Details about a possible M2 model surfaced at the end of May when BMW confirmed that the coupe and cabrio version of the 1-Series would be sold as the 2-Series. Now, thanks to the British magazine, AutoExpress, more details are available on this new sports car.
The new BMW M2 will be built on the company’s F21 platform that will also be used for the next 2-Series model. It will be an entry-level sports car featuring a front-mounted engine mated to all-new DCT semi-automatic transmission. As of right now, there are two possibilities in a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo delivering about 350 HP or an innovative tri-turbo engine that will be used for the first time in the upcoming X3M. One of the most innovative features of the upcoming M2 will be the intense use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics first used in the M3 CRT and also announced for the upcoming BMW i8.
In an interview with the British magazine, the M Division’s new managing director, Dr Friedrich Nitschke said: "In the 1M Coupe->BMW i8, we have a starter car for the M Division, and we are continuing to develop this project. Such models must be sporty, and offer extraordinarily low fuel consumption. This is something we could achieve with the M2. I think the 1M Coupe proves there is room for an M2, a coupe."
Although BMW feels there is room for an M2 model, don’t expect it to arrive until late 2015. At that point, models like the Porsche Cayman and the Audi TT RS may need a little jump-start to deal with the added competition.
