BMW sat quietly while Audi and Mercedes convinced the world they can make the fastest small cars. Now they are coming back with a something that will not only put the RS3 and A45 to shame, but could also give the Cayman GTS a run for its money.
Yes, we are talking about the new BMW M2, codename F87. The 2 Series is only a couple of years into its life, so it's the youngest car to pack an M weapon. However, all signs point towards a very competent little machine.
We've managed to film one test prototype for the F87 M2 Coupe during its Nurburgring testing session. Engineers are pushing it hard, and it's clear that this car is superior to the M235i in both cornering speed and acceleration.
The technical details
Under the bonnet is a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that is supposed to make 374 HP and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque. The exhaust note it produces has a similar sound to the M4 and hopefully every the E36 and E46 owners will love it.
Though the use of a 7-speed DCT gearbox and an M Active differential at the back, the M2 is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.3 seconds, which is basically the same time as the manual M4.
From the way it handles the Karussell, we can tell that the suspension system is much better tailored for track use than on the M235i. There's less body roll, and the tracks are noticeably wider. Braking system upgrades will ensure stopping power keeps up with the 374 ponies under the hood.
Expected to cost somewhere in the region of €60,000 and equipped with two extra seats, the M2 could be every bit the rival for the Porsche Cayman GTS and possibly even the GT4. It's the car fans have been asking for ever since 1-Series M Coupe production ended.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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