Auratium Sunrise: IND’s G87 M2

Since its award-winning debut at Bimmer Invasion in LA, our G87 M2 has been sitting untouched in our media section while we caught up on a wave of work here at IND. Just four weeks before the California debut, we transformed the car from its factory Zandvoort Blue to a full repaint in Porsche Auratium Green. The sheer amount of time, labor, and attention to detail poured into the project set the entire team back, but it was worth every minute.

Recently, Keith@IND finally had a moment to dust off the M2 and capture one of our favorite builds during a quiet sunrise. Because the car was rushed before the event, we only managed a single photoshoot before it was loaded for transport to LA. This new session gave us a chance to slow down and highlight the craftsmanship, color, and spirit that define this project. In this latest feature of our G87 M2 we will dive deeper into the mods that were chosen.

Front End

Starting at the front of our M2, we equipped the car with the Alpha-N carbon fiber front grille set, Alpha-N carbon fiber front bumper trim, and Alpha-N adjustable Class 3 front splitter. All Alpha-N components were finished in a matte clear coat in-house at IND to maintain a premium, uniform look. The left and right M-performance carbon front air inlets were also refinished in matte clear to perfectly match the Alpha-N pieces. Every carbon fiber element, whether OEM BMW or Alpha-N, features a 2x2 twill weave to ensure complete visual consistency across the front end.

After installing the Alpha-N center bumper trim, we agreed it needed an extra touch that would not only enhance the look but also protect BMW’s cooling components. Since no off-the-shelf solution existed due to the unique Alpha-N design, we custom-modified Zunsport UK oil cooler mesh to fit perfectly within the bumper insert.

For lighting, we added Motorsport+ yellow DRLs, giving the headlights a distinctive CSL-inspired appearance. Small details were also a priority. Our custom-painted BMW roundels feature gloss black edges, tying into the rest of the car’s finish. Behind the Alpha-N carbon front grilles, we installed the Eventuri carbon air ducts, which align seamlessly with the front-end design.

To stay consistent with BMW styling, we incorporated Alpha-N’s 3D-printed front grille badge, painting the mount in BMW gloss black and pairing it with a custom gloss black M2 emblem. We also painted the mounts surrounding the front PDC sensors in matte black to match the painted window trims, giving the car a more aggressive appearance while keeping a cohesive look with the matte carbon finish.

The finishing touches include a trimmed front tow hook cover, Fall-Line black tow strap, and Alpha-N carbon aero blades, all matte cleared to match, alongside our IND painted front reflectors that complete the Euro-inspired aesthetic.

Capping off the front end is the Alpha-N full carbon Kevlar Clubsport vented hood, which not only adds an aggressive motorsport appearance but also reduces weight and improves cooling efficiency. The hood fits with OEM precision, as if it were developed directly by BMW Motorsport. We finished the vents in matte clear while leaving the underside in raw carbon with visible Kevlar pocketing for a purposeful, race-ready look. 

Side Profile

Moving to the front fenders, we installed the Alpha-N full carbon fiber vented replacement fender set. The fitment is identical to factory but lighter, more aggressive, and features functional vents that allow heat to dissipate faster than stock, improving brake cooling by channeling air out through the fenders. The carbon fiber vents were refinished in matte clear coating for a consistent look.

Continuing along the side of the car, we added full 2x2 twill carbon fiber side skirts from our partners in Japan at 3D Design. The weave perfectly matches both the BMW and Alpha-N carbon pattern, and we finished them with the same matte clear coating to maintain a cohesive appearance. 

M4 GT3 EVO Mirrors

The next modification was one that almost didn’t make it onto the build, the factory BMW Motorsport mirror set from the BMW M4 GT3 EVO race program. The first challenge was simply getting access to a set, as these mirrors are typically reserved for factory race teams. After jumping through several hurdles, we finally secured one, only to face the next challenge: adapting them to fit the G87 M2 chassis.

Mounting the mirrors required extensive modification work, and once that was achieved, we had to determine how to integrate them cleanly into the factory window trims. To accomplish this, our technician ordered an additional set of trims and custom modified them to fit the mirror base seamlessly.

The end result made every hour of effort worthwhile. The GT3 mirrors elevate the car’s appearance and functionality, becoming one of the favorite details among the IND team.

Rear Section

Moving to the rear of the M2, we installed the Alpha-N full carbon fiber fixed Class 3 wing. The bottom mounts were painted in Auratium Green to match the body, while the top wing element received a matte clear finish over the carbon fiber for a refined contrast. For the upper and lower diffusers, we again chose Alpha-N components finished in matte clear. The lower underbody diffuser gives the car a striking, exotic look, and most of it is hidden beneath the car, which is a shame considering the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its design.

To match the front roundel, we added a custom-painted rear BMW roundel with a gloss black edge. The rear M2 emblem also follows the same theme, finished in BMW high-gloss black for a cohesive appearance. On the lower bumper, we fitted Acexxon gloss black horizontal rear reflector inserts and painted the BMW PDC reflector mounts in matte black to match the matte black front PDC mounts.

We finished the rear with an IND custom-painted tow hook cover in body color and a Fall-Line tow strap in black. Behind the scenes, we added Carbonex’s magnetic license plate frame mount, which allows quick plate removal for washing or detailing.

Finally, to bring both sound and aggression to the rear, we installed the Eisenmann exhaust system, handmade in Germany, paired with their side-cut carbon fiber tips. To keep the finish consistent, the outer carbon tips were coated in matte clear, while the stainless-steel inner tips were treated with high-temperature matte black ceramic coating. 

Wheels and Brakes

For a project of this caliber, we had to select the best wheels available. From the team at BBS Motorsport came the BBS FI-R EVO, a wheel that embodies lightweight engineering, advanced pocketing, and race-proven technology, all wrapped in the highest level of quality and finish on the market. The setup features 19-inch fronts and 20-inch rears, finished in factory BBS Citrine Gold.

To complement the attention to detail throughout the build, we created a custom set of BBS floating center caps finished in Auratium Green. Converting them required sacrificing two full sets of BBS center caps, and each piece was custom painted in-house to achieve the perfect finish.

For tires, we chose Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, sized 285/35/19 in the front and 295/30/20 in the rear. Continuing the use of exotic materials, we fitted a FC Titanium stud kit made in the USA by Rogue Engineering.

With wheels of this quality, the braking system needed to match. We installed MMX Performance carbon ceramic rotors from the UK, offering superior heat resistance, significant weight reduction, and exceptional stopping power. The 380mm x 36mm carbon ceramic discs are a direct bolt-on upgrade for the factory steel rotors, weighing only 6.9 kg, which is 46% lighter than stock, drastically reducing unsprung weight. These rotors are paired with Pagid ceramic-specific brake pads for optimal performance. Finally, the calipers were custom painted in-house, giving them a more aggressive tone that complements the Auratium Green body color. 

Interior

Inside the G87 M2, the focus was all about craftsmanship and continuity, bringing the personality of the exterior into the cabin while maintaining a refined, motorsport-inspired atmosphere. Every choice was deliberate, blending precision engineering with heritage styling to create an interior that feels both bespoke and functional.

To achieve this, we started with a pair of Recaro Podium carbon fiber seats upholstered with Tartan fabric inserts that nod to classic European sports cars. Matching the seat pattern, a custom Tartan shift boot was crafted in-house and paired with a hand-finished 917-style wooden shift knob mounted to a Rogue Engineering short shift kit, offering tactile engagement and vintage appeal.

Safety and structure were handled with equal care. An Alpha-N Clubsport roll cage finished in Auratium Green to mirror the exterior was installed along with Schroth 6-point racing harnesses. These additions brought true motorsport functionality without compromising the car’s OEM-quality presentation. To refine the rear cabin area, we added the RKP G87 Rear Closeout Kit, which provides a clean, finished look when running a rear seat delete setup.

Continuing the European aesthetic, we replaced the U.S.-market sun visors with European-spec BMW visors, free of DOT warning labels, for a cleaner and more minimalist appearance.

The centerpiece of the interior is the Madtrace GEN2 PODIUM Line Racing Steering Wheel System, a cutting-edge wheel designed to merge advanced technology with OEM integration. Featuring an OLED Driver Information Display (DID), it offers real-time telemetry and customization directly within the driver’s line of sight. The system is the first of its kind to combine CAN bus and LIN bus communication in one hub, allowing full plug-and-play compatibility with BMW’s factory electronics with no wiring or splicing required.

Machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and finished in black anodizing, the steering wheel, quick-release, and adapter hub deliver both precision and durability. Beyond aesthetics, it provides access to over 40 additional programmable functions, depending on chassis compatibility, giving drivers fingertip control over lighting, wipers, shift lights, traction control, and more.

The result is an interior that strikes the perfect balance between motorsport intent and factory sophistication, one that looks as though BMW could have built it this way themselves.

Engine Bay

A project of this scale wouldn’t be complete without a few truly one-off details. Once the Auratium Green color was finalized, we knew the engine bay had to reflect the same level of individuality. We reached out to Bilal at Eventuri, whose craftsmanship and attention to detail have become the standard for BMW performance intakes. Despite our long-standing relationship, he was understandably cautious. Eventuri’s G8X intake system is one of their most in-demand products, and fulfilling regular production is already a challenge. On top of that, we requested a completely unique Yellow Kevlar finish.

The end result is a piece that will never be duplicated. The Eventuri Yellow Kevlar intake and matching engine cover are exclusive to this IND build and will not be offered for sale, making them a true one-of-one creation. Against the Auratium Green exterior, the yellow weave provides a striking contrast that instantly commands attention and sets the tone for the entire engine bay. Completing the setup, we added an Eventuri gloss carbon strut brace and gloss carbon intake scoops, both of which sit perfectly behind the satin-clear Alpha-N carbon grille, blending function with visual harmony.

The theme of performance and precision continued throughout the bay. Our partners at Indiv supplied a satin-clear dry carbon cooling shroud and ECU cover, maintaining a consistent look with the rest of the carbon elements. For power, we selected the MMX Performance Power Control Module (PCM), a product developed with extensive R&D and dyno testing in the UK. The MMX module delivers a noticeable bump in power while preserving the refined drivability of the factory S58 engine.

To manage temperatures under load, we partnered with CSF and implemented their S58 Cooling Package, which includes a Charge-Air Cooler Manifold, Engine Oil Cooler with Rock Guard, High-Performance Front Mount Heat Exchanger, and High-Performance Auxiliary Radiator. Together, these components ensure the M2 performs as strong as it looks, even under the most demanding conditions.

To finish the engine bay, we focused on the finer details. A Downstar G8X Titanium Billet Hardware Kit, each bolt refinished in Cerakote Black, brought a uniform, purposeful look that took three days to complete. Adding to the refined aesthetic, we installed the Goldenwrench Blackline Frozen Black Cap Set, a limited-edition package crafted from T6 aluminum with a CNC-formed design and BMW Frozen Black–inspired anodized coating. Every detail was chosen intentionally, creating an engine bay that’s as engineered as it is artfully composed.