BMW North America Probes Interest for Bringing M235i Racing Model Stateside

February 4, 2015
By Gabriel Nica - Auto Evolution

BMW launched the M235i Racing model back in 2013, almost at the same time with the road-legal car and privateer racing teams around the world have adopted the model in the meantime. However, most of them are from Europe as the US doesn’t get this version at the moment. That might all change in the near future.

According to the BMW Car Club of America, the North American branch of the brand is probing interest amongst enthusiasts regarding the introduction of the M235i Racing stateside.

Of course, as they say, the number of cars imported would be limited and deliveries could begin in the first quarter of 2016, if enough interest is expressed by the market.

The technical details behind the M235i Racing are interesting enough to make this proposition tempting. The car comes with an upgraded 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine making 333 HP and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque that is connected to a revised 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox that sends it all to the rear axle.

On the outside, there’s a lot that tells you that this is no ordinary M235i like the decals and the wider/bigger/meaner aerodynamic kit. Under the skin lies a new suspension/steering combo made up by KW dampers, H&R springs and H&R anti-roll bars for the front and rear axles.

The brakes are part of BMW’s M Performance system and the wheels measure 18x10 inches all around. Inside you’ll find a roll cage certified by the FIA as well as 6-point racing harness from Schroth and a single Recaro Pro Race SPG sear.

In Europe, this car sells for €59,500 excluding VAT. The US pricing, on the other hand, could differ wildly, if BMW decides to bring the M235i Racing here.