- This 2nd-generation BMW M2 Coupé should have at least 400-horsepower.
- It will be joined by an AWD BMW M2 Gran Coupé.
- They will both follow the arrival of the new 2 Series expected in 2021.
Small cars have always been where true driving enthusiasts turn for the best driving experience. Although cars keep getting bigger and heavier, some still retain that all-important connected feel and agility. Few, if any, other small cars behave as purely and pleasingly as the BMW 2 Series. Nowhere is this truer than with the M2. The current 2 Series Coupé will be updated for next year which means a new M2 is forthcoming.
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is already out however, it is a different car as it begins life as a FWD with AWD available (standard in Canada.) Physically, it will influence the next 2 Series but it will be assembled on BMW’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform designed, in part, for RWD/AWD applications. This means a few things. The first is that the next M2 will start out as a RWD car (unique in the segment) and use a slightly de-tuned version of the new M3/M4’s S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 engine. Here, it should be good for around 420-horsepower and 406 lb.-ft. of torque.
The CLAR platform also means that, in time, a 48-volt mid-hybrid system will find itself as part of the powertrain. Logically, this explains why an 8-speed automatic transmission will be offered as an option alongside the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
As for the M2 Gran Coupé, the rumour says that it will keep its turbocharged 2.0-litre twin-power turbocharged engine but it will see its output rise to 400-horsepower. It will also be offered with AWD only. In other markets, a 302-horsepower M135i will join the ranks however we won’t get it.
These new M cars will be poised to rival the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A 45, CLA 45 as well as the Audi RS 3.
Source: Autocar
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe | Photo: BMW
