions.
04:39You probably already have one.
04:41We really like the way the BMW M2 looks.
04:44It looked good when it came out, and it's only getting better.
04:48Dare I say, this car's a bit of a future classic.
04:53Across our six OTY judging criteria, advancements in design, engineering excellence, performance of intended function, value, efficiency, and driver confidence and engagement, the M2 passed with flying colours.
05:07So there you have it.
05:08The BMW M2, our 2024 Motor Trend Performance Vehicle of the Year.
05:15Truly an ultimate driving machine.
05:23BMW M2