First Look: 2016 BMW M2

2016 BMW M2

Ladies and Gentlemen, say “hello” to the 2016 BMW M2, the most anticipated M car in quite some time has finally been unveiled. With rear-wheel drive, 365 horsepower, and a standard six-speed manual transmission, the M2 is everything a BMW M enthusiast dreams of.

Unlike its predecessor, the BMW 1 M, which was put together in the last minute with leftover parts from the previous generation M3, the M2 was planned from the beginning of the 2-series coupe development program. So when compared to its closest sibling, the M235i, the modifications done to the BMW M2 are extensive.

What’s New

Under the sexy sheetmetal of the 2-series coupe, BMW engineers have somehow managed to pack the chassis of the BMW M3/M4. Compared to the M235i, the front track of the M2 is 62.2 inches (up from 59.9 inches), the rear track has widened to 63.0 inches (up from 61.3 inches). With its larger front and rear fenders, the M2 is 73.0 inches wide (up from 69.8 inches), the ride height has also been lowered to 55.5 inches (down from 55.8 inches), which results in a more powerful and muscular look.

At front, the BMW M2 is fitted with 245/35ZR-19 rims and tires, out back, it is fitted with massive 265/35ZR-19 rims and tires. An electronic rear differential (Active M Differential) helps keep the car stable during hard cornering.

The manual transmission features a rev-matching function during downshifts, but the optional dual-clutch-transmission ups the fun factor by including a “smoky burnout function” according to BMW.

The 2016 BMW M2 can be easily differentiated from the M235i by its unique front fascia, larger air intakes, a rear spoiler, and the M trademark quad exhaust tips.

Even with the added power and features, the M2 is 55 pounds lighter than the M235i and weighs in at 3450 pounds.

Performance

This track dominating monster is powered by the ubiquitous N55 inline-six engine which has been extensively modified to produce 365 horsepower @ 6500 rpm and base torque of 343 lb.ft. between 1400 and 5560 rpm. An overboost function temporarily ups the torque figure to 369 lb.ft between 1450 and 4750 rpms. The engine redlines at 7000 rpm and includes a single twin-scroll turbocharger. For comparison, the inline-six in the BMW M235i produces 320 horsepower and 330 lb.ft. torque.

Besides the standard six-speed manual transmission, the M2 is fitted with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. However, the optional transmission in the M235i is a quick shifting ZF-sourced eight-speed torque converter automatic (a six-speed manual transmission is also standard on the M235i).

To protect the engine from overheating during track days, the cooling system has been heavily modified in the M2, and the dual-clutch transmission gets its own oil cooler.

With launch control activated, the dual-clutch transmission equipped M2 hits 60 mph from 0 in 4.2 seconds, manual gearbox equipped M2 hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Top speed has been electronically limited to 155 mph.

Availability

As of this writing, BMW has not disclosed the final price of the M2. The production version of the 2016 BMW M2 will arrive at U.S. BMW dealerships in the spring of 2016.

Additional 2016 BMW M2 Images:

from Automoblog.net http://www.automoblog.net/2015/10/15/2016-bmw-m2/
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from Tumblr http://peternpalmer.tumblr.com/post/131227930231
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