It’s superb how tendencies cycle in automobile tradition.
Certain, the identical might be stated for nearly any tradition and subculture. However there’s something significantly fascinating about automobile tradition, largely due to the sheer effort we put into our foolish interest. It takes much more effort to vary a physique package than an outfit, and respraying a automobile prices an entire lot greater than repainting your front room.
Automobile tradition within the UK is at an fascinating crossroads proper now. The stance motion appears to be shedding momentum, and individuals are rising bored with the base-level ‘fans’ who proudly shout about their ‘Stage 74 pop-and-bang tunes’ on their M-lite BMWs or Ford STs. There’s a noticeable shift towards period-correct styling and actual efficiency builds reasonably than a easy Craigslist engine map.
Rhys Herd and his small group at R44 Efficiency have learn the room. Their newest construct would look extra at dwelling in a SEMA Present sales space than cruising the streets of London, the place it at the moment resides. Whereas this isn’t R44 Efficiency’s first big-power BMW mission, it’s undoubtedly their most excessive.
“We’ve accomplished a variety of big-power builds… however how may we spice issues up?” says Rhys “Spice issues up” appears like one hell of an understatement – as a result of the purpose with this M2 is nothing in need of world domination. Rhys and his group wish to make it one of many quickest drag-ready BMWs on the planet, aiming to tackle the American heavyweights on their very own turf.
How? By creating the one all-wheel-drive G87 M2 on the earth – producing a staggering 1,500 horsepower, or roughly the identical as a Bugatti Chiron – and aiming for a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio.
Let’s begin with the all-wheel-drive system, or xDrive, for the BMW fans within the room. The M2 has by no means been out there in xDrive type, however its bigger siblings on the G80-83 platform might be had with both rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive choices. Whereas it’s not a easy bolt-on swap, it gave R44 a strong start line for his or her G87 conversion.
Although it’s not as large as within the US, the drag racing scene within the UK is extremely aggressive, answerable for the quickest BMWs down the quarter mile.
One such participant is Tom Wrigley, a GT4 racing driver and proprietor of Tom Wrigley Efficiency – the specialist who undertook the mechanical facet of the R44 construct. Tom’s experience in BMW tuning and conversions made him Rhys’s best choice for dealing with the xDrive swap and the engine construct.
Being the primary of its variety, there was a variety of uncertainty going into the conversion. Whereas G-chassis BMWs are based mostly on a reasonably modular platform, there was no assure the M3’s entrance subframe, switch case, and axles would match below the M2. However with loads of persistence and a few fine-tuning, the xDrive elements had been efficiently mated to the M2’s physique shell. The driveline was paired with an upgraded DEKA Stage 3+ gearbox and a switch case with beefed-up pistons, plates, and seals to deal with the deliberate energy enhance of three.31 instances the M2’s authentic output.
Earlier this yr, I wrote a couple of trio of drag-racing Toyota Supras within the States, every pushing 1,250-1,300hp from their closely constructed B58 engines. It’s little surprise that Rhys and the R44 group are pushing their G87’s S58 even additional within the quest for supremacy.
Whereas the S58 engine stays a 3.0-litre unit, little else is inventory. As has been the case for many years, the OEM twin-turbo setup was tossed in favour of an enormous single turbocharger – on this case, a Precision Subsequent-Gen Sportsman 8385 (rated for 1,700hp) bolted to a bespoke R44 x TWP single-turbo manifold package. It’s nice to see trendy engines receiving tried-and-tested tuning upgrades.
In fact, with such a big single-turbo setup comes the necessity for severe cooling options. Enter CSF Race cooling merchandise – the M2 has been fitted with a Degree Up charge-air-cooler manifold, warmth exchanger, engine and transmission oil coolers. The element from CSF inside these merchandise is second to none – rock guards are provided with the warmth exchanger to offer added safety (particularly for street-driven automobiles) whereas the manifold is a billet merchandise changing the inventory plastic merchandise, There’s additionally a Funk Motorsport turbo blanket and exhaust wrapping to stop extreme engine bay warmth soak.
To achieve over 3 times its authentic energy, the S58 engine’s internals have been closely upgraded. CP-Carrillo Professional-Xtreme cast pistons and connecting rods are paired with the over-engineered OEM crankshaft, whereas the cylinder head and valve practice have been reworked. GSC Energy Division provided a set of billet camshafts, together with stronger valve springs, seals, guides, and valves. ARP head and most important studs, plus upgraded most important and rod bearings, make sure the engine stays collectively.
Reliability is paramount in a automobile aiming for 7-second quarter-mile instances, and that extends to the gasoline system. Injector Dynamics 2,600cc injectors are fed by three Walbro gasoline pumps along with the OEM high-pressure gasoline pump to ship a robust and constant gasoline provide. A Radium gasoline strain regulator damper, 60mm warmth exchanger, multi-pump surge tank, and chrome steel filter spherical out the setup.
The engine bay isn’t simply highly effective – it’s lovely, too. The OEM plastic covers have been changed with carbon fibre equivalents. Even the fluid caps are actually orange-anodized billet – as a result of why not look good at 200mph?
Talking of seems, I’ll admit that the G87 M2 took a very long time to develop on me. Even now, commonplace ones nonetheless don’t do something for me, however with the precise modifications, they develop into… dare I say it… reasonably good-looking.
The M2 sits decrease due to AST 5100-series coilovers, complemented by absolutely adjustable suspension arms entrance and rear from Suspension Secrets and techniques, a UK-based geometry skilled. And the best function? The M2 is supplied with an AST air-jack system, which, with out fail, at all times takes a construct to the subsequent stage.
And, after all, no drag automobile is full with no parachute. On this case, a large 10-foot Simpson Skyjacker is a real assertion of intent. I can solely think about the reactions if the R44 M2 rolled by means of a conservative London neighbourhood.
The automobile additionally sports activities a full MHC+ exterior bundle, together with pre-preg carbon-fibre splitters and equipment, complemented by an Alpha-N carbon-fibre bonnet, entrance fenders, and entrance bumper ‘aero blades’. Not solely does this boast the ‘Version 1′ package comprising of splitter, facet skirts and diffuser, however it was really the primary G87 carbon package available on the market. As a of completion, the race livery, designed by Black Fish Graphics, incorporates iconic BMW colors like Miami Blue and Laguna Seca Blue on high of the Inozetek Papaya Orange wrap.
Beneath the vast arches sit two units of Vossen wheels – 19-inch LC3-02s with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres for the street and 18-inch GEN-05 break up rims with Mickey Thompson ET Road S/S rubber for the strip. An MMX carbon-ceramic brake bundle options 6-piston callipers and 380mm discs up entrance, paired with Pagid brake pads and braided traces.
What I really like most about high-power builds lately is how usable they continue to be. Regardless of the roll cage, rear seat delete, fireproof bulkhead, and stripped-down door playing cards, the R44 M2’s inside continues to be a stunning place to be.
Tillett carbon-fibre bucket seats maintain the burden down with out sacrificing consolation, and the OEM infotainment system is retained.
The one seen trace that this isn’t a inventory M2 is the Momo Monte Carlo steering wheel, however even then, the JQ Werks steering wheel system maintains full OEM performance.
The know-how behind trendy drag builds is fascinating, and by all accounts, R44 has ticked each field to compete with the perfect. We’ll have to attend till March eleventh, 2025, to see how the M2 performs at TX2K25 in Texas, however I’m assured the group has what it takes. We’ll be preserving a detailed eye on the M2’s US tour main as much as the occasion, so keep tuned for extra updates.
It doesn’t matter what occurs, I’ll be rooting for R44 Efficiency and the M2 when the tree lights up. May the UK present the US the way it’s accomplished?
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
mariochristou.world
Pictures by Dylan De Jager
CSF associated tales on Speedhunters
