It's hard to measure the anticipation behind the launch of any BMW M GmbH product. Why?
Not only is it a big event for enthusiasts, it also has become a big factor for automakers. They need to readjust their performance benchmarks. Don't believe me? Check out the competition and what they tend to benchmark their latest and greatest sports cars against. Don't be surprised if it's an M3 or M4.
Possibly even the next-gen M2 when it eventually releases.
Slated to go up against the Mercedes-Benz A45/CLA45 AMG and Audi RS3, the M2 will be a six-cylinder that sends power to its rear wheels. That'll show 'em with their all-wheel drivetrains and four-cylinder motors.
We've been keeping any eye on latest M car as it goes through its development lifecycle and all-new pictures have surfaced of the vehicle undergoing winter testing.
According to the latest information, the M2 will receive an all-new powerplant good for approximately 375 horsepower and may even receive AWD as an option in certain markets. Though it may seem to be a BIG shift for the M brand, remember the X5/6Ms are AWD M cars and do quite fine. Not to mention BMW will essentially be late the party with AWD availability in its high-performance autos.
As of now this seems to be speculation that may be fueled by some insider knowledge. Remember, BMW has yet to acknowledge this vehicle's existence and is being coy.
Hopefully it will get a Geneva Motor Show debut.
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...BMW's M division is preparing to revive the intrinsic spirit and driving appeal of its original six-cylinder powered M3 with the new racy two-door, which will sit between the existing M235i and the fifth-generation M3 in its line-up. Power for the new model will come from a 370bhp-plus turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine.
Its price point will see the new M2 Coupé compete directly with an upgraded version of the Mercedes-AMG A45 and the upcoming second-generation Audi RS3 when it reaches UK showrooms this summer. A public debut for the new BMW in lightly-veiled concept car guise is planned for this year’s Frankfurt motor show in September...
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