The all-new M2 is the latest BMW to wear the coveted M badge, and aims to revoke the spirit of the 1 M Coupe. Based on the highly competent M235i, the new M2 is a compact, lightweight, tail happy sports coupe with 365 bhp on tap, an optional 6-speed stick shifter and of course, rear wheel drive. The BMW M2 will be available at authorized BMW centers with a limited range of options starting in spring of 2016. Prince will be disclosed closer to market launch.
The all-new M2 is powered by a 3.0-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged, 6-cylinder inline engine which produces 365 bhp at 6,500 rpm and maximum revs of 7,000 rpm, while peak torque is rated at 343 lb-ft between 1,400 and 5,560 rpm, with the overboost function raising this figure by 26 lb-ft to 369 lb-ft between 1,450 and 4,750 rpm. With the optional M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic in place and Launch Control activated, the new BMW M2 completes the sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (4.4 s with the six-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching). The top speed of the all-new BMW M2 is electronically limited to 155 mph.
The M2 will be completely at home wringing it on the race track as well, due to appointments like an additional oil sump cover helps to limit the movement of oil under powerful acceleration, additional oil cooler for the transmission oil (only applies to cars fitted with M DCT) and an extra water radiator for the engine. The M2 rides on lightweight 19-inch forged wheels, wrapped around with exclusive 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires measuring 245/35 ZR 19 in the front and 265/35 ZR 19 at the rear. High-performance braking of the all-new BMW M2 comes courtesy perforated and inner-vented brake discs measuring 15 inches at the front axle and 14.5 inches at the rear axle, grabbed by four-piston fixed calipers up front and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear.
The all-new BMW M2 is equipped with M Dynamic Mode (MDM), a sub-function of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). DSC effectively counteracts oversteer or understeer or a loss of traction by taking several measures (reducing engine power, braking individual wheels) to stabilize the car. To get things slightly sideways, M Dynamic Mode can be activated in SPORT+ mode or can be engaged with a short dab of the DSC button. The stabilizing measures familiar from DSC mode now intervene at a later stage, increasing the freedom available to drivers while still keeping an electronic safety system in action. Of course, for cinematic, smoky drifts, all the electronic nannies can be disarmed. DSC also employs the Active M Differential in the all-new BMW M2, which optimizes traction and maximizes directional stability. The M2 uses a M developed Electric Power Steering.
The design imbibes typical BMW proportions and elements, replete with the signature kidney grille with its black-painted double bars replicating the design of the M double-spoke wheels, M-specific, flared bodywork, gaping bumpers, the M exhaust tailpipes finished in high-gloss chrome and the classic BMW Hofmeister kink. The all-new BMW M2 is available in four exterior paint finishes: Long Beach Blue metallic, Alpine White, Black Sapphire metallic and Mineral Grey metallic. The interiors also benefit from a host of BMW M-specific equipment, which include sports seats, in black Dakota leather with blue contrast stitching and an M logo in the backrests, M logos on the tachometer, gearshift lever, door sill plates and M leather steering wheel with shift paddles. Other highlights of the interior are the trim strips with surfacing in open pore carbon fiber and Alcantara for the door panel inserts, parking brake boot and shift lever boot (manual transmission only).
