2 Series Coupe

Make
BMW
Segment
Coupe

To many BMW fans of a certain age, the boxy 2002 built between 1968 and 1975 is where their passion for the brand began. It was quick, well-built, and proved to be a capable track-day weapon too (when fitted with larger capacity engines), just like a modern-day 3 Series.

The 2002 Turbo was one of the first-ever forced induction production cars and the quickest factory-spec 2002 ever built, until now. Gruppe5 Motorsport has announced its intention to produce a limited run of hand assembled sports cars using the 2002 as a starting point, and while it may not be a BMW factory build, what they have planned for it would make even an OEM effort seem half-hearted.

Inspired by the 1972 BMW 2002tii owned by Gruppe5 Motorsport founder, Tom Zajac, this 2002 is no ordinary restomod. Instead, it is a completely redesigned street-legal race car that is the result of a technical partnership between Gruppe5 Motorsport, Bill and Bob Riley, and Steve Dinan.

Customers will need to supply their own numbers-matching 2002 which will undergo a radical transformation. To begin with, the chassis will be constructed out of steel and carbon-fiber handcrafted by Riley Technologies. "We designed the Gruppe5 2002 to deliver unparalleled performance in all respects," said Bill Riley. "Riley Technologies has been building winning race cars for 60 years and is excited for our first street car venture. We're proud to call the Gruppe5 2002 a Riley car."

An Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox, four-way adjustable pushrod suspension, Alcon monoblock brakes and Recaro racing seats are all part of the package too.

Thanks to the use of lightweight materials throughout, the Gruppe5 2002 has a curb weight of 2,200 pounds and also conforms to FIA safety protocols. The best bit, though, we have saved for last: the fact the standard four-cylinder engine makes way for a Steve Dinan-built BMW S85 V10 (the one from the E60 M5). It has been extensively modified and customers can choose from a 744 horsepower 5.8-liter or 803 hp 5.9-liter variant.

Both engines can be run on pump or race fuel and of the 300 planned for production, only 100 will be fitted with the 803 hp motor. In that state of tune the Gruppe5 2002 will have a power-to-weight ratio of 730 hp per ton, it's a good thing then that this little monster also has 2,400 pounds of downforce to help keep you pointing in the right direction. The Gruppe5 2002 will begin production this Summer, so get in touch with the team if you are brave (and wealthy) enough to take on this V10-powered 2002.