In a follow up to 2011’s parts bin special BMW 1-Series M Coupe, the brand new M2 has finally given us a small M car that looks like an M4, but with less weight and more proper old school M car philosophy. When the 2-Series BMW’s were first introduced in the M235i flavour, they were good, but not M car good. 2 years later and the M2 comes along looking the part, and delivering great performance and fun factor out of the box.
The chosen engine is the 3.0L inline 6 with BMW’s Twin-Scroll turbo technology pushing compressed air into the cylinders. Technology borrowed from the M4 include high-precision direct injection, Valvetronic, and pistons and crank bearings. Peak power is 365 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 343 pound-feet of torque is available from a 1,400 rpm with a good torque spread through the rev range. That all equates to a 45 horsepower and 13-pound-feet improvement over the M235i. Transmission options are either a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic, with BMW’s Active M differential available for both. The tyres are Michelin Pilot Sports which sit in a wider track and utilise light weight M Sport suspension with 15-inch brake rotors and four-piston callipers up front.
