It’s wonderful how traits cycle in automotive tradition.
Certain, the identical could be mentioned for nearly any tradition and subculture. However there’s something notably fascinating about automotive tradition, largely due to the sheer effort we put into our foolish interest. It takes way more effort to vary a physique equipment than an outfit, and respraying a automotive prices a complete lot greater than repainting your lounge.
Automobile tradition within the UK is at an fascinating crossroads proper now. The stance motion appears to be dropping momentum, and persons are rising bored with the base-level ‘fanatics’ 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 fairly 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 achieved 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 objective with this M2 is nothing wanting 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 fanatics within the room. The M2 has by no means been accessible in xDrive kind, however its bigger siblings on the G80-83 platform could be had with both rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive choices. Whereas it’s not a easy bolt-on swap, it gave R44 a stable place to begin for his or her G87 conversion.
Although it’s not as large as within the US, the drag racing scene within the UK is very 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 aspect 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 type, there was a variety of uncertainty going into the conversion. Whereas G-chassis BMWs are primarily based on a reasonably modular platform, there was no assure the M3’s entrance subframe, switch case, and axles would match beneath the M2. However with loads of endurance and a few fine-tuning, the xDrive parts have 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 occasions the M2’s unique output.
Earlier this 12 months, 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 marvel 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 equipment. It’s nice to see fashionable engines receiving tried-and-tested tuning upgrades.
After all, with such a big single-turbo setup comes the necessity for critical 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 equipped with the warmth exchanger to offer added safety (particularly for street-driven vehicles) 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 succeed in over thrice its unique energy, the S58 engine’s internals have been closely upgraded. CP-Carrillo Professional-Xtreme solid 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 equipped a set of billet camshafts, together with stronger valve springs, seals, guides, and valves. ARP head and major studs, plus upgraded major and rod bearings, make sure the engine stays collectively.
Reliability is paramount in a automotive aiming for 7-second quarter-mile occasions, and that extends to the gas system. Injector Dynamics 2,600cc injectors are fed by three Walbro gas pumps along with the OEM high-pressure gas pump to ship a robust and constant gas provide. A Radium gas 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, customary ones nonetheless don’t do something for me, however with the proper modifications, they turn out to be… dare I say it… fairly good-looking.
The M2 sits decrease due to AST 5100-series coilovers, complemented by totally adjustable suspension arms entrance and rear from Suspension Secrets and techniques, a UK-based geometry skilled. And the good function? The M2 is supplied with an AST air-jack system, which, with out fail, at all times takes a construct to the following degree.
And, after all, no drag automotive is full and not using a 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 via a conservative London neighbourhood.
The automotive 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′ equipment comprising of splitter, aspect skirts and diffuser, nevertheless it was truly the primary G87 carbon equipment in the marketplace. As a of entirety, 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 extensive arches sit two units of Vossen wheels – 19-inch LC3-02s with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres for the highway and 18-inch GEN-05 cut 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 like most about high-power builds as of late 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 remains to be a beautiful 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 fashionable drag builds is fascinating, and by all accounts, R44 has ticked each field to compete with the very best. 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 maintaining 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. Might the UK present the US the way it’s achieved?
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
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Images by Dylan De Jager
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