BMW has reportedly given the green light
for the next-generation M2 Coupe, which will retain its rear-drive architecture
unlike the rest of the 2-Series models which transitioned on the FWD FAAR
platform. The new BMW M2 Coupe, which is expected to go on sale in Europe in
2022, will be built upon the company’s CLAR architecture. The chassis is
expected to be heavily related to that of the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra, Autocar
reports.
Power will be provided by a detuned
version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter S58 six-cylinder engine found in the X3 M,
X4 M and the upcoming M3 and M4 models. Under the bonnet of the
second-generation M2 the powerplant is expected to produce at least 420 HP, or
15 HP more than the current M2 Competition. Both manual and automatic
transmission options will be offered, while the new M2 Coupe will also adopt a
48-volt electrical architecture to support the company’s mild-hybrid
technologies.
In addition, and unlike previous reports
on the matter, BMW is said to offer a fully-fledged M variant of the four-door
Gran Coupe and of the five-door 1-Series, as an answer to the Audi RS3 and
Mercedes-AMG A45. These will use a modified 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo
engine making around 400 HP to all four wheels via a fully variable all-wheel
drive system.
