BMW has announced the availability of an all-new Track Handling Package for the 2015 BMW 228i coupe. Inspired by the original BMW Sport Package vehicles of the past three decades, the new Track Handling Package is geared toward the enthusiastic BMW driver. Included with the package are the M Adaptive Suspension, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on special eighteen-inch light-alloy wheels, Variable Sport Steering, and M Sport Brakes.
Starting with cars produced in July 2014, the package will be available for coupes equipped with either the six-speed manual or eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission. The Track Handling Package may be added to any 228i coupe during the vehicle ordering process. The price will be announced as the production date gets closer.
A chassis that speaks to its driver: Adaptive M Suspension.
BMW 228i Coupes equipped with the Track Handling Package will sit about four-tenths of an inch lower than the standard coupes, thereby lowering the center of gravity. The Adaptive M Suspension adds front axle and central accelerometers, which gather data instantaneously and, when combined with data from the existing steering angle sensor, throttle position, and brake pressure sensors, form a real-time profile of damping needs at all four corners to effectively read and adapt to the road. The struts adapt in milliseconds to the road conditions and driver’s inputs, minimizing vehicle squat, dive, and roll. This all works together to adapt the suspension to a variety of road types and surfaces. A desired suspension setting can be selected using the Driving Dynamics Control switch in the center console.
BMW Variable Sport Steering.
BMW Variable Sport Steering uses the mechanical steering rack with a directness ratio that varies in a prescribed way throughout its range of travel. At steering angles near center (for example, when driving straight ahead), the ratio is slower, providing maximum stability for highway speeds and straight sections of road. When the driver steers into a corner, the steering rack’s mechanical ratio becomes faster and gives the driver a precise and quick response for adjustments to the desired line through the turn. At extreme steering angles—like in a hairpin turn or during “opposite lock” maneuvers, the ratio is quickest.
M Sport Brakes system.
The M Sport Brakes include fixed, four-piston calipers at the front axle and two-piston calipers in back, with large brake discs (front disc diameter 13.4 inch, rear 13.6 inch). The calipers are painted dark blue and carry the M logo at the front axle. Brake pads were chosen for responsiveness, long-term thermal stability, and excellent linear pedal feel on the street. The pads create a bit more brake dust under heavy use than those on the standard 228i, but the extra performance should be worth it to enthusiastic drivers.
Race-derived tire technology.
Drivers who hate run-flat tires are in luck. Ultra-high performance, non-run-flat Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, similar to those featured on the BMW M235i Coupe, are included with the Track Handling Package. Using technology from years of world championship-level sports car racing in Europe and the United States, they provide great feedback and balance between agility and stability. The Pilot Super Sport design places top priority on giving the BMW 228i Coupe driver excellent grip in wet and dry conditions. Wider rear tires are used as an additional traction improvement measure. A BMW Mobility Kit is featured as standard equipment, as is 24-hour BMW Roadside Assistance for the first four years of vehicle service.
The 2015 BMW 228i Coupe is about the same size and has about the same power as the venerable E36 M3 which was a benchmark in handling and usability. It has a faster zero to 60 mph time than the E36 M3. Maybe with the new Track Handling Package, it may be in the ball park on handling and braking, as well. It will be interesting to compare.—Scott Blazey
