Munich, Germany - The iconic BMW 2002 turbo started it over 40 years ago, and since then the Munich-based firm has tried to encapsulated outstanding dynamics, exceptional agility and optimum car control in the modern form.
Enter BMW M GmbH (the firm's performance division) who turned their expertise to create the new BMW M2
Is it headed for SA?
BMW South Africa confirmed that the new BMW M2 Coupe will be available locally from April 2016.
Read: BMW M4 GTS: Is it really headed for SA?
The new coupe uses a formula that BMW hopes will be a success; combine a six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel-drive, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and sporty styling.
The M2 Coupe is not only the direct heir to the 1 Series M Coupe but also a descendant of the original E30 M3 and 2002 turbo.
Pricing
BMW M2 6-speed manual - R791 000
BMW M2 DCT - R841 900
M design
The M2 is designated by a low front apron with large air intakes, muscular flanks with 'M gills', 19" aluminium wheels in familiar M double-spoke design and low, wide rear with M-specific twin-tailpipe exhaust.
Step inside the M2 and you're greeted by alcantara door cards and a centre console featuring carbon-fibred panels, blue stitching and M badges festooned on sports seats, steering wheel and gearshift lever.
Watch: M2 Coupe races a 1M and the original M3.
272KW/465NM
BMW uses a newly-developed, 3.0 litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology to develop 272kW/465Nm. An overboost function increases maximum torque to 500Nm in short bursts.
The M2, thankfully, for purists uses a six-speed manual transmission as standard. A seven-speed M double clutch transmission is optional which incorporates launch control and releases a sprint time of 0-100km/h of 4.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
BMW claims a combined fuel consumption (manual) of 8.5 litres/100km. The automatic transmission option fuel consumption is quoted at 7.9 litres/100km.
Electronic differential
The M2 uses the same lightweight aluminium front and rear axles from the BMW M3 and M4, servotronic steering with two settings and M-specific compound brakes.
For those interested in sideways action, there is an electronically controlled active M differential, which optimises traction and directional stability.
The dynamic stability control system’s M Dynamic Mode (MDM) is activated. MDM allows wheel slip and therefore moderate, controlled drifts on the track.
Connectivity
A cool feature in BMW's connected drive is the GoPro app allows the driver to record fast laps of the track with a dashboard-mounted action camera, using the iDrive Controller and Control Display.
Meanwhile, the driver’s individual style at the wheel can be analysed as desired with the M Laptimer app. Information on speeds and braking points can be shared easily via e-mail or Facebook.