Qatar – With over 5 kilometers of track and 16 turns, the Losail International circuit - home to the Superbike World Championship - was the perfect setting for an exciting BMW M track event this weekend, with customers and media getting the unique opportunity of putting the BMW M models to the test and discovering the true power of each model in the M line-up. The event that took place from the 14th to 15th October started with a parade organized in cooperation with Mawter Group, going from the Alfardan Automobiles showroom in Al Sadd to the Losail International Circuit.
Hosted by Alfardan Automobiles, the official BMW importer in Qatar, the event saw a number of the top M models on the circuit, including the BMW M2 Coupé that made its Middle East debut at the Qatar Motor Show, along with the popular BMW M4, M3 and M6 models all making an appearance on the track. Joining them was the second generation BMW X6M and X5M, which has set the benchmark in driving dynamics and efficiency.
Mr. Ihab Allam, General Manager of Alfardan Automobiles, commented: “At Alfardan Automobiles we always put the customer at the forefront of our business. It is the cornerstone of our success and we continually look to create exhilarating and interactive experiences, such as the BMW M drive event, where our customers can unleash the power of each of the M models we have on offer. We are excited to be putting the BMW M2 Coupé on the track for the first time, making its regional debut here in Qatar. The vehicle has proved its mettle in the performance stakes and has garnered mass appeal since its reveal less than a year ago.”
Launched in Qatar, the all-new BMW M2 Coupé, is a high-performance iteration that succeeds the BMW 1 Series M Coupé. The new model continues the tradition of the compact, high-performance BMW sports cars that started over 40 years ago with the BMW 2002 turbo. The M2 Coupé’s powerful six-cylinder in-line engine, with either automatic or manual gearbox, produces 272 kW/370 hp and 465 Nm allowing for an elevated driving experience. With the rear-wheel-drive agility, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and extrovert styling, it has all the ingredients to deliver sheer driving pleasure.
The second generation BMW X6M and X5M were also present on the track this weekend. Setting the benchmark in terms of driving dynamics and outstanding efficiency in the high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) segments, both models are powered by the latest-generation 4.4-litre V8 engine, using innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology to push torque and output to even higher performance levels.
Supreme track models, the BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé, were in their natural environment at this weekend’s event. Underlining their high performance credentials, both models’ sporting designs include large air intakes and Air Curtains at the front end, exposed carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminium body components. These, together with the diffuser at the muscular rear end, are not merely design flourishes; they also fulfil functional roles in terms of aerodynamics, cooling and weight saving.
As with all M models, it’s about the power. The high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, newly developed for the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé, produces a maximum output of 431 hp. Its peak torque of 550 Newton meters (406 lb-ft) is available across a wide rev band yet the engine also achieves a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of around 25 per cent. Both the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission).
Alfardan Automobiles would like to give a special thanks to the Mawater Group and the BMW Club in Qatar for their support during the two day BMW track event.