Tuesday 28th January 2014

BMW M2 for 2016

1M replacement could feature a detuned M4 engine and styling cues from the M235i Racing

---

At the international media launch of BMW's new 2 Series, company insiders hinted heavily at a full M division version of the two-door coupe. A spokesman confirmed that the 2 Series had been "configured to accept a [more powerful] engine."

Could this sans decals preview an M2?

The M235i, a halfway house between a standard BMW production model and a full M division product, has a 326hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, suggesting that a more powerful 2 Series could have as much as 380hp. The M2, which wouldn't arrive before 2016, would likely use a detuned version of the forthcoming M3 and M4 twin-turbocharged engine, which develops 430hp in those applications.

Our impressions of the M235i were very positive, although the M Performance model does leave space for a more focused, more agile version at the top of the 2 Series range.

The M2 could take inspiration from the M235i Racing, which has swollen wheel arches to accommodate a wider track front and rear. The Racing, which will be sold to privateer teams for 60,000 euros, can be considered to be BMW's recognition of the 2 Series road car's untapped sporting potential.

The M235i was the ninth BMW product to wear its new M Performance branding. Co-developed by BMW AG and M GmbH engineers, these models offer much of the performance of the full-fat M cars, but without the costs that are prohibitive to many. So far, some 20,000 M Performance cars have been sold around the world.

[Kawasicki]

BMW, stop being sophisticated and stylish and just stick some box arches on the thing.