BMW is working on a redesign for its 2-Series coupe—the current one dates back to 2014—and the plan is to stick with rear-wheel drive. This means that our favorite 2-Series variant, the M2, won't lose its hardcore edge.
Prototypes for the new 2-Series coupe have been spotted for a while and now we have our first look at the new M2.
All the signature BMW M styling cues are present on the prototype, like the center-mounted quad-exhaust tips, flared wheel arches, and aerodynamically shaped side mirrors. The front is heavily camouflaged but we can expect the same aggressive design seen on the latest M3 and M4, including the tall kidney grilles. Yes, BMW wants its vehicles to stand out, especially the sportier variants.
The new 2-Series coupe is expected to ride on the platform underpinning the Z4 and Supra twins—a design related to the CLAR platform underpinning BMW's whole lineup from the 3-Series up. This is an excellent base from which to build the M2.
2023 BMW M2 spy shots - Photo credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Power is expected to come from a detuned version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 found in the M3 and M4, as well as the X3 M and X4 M. Look for about 420 hp in the M2, which is up considerably on the 365 hp of the current M2. The rating will provide a healthy gap with the 473 hp of the M3 and M4.
The redesigned 2-Series coupe is expected to debut in 2021 as a 2022 model (it isn't clear at this point of a repeat of the 2-Series Convertible will happen). The M2 should trail the regular coupe by about a year.
This means we might not be looking at a new M2 until the 2023 model year. To help tide things over, there are rumors that an extra-hardcore CSL version of the current M2 could be launched. The car would be aimed at track enthusiasts in a similar fashion to 2016's M4 GTS.
Interestingly, there have also been rumors that the front-wheel-drive 2-Series Gran Coupe and related 1-Series hatchback sold overseas will get their own dedicated M models. These are rumored to come with all-wheel drive and peak outputs registering over 400 hp, likely from a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4. BMW M boss Marcus Flasch has previously said that such cars weren't possible due to the lack of a suitable engine. Given the interest in rival offerings from Audi Sport and Mercedes-Benz AMG, the situation could change.
source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115126_2023-bmw-m2-spy-shots
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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