Quote:
Originally Posted by silverds
I just had the rare opportunity to test drive an M2 Competition at the MTown event today at Hendrick BMW in Charlotte.
Even more rare than the opportunity to test drive the car was the fact that it was an un-escorted test drive. They sat me in the car, "suggested" I follow the pre-programmed route and said "enjoy", which I inferred as "see ya, when we see ya". I took a detour off the route at one point but was mindful of others that were waiting for their turn.
The M2 Competition is sublime. I currently drive an 2015 SS (sedan) and before that a 2013 ZL1. The M2C seems to combine the best advantages of both while beating them both in interior quality.
Time for me to eat a foot-long crow sammich...with extra crow-jus.
As a 6MT zealot, I was actually thoroughly impressed with the DCT in the M2C. It's not the "wrong" transmission option, as it might reasonably have been perceived to be in other cars. If you are also a 6MT snob, like me, and you haven't actually experienced the DCT in this car, you'd be as foolish as I was to try to rationalize that it is in anyway inferior to the 6MT. I still prefer the 6MT but I can now only justify my preference as "habit".
Coming from 7 years experience with GM 3rd Gen Magnetic Ride Control, I was apprehensive about having to adjust to non-adjustable suspension. Truth be told, I always left MRC in Performance mode anyway. I was not disappointed by the M2C suspension at all. While on my short detour, I sped over an unexpected speed bump, which was longer than the M2C wheelbase and at least 8 inches above the road surface. I felt greater impact from the shame of my inattention than the speed bump itself.
I have no idea what mode the car was in but for what it's worth, the turbo "kick" felt like rocket boost to me. I was surprised that the car launched without the expected clouds of toxic Michelin gas and once traction was assured, as if given the command to "engage warp", torque doubled and long term durability of the seat mounts and cushion foam came into question.
The brakes are what I might describe as decisive. You think to yourself "I'm gonna slow down a smidge" and the brakes perceive it as a dare to try to knock your teeth out with the steering wheel. I'm just glad they are on MY team.
Having been fortunate to have driven some really great sports cars I am admittedly a little desensitized to 4 second-ish performance . What I have never experienced before was this level of handling. I've heard people talk about it but I couldn't perceive what they meant. I know what they mean NOW.
The M2C makes the GM Zeta Platform, even in 5th Gen ZL1 form, feel like a barge.
Please forgive any flaws in the pics. They are just meant to assure you that I am NOT, "full of shit".
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What time were you there? I did the 10:20 M5 slot and 10:40 X3 slot.
Nice review.