Just yesterday, it emerged that the eagerly anticipated BMW M2 sports car may deliver an impressive 374 hp. Now reports have surfaced suggesting that the range-topping 2-Series variant could debut at soon as the Detroit Motor Show 2015 at the start of January.
While speaking with Auto Express recently, head of project development for BMW’s M division Carsten Priest revealed that there is typically a “one year delay between the base model and the M car”. The base BMW 2-Series of course debuted at this year’s Detroit Motor Show, so it certainly seems likely that the M2 will debut in less than three months’ time.
Alongside suggestions that the new M2 will deliver 374 hp, sources claim that it will also pump out 384 lb-ft of torque. To put these figures into perspective, the BMW M235i delivers 320 hp and 330 lb-ft. As a result, the BMW M2 will slot between the M235i and the F82-generation M4 perfectly as it delivers 425 hp. While it remains to be confirmed, it seems likely that the M2 will be available with both a six-speed manual transmission as well as a dual-clutch ‘box.
The power will then be routed through the rear wheels and should help propel the M2 to 100 km/h in a brisk 4.3 seconds. As for pricing, reports suggest that the M2 will cost $10,000 more than the M235i in the United States which starts at $44,050.
From a visual standpoint, the 2016 BMW M2 will inevitably feature a more aggressive front bumper inspired by the new M3 and M4 with prominent air intakes and an aggressive central front splitter. Flared wheel arches will also be featured as well as a light carbon fibre roof and wider wheels and tyres. At the rear, expect to find a subtle bootlid spoiler as well as BMW Ms quad-exhaust pipe layout and a sportier bumper.
[Via Auto Express, Picture via Automobile Magazine]
