A new BMW M2 could open the door to new members of the BMW M performance division

The new BMW M2 with 425 CV and rear-wheel drive could open the door to new members of BMW M, such as the BMW M2 Gran Coupé, or to a long-awaited return of the BMW 1M. The Bavarian brand has given the green light to production of a new rear-wheel-drive BMW M2.

This news comes as a preview of a future line of compact BMW M models, among which we could see a BMW M2 Gran Coupé with xDrive or a BMW 1M with more than 400 CV. Many enthusiasts are sure to have jumped out of their seats over this.

The second-generation BMW M2 Coupé, known internally at the Bavarian firm as G87, could reach dealerships in 2022 and will be powered by a toned-down version of the latest six-cylinder engine from the high-performance division. This engine has also been fitted to the BMW M3, BMW M4, BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M.

This engine is petrol, has 3.0 litres and features two turbochargers. It is internally designated S58 and replaces the well-known S55. According to the German brand itself, it “promises the same acceleration characteristics, reaching 7,200 rpm“.

These are the new members of the BMW M family

We are still at an early stage of the process, but some sources have said the S58 engine will be tuned to provide the new BMW M with at least 425 CV. This means a power increase of around 20 CV compared with the current BMW M2 Competition.

That power is combined with an impressive 550 Nm of peak torque, which could guarantee more than acceptable performance, even better than its predecessor’s. It could reach 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds and could also reach a top speed of 281 km/h. Some say it could also be based on the platform of its siblings, the Toyota Supra and the third-generation BMW Z4.

This new model could start to be shown during 2021 and could be called G42, distinguishing it from the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, which is built on the platform known as Cluster Architecture from BMW (CLAR). The future BMW M2 will have a mechanical layout similar to the current one, with the engine mounted longitudinally, unlike its sibling, the BMW M235i.

Everything points to the future BMW M2 possibly being equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system, which is possible thanks to the CLAR platform. Experts say this is “crucial for features such as engine idle, regenerative braking and an electric boost function that could be included over the planned seven-year life cycle”.

It is also worth mentioning that future M models could gradually receive mild-hybrid technology as part of the Bavarian brand’s plan “to reduce the average CO2 figure of its fleet“.

BMW plans to offer the new M2 with a six-speed manual gearbox and an electronically controlled active M differential. There will also be the option of an eight-speed automatic gearbox with torque converter, which would be crucial for the car to receive a mild-hybrid system. This will replace the current M2’s dual-clutch automatic transmission, in line with developments elsewhere in the BMW M range.

The new BMW M2 could incorporate additional stiffening measures, dynamic engine mounts and a longer wheelbase. It is important to note that this M2 will be rear-wheel drive only. “It is part of what makes the M2 unique in its market segment.” “It is also what our customers expect from BMW M: a pure, undiluted driving experience,” they have said at BMW.

What will the new BMW M2 look like?

This new member of the BMW M2 family could be inspired by the BMW M235i Gran Coupé, although it will have a longer bonnet and a cabin focused on being closer to the rear axle.