When BMW announced the specs of the all-new BMW M235i, I was kind of surprised. That's because the M235i is a lot of car and — to me — didn't seem to leave a lot of room for an M2 to slot in between the M235i and M3/M4.
Well, it turns out my initial thoughts were wrong.
That's because we now have spy shots of the much rumored about M2! At first glimpse it may only appear to look like an M235i, but when you look closer, it's readily apparent this isn't your run of the mill car.
The biggest giveaway is the rear differential. Other hints can be seen with the larger wheel/tire set up and M3/M4 big brake kit. In addition, you'll note the heavily camouflaged fenders, which is likely due to the vehicle having a wider track front and rear.
It will be VERY interesting to see what BMW does to make the M2 special. With the 1M, I consider it a Frankenstein car because it literally was an E9x M3 from the transmission back. It literally featured the same components.
Coincidentally, I am driving an M235i this week and after spending a week with it, it's clear that there is room for an M2. Don't get me wrong, the M235i is a good BMW coupe and all, but it just isn't near the greatness of the 1M.
Hopefully the M2 can bring it back.
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How do we know this is the M2?
• We've recently confirmed that the M2 is coming at the end of 2015 - early 2016 so the timing of this prototype makes sense.
• Flared fenders and wider track.
• M3/M4 (19" Style 437M) wheels fitted for testing purposes. Even with these wider wheels, they are still tucked under the widened fenders.
• Same blue steel brakes as M3/M4, with positioning the same as the M3/M4 (different than the M235i and M235i Racing).
• Drilled rotors like M3/M4 (M235i is not drilled/slotted and M235i Racing (M Performance Brakes) are drilled and slotted).
• M limited slip differential (LSD) seen on prototype.
Obviously, we do not yet see the M2 bodywork (except for flared fenders) nor quad tail pipes as this is still a very early stage test mule, but if you recall, the early 1M prototypes...also did not have these elements early on. This prototype is only testing drivetrain and mechanicals
As development progresses, we should start to see the other M2 cosmetic elements added - special front and rear bumpers, side skirts, quad tail pipes and potentially a different hood, mirrors and/or trunk spoiler.
The M2 will begin production in late Fall 2015, for deliveries in late 2015 - early 2016. It will feature the N55 turbo inline 6 engine (N55B30T0), producing around 370-380 PS (365-375 HP).
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