BMW IS DEVELOPING a new rear-wheel-drive M2 performance coupe, as part of a future compact M car line-up that will include an all wheel-drive M2 Gran Coupe and a 1 Series with around 300kW.
The second-generation M2 coupe, which takes the internal codename G87, is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in 2022, making 2023 likely for Australia. It will bring with it a detuned version of BMW M’s latest six-cylinder petrol engine, sourced from the new M3 and M4.
Despite the heavy camouflage of this newly spotted prototype, it looks as if the M2 will feature angular front-end styling influenced more by the Z4 and M8 than the controversially big-grilled M3 and M4. Flared arches, big wheels and a quad-exit exhaust will be the most obvious visual differentiators from the standard 2 Series, but upsized air intakes and aero-enhancing trim will complete the look.
The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol six, dubbed S58, replaces the similarly configured S55 used by the current M2 and promises the same high-revving characteristics, with a redline of 7200rpm.
Nothing is official at this early stage, but insiders hint that the S58 engine will be tuned to provide the new junior M car with at least 317kW in standard form – a 15kW increase over today’s M2 Competition – to top the 310kW of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the Mercedes-AMG A45 S.
This story is from the September 2021 edition of Wheels Australia Magazine.
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This story is from the September 2021 edition of Wheels Australia Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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