While the M2 has been an undeniably success for BMW, it’s definitely had some impact on sales for other cars within the M division stable, with the ‘baby’ high-performance coupe offering just as much thrills (maybe even more, depending on how you interpret fun factor) for less money.
It’s a car that most closely parallels the E46 M3 with its compact dimensions, manual transmissions, and very tail-happy dynamics - essentially filling a void left by the short-lived but very highly regarded 1M Coupe from 2008.
With its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 generating 272kW and 465Nm, the 1,520kg sports car doesn't seem to need all that much more power. However, as BMW has always gladly offered more hardcore variants of their cars, and with over 2 years now under its belt, the M2 seems ripe enough to undergo an expansion. Many suspect this to come in the form of an M2 Competition, while others argue that an M2 CSL is the more likelier candidate.
Either way, no matter the name, BMWBlog’s sources have revealed that the harder and faster M2 will debut as soon as April 2018 with a host of powertrain and suspension improvements, with deliveries to start in Q3 of this year.
The most consequential of these changes will also be quite drastic, replacing the older N55 unit with the same S55 motor used in the current M3 and M4. However, it’s not clear whether the car will continue using a single twin-scroll turbocharger or carry over the bi-turbo set up of its more powerful cousins.
Though, even after the engine port and possible additional turbocharger, factory output is still expected to be deliberately lower than the 317kW that the standard M3/M4 deals out. The estimates stand at just above 300kW and around 500Nm, but the real gains in performance stand to come from improved responsiveness and a more linear power delivery, aided by the M2 Competition’s lighter weight. As before, drive will be sent to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed M-DCT dual-clutch transmission.
It seems that BMW isn’t really positioning this new M2 variant in the exact same way as they’ve done with the M3 or M4 Competition (Pack), but rather more like the M3 or M4 CS. Unlike them, the M2 Competition likely will not be available as an optional extra for the standard M2 but one that’s produced specifically from the factory with the more spartan interior, unique engine, and lightweight components. Thankfully, BMW doesn’t seem to be setting any limit to the number of examples they could make.
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