Performance Car of the Year 2023: BMW M2
The BMW M2 is the 2023 Auto Express Performance Car of the Year, with the Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica and Porsche 911 GT3 RS commended
The M2 could be the last great petrol-only sports car to come from BMW’s M division, and it’s a high watermark for its brutish performance machines.
The M2 has lots of power in a compact body, which delivers an engaging personality. Performance cars should be fun, and while there’s complexity under the skin, the M2 feels simple and enjoyable to drive.
The 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six packs 453bhp and 500Nm of torque, giving the M2 rapid pace, with 0-62mph taking 4.1 seconds. But it’s not just about the numbers, because the M2’s brilliance comes from the way it feels from behind the wheel.
That explosive engine means the chassis has to work hard, but it’s a willing partner and the car’s relatively compact size means it’s perfect for British country roads. There’s a staggering level of grip, but this is blended with adjustability and balance. It’s firm and full-on in the sportiest modes, but there’s also compliance to the chassis in the softer settings, so you could genuinely drive the M2 every day. It’s also one of few hardcore performance cars left with the option of a manual gearbox. We prefer the eight-speed automatic, which is better suited to the engine, but the fact that there’s still a three-pedal option in 2023 is great.
Ultimately, the M2 wins because it delivers an old-school experience that’s also packed with tech.
Our choice
BMW M2 Sport Auto (£64,890)
It’s nice that the M2 is still available with a six-speed manual gearbox, but it feels like the car has been designed to work best with the eight-speed automatic. Given that it’s faster and easier to live with when you’re not on your favourite road, it’s our pick.
Commended
Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica
The Tecnica is Lamborghini’s best Huracan yet, combining the savage ferocity of the STO and its incredible V10 engine, but balancing this with more usability and revised styling, the Tecnica is a superb supercar. It delivers massive thrills, with the engine at the heart of the experience.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
If you want ultimate track performance, then look no further. With as much downforce as a Le Mans car and a super-sophisticated chassis, the GT3 RS is uncompromising, but is also without rival when it comes to putting the driver at the centre of the action. That’s what a performance car should do.
You’ll find all the information on our New Car Awards 2023 winners and the reasons why we chose them on these pages. Just follow the links below to read more…
New Car Awards 2023: the winners
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