Pumped-up BMW M2 Coupe targets Audi RS3

With numerous spy photos of a widely-flared and clearly track-focused 2 Series Coupé doing the rounds for the past few months we knew BMW’s performance team was building an heir to its long discontinued 1M, but now the Bavarian brand has made the follow-up model official with the announcement of a new M2 which will be launched in South Africa next April.

Ever since BMW introduced the 2-Series, we’ve been eagerly anticipating a properly hot version of the gorgeous coupe.

There’s plenty to talk about, but as with any other M auto, the most important is what engine BMW’s performance division chose to drop under the hood. Fortunately for hardcore fans, a six-speed manual is standard, providing 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. Maximum baseline torque is 343 lb-ft, available from 1400 to 5560 rpm, while an overboost function serves up 369 lb-ft from 1450 to 4750 rpm. Inspired by models from the history of BMW in motor racing, the new M2 Coupe makes no secret of its extraordinary performance potential. An electronically controlled Active M Differential can selectively lock each wheel from 0 to 100 percent in just 150 milliseconds. Four tailpipes exit in the rear, and you can futz with the exhaust note via the drive mode system.

These figures hide the bigger news, however: A six-speed manual transmission is also available.

A widened track accommodates 19-inch lightweight wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, while increased stopping power comes from blue M brake calipers, with 15.0-inch front rotors and 14.5-inch rear rotors. Power is similar to both cars and pricing is just a little above, but as the only rear-wheel drive auto of the trio and the only with a manual gearbox, it’s sure to attract buyers craving just a little more driving interaction.

The suspension, featuring MacPherson struts up front and a five-link arrangement at the rear, also receives a number of lightweight components, including forged aluminium control arms and wheel carriers, lowering the un-sprung weight by a claimed 3.0kg over the M235i.

Clamping the M2 down are four-piston, 380mm front/two-piston, 370mm rear ventilated disc brakes.

Sports seats grip you in the front as you settle behind an M sports steering wheel and bespoke gearlever; there are lashings of alcantara on the door cards and centre console and carbonfibre trim is used sparingly. At the same time, it is the smallest M vehicle in the current line-up.

The new BMW M2 Coupe is not only the direct heir to the successful BMW 1 Series M Coupe, but also – in its underlying philosophy – a descendant of the original E30 BMW M3 and the BMW 2002 turbo. Going alongside with the high-performance design is the M Dynamic Mode, which his part of the Dynamic Stability Control system.

Faster through technology The 2016 BMW M2 also uses clever electronics to help drivers lap as quickly as possible.