M2 set to close performance gap between it and M4 with more power, sharper handling and advanced chassis tech, will remain rear-drive
The second-generation BMW M2 is shaping up to be a fitting final hurrah for fast rear drive coupes with the junior M car set to be both faster and better to drive than the current model.
According to an insider speaking to Autocar, the M2 based on the upcoming third-generation 2 Series coupe will remain rear wheel drive and be based on a significantly updated version of the current car’s platform.
Developed under the ‘G87’ codename, the new M2 will offer a ‘step up’ in performance over the current car, that in CS guise, could smash the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.0 seconds.
The extra shove will come courtesy of the dropping of the current M2’s outdated N55 and S55 twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinders for BMW M’s latest S58 unit that powers the latest M3 and M4.
Power has yet to be confirmed, but it’s rumoured even the basic M2 will come with 306kW, while the fastest M2 Competition will get 321kW – just 37kW off the M3 and M4.
Torque, meanwhile, will peak at a thumping 580Nm even for the entry M2 – that’s 30Nm more than the $147k M2 CS.
Factor in lighter weight and it’s thought the fastest version will easily dip below 4.0 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint.
Despite some rumours it might come with all-wheel drive for the first time, Autocar says the second-instalment of the M2 will be strictly rear-drive. Like before a manual six-speed will be an option alongside an eight-speed torque-converter automatic – the current more sophisticated seven-speed dual-clutch auto has been dropped.
Helping maximise traction and help drivers extract the maximum amount of performance from the M2 on track, BMW M will equip its baby coupe with new chassis tech, including a drift mode that will work in tandem with a rear electronically-controlled mechanical limited-slip differential.
Helping engineers sharpen responses, the next M2 CLAR platform boasts 40 per cent increased body rigidity compared to the previous model
The significant reengineering has also included creating a bespoke front suspension for the M2 that’s likely to feature a wider track than the standard 2 Series coupe and allows more adjustability and adaptive springs to be introduced.
Further strut braces front and rear have also been added. On the rear axle lives a significantly upgraded version of the current generation’s multi-link rear suspension.
There’s no claims on weight-saving but the car-maker’s trademark 50:50 weight distribution has been maintained.
As far as styling goes, expect the current car’s overblown steroidal looks to carry over with wider front fenders and a bonnet with a power bulge to feature. A lower, wider kidney grille will also feature that includes trick new active cooling vents.
Large 20-inch rims will be standard, while the Competition versions are set to bag extra weight-saving measures that include a one-piece carbon-fibre roof.
As well as being sharper to drive, according to the insider, the adoption of adaptive dampers should provide a greater divide between comfort and sport than the current car, although the M2 will remain a ‘driver’s car’ the insider claimed.
Another change for the new M2 is it will switch from being produced exclusively at BMW German Leipzig plant to run down the same Mexican production line as other 2 Series models.
Set to be revealed later this year, there’s no word when in 2022 sales will begin.
