IND delivers a hot, green BMW M2 Coupe

IND Distribution has just unveiled their latest tuning project. Dubbed, Gelbgrun, the exotic build is based on the BMW M2 Coupe and features a striking green paint job, along with an impressive list of performance and aero upgrades.

IND says the M2 is one of their most ambitious projects to date: few IND Portfolio cars have been subject to such extensive development, both of one-off components and production pieces. The Chicago-based tuning shop wanted the M2 to rival the M4 GTS and their own Ultraviolet M4, and so the bar was clearly set high.

The project kicked off with the design of items that BMW could not create during their own development process. The M2’s carbon fiber roof was perhaps the earliest step toward pushing the envelope for the M2 chassis as a whole. Creating the roof involved scanning the M4 carbon roof, obtaining the precise surface profile that BMW intended, and then re-tooling it to the M2’s less substantial dimensions.

The M4 GTS front lip was carefully reverse engineered, re-scaled to fit the much narrower M2, and a completely fresh mounting solution was developed that would enable M2 owners to create a GTS feel and functionality with a much simpler installation process.

The aggressive GTS style front lip is complimented by 3D Design side skirts and rear diffuser. Both items are constructed from pre-preg carbon fiber.

IND’s next step was to retrofit the BMW M4 original mirrors to the M2, to elevate the car’s exterior to true M car status.

To complete the exterior of the car, IND directed their attention directly to the BMW Motorsport catalog, and got to work. M235R 24 hour foglights were a style centerpiece for this project. IND created custom carbon fiber fog light mounts in-house, and carefully positioned the fog lamps in the front bumper.

Extreme care was taken to sculpt the fog light mounts in a way that efficiently guides air to the car’s cooling systems- readers will be surprised to learn that the Motorsport fog lamps only conceal the end tanks of the M2’s front mounted cooler, and do not change airflow to the heat exchanger itself. A European foglight switch was installed in the car’s interior, and custom wired to activate the fog lamps with full factory functionality.

IND was able to source a BMW Motorsport M235R trunk, enabling them to also integrate the BMW Motorsport M235R wing package.

A brushed finish was painstakingly applied to the RKP wing uprights, which were then covered in a tinted clear coat for a subtle appearance. Finally, Cartridge Limited carbon fiber endplates were installed to make our BMW Motorsport wing even more special.

An IND black chrome exterior package was installed, complete with black chrome logo front grilles, black chrome side grilles, and a black chrome M2 emblem.

The M2 was delivered from BMW with a relatively austere interior, so IND got to work. They aimed to integrate a host of original BMW Performance and BMW Motorsport components in order to pursue an “OEM track model” feel comparable to the M4 GTS. Two items would become centerpieces for the theme of their M2 interior: the BMW GTS European seats, and the BMW Motorsport roll bar found in the MotoGP pace car.

The European GTS seats boast incredibly lightweight and rigid carbon fiber shells, and are a perfect fit for a car that will see street and circuit duty. The MotoGP roll bar, painted GelbGrün is a key element of the M2, giving this car a measure of safety and also integrating the interior feel with BMW’s own approach to Motorsport-enhanced cars. An RKP rear closeout integrates perfectly with the MotoGP roll bar, adding refinement back to an interior that is now missing its rear seat.

The M4 GTS steering wheel was a natural addition to the M2, integrating perfectly with BMW’s GTS seats. AutoTechnik shift paddles offer easier access to up and downshifts, and were refinished in GelbGrün to add subtle color to an otherwise relatively dark interior. The GTS fire extinguisher was also added to complete the GTS interior feel. IND removed all original blue stitch from the M2’s door panels, center console, parking brake boot, and floor mats to more easily integrate our own GelbGrün color.

Finally, they added a BMW Performance interior trim kit- an original BMW item that many will overlook, but is critical to creating an overall more cohesive interior.

The power upgrades were next. IND looked to ESS Tuning to give the M2 an increase in horsepower and response without overwhelming the chassis. ESS software focuses on tractability, a smooth and linear powerband, and boost figures that do not overwhelm the turbocharger, giving the M2 a newfound power and response while maintaining the car’s friendly and easy to drive nature.

Eisenmann’s engineers provided an exhaust system that improves sound and exhaust flow while also adding beautiful carbon fiber tips that perfectly complement our 3D Design rear diffuser. The Eventuri air intake complements the Eisenmann exhaust perfectly, giving this M2 an intake roar that is pure sonic bliss when the car approaches its redline.

Suspension, handling, and chassis dynamics are key to any IND Portfolio car, and this is the area where the M2 truly shines. The base for the M2’s suspension performance is the KW ClubSport coilover system. The triple adjustable ClubSport dampers are perfectly tuned for mixed street and track use, reducing unwanted geometry change dramatically while maintaining a shocking amount of compliance for both excellent traction and great ride comfort.

Of course, no amount of chassis and suspension tuning will help an inadequate set of wheels and tires, this M2 would then require a very rigid wheel set, coupled with tires that were able to keep up with this car’s increased performance envelope. A set of BBS RT88 wheels were installed wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires in 265/30/19 square setup.

Finally, the car’s performance envelope is rounded out with a Brembo GT brake kit.

Modification List:
Acexxon rear reflector delete Honeycomb painted BMW Gloss black
Alpine programming
Autotecknic gelbgrun painted paddles and steering wheel trim
BBS RT88’s in brushed black chrome Michelin Cup 2’s 265/30/19 all around
BBS Custom minum billet center caps + brushed + black chrome
Brembo 380mm front and rear type III Disc + Yellow calipers
3D Design Side skirts
3D Design Diffuser
BMW Motorsport M235R trunk
BMW Motorsport M235R 24 hour fogs + BMW OEM Euro switch + wiring + custom fog mounts by IND
BMW Motorsport MotoGP roll bar
BMW M-performance interior trim kit
BMW Motorsport M235R wing + RKP high rise mounts brushed with black chrome + cartridge limited carbon endplates
BMW blue stitching removed from door panels, armrest, e-brake boot and floor mats
Carbon revolution 19” wheels + Michelin PS4S 275/30/19 + 295/30/19
ESS tuning software
Eisenmann downpipe back exhaust + Carbon tips
Eventuri intake (black carbon)
Fall-line Motorsports F87 M2 Front Mono ball conversion
Fall-line Motorsports F87 M2 Rear upper control bearing kit
Fall-line Motorsports F87 M2 Front and rear sway bars
Fall-line Motorsport F87 M2 Race toe link kit
Fall-line Motorsport F87 M2 rear camber shim kit
Fall-line lower splitter painted gelbgrun
IND M3/M4 Mirror conversion
IND Black chrome cosmetic package (front grilles with black chrome M2 logo + black chrome side grilles + black chrome M2 emblem)
IND full repaint in Porsche Gelbgrun
KW Clubsport 3-Way Adjustable suspension
M4 GTS front seat belts
M4 GTS Euro seats
M4 GTS 6-point harness
M4 GTS steering wheel
M4 GTS fire extinguisher
Macht Schnell 90mm stud kit
Project kics black R40 open end racing lug nuts
RKP corner brace (black)
RKP 1×1 carbon roof
RKP upper carbon front lip
RKP rear closeout

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