Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire attends the Motor Press Guild’s annual track day, where he gets to drive a wide variety of cars at Willow Springs.
One of the cars that were tracked was a new BMW 228i Coupe M Sport. This car is within a couple inches in all directions of the classic E46 M3, and as tested is just $38,000.
The BMW 228i Coupe is equipped with a smaller 2.0 liter, turbocharged-four that makes 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque at a suitably low 1,450 rpm. The M Sport package comprises bespoke suspension tuning (including a 10-millimetre drop in ride height and 17-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design), aerodynamically optimized body elements (including large front air intakes, striking side skirts and a diffuser for the rear apron), plus a special design for the BMW kidney grille and an exhaust tailpipe embellisher in high-gloss chrome.
In addition to aluminium door sill strips bearing the M logo, features such as sports seats for the driver and front passenger, Aluminium Hexagon interior trim strips with an accent strip in Estoril Blue, a special dial design for the instrument cluster, ambient lighting and an M driver’s footrest.
M Sport braking system with fixed callipers can be ordered also which includes four pistons at the front wheels and two pistons at the rear, and particularly large brake discs.
How does it hold up to track conditions at Big Willow?
