BMW reveals first images of new M2

They were taken at the Salzburgring in Austria where BMW M GmbH handling wizards were doing some last-minute finessing of the newcomer’s dynamic ability. The aim? To build on the previous M2’s reputation as a driver’s delight and big up the new model’s credentials as an undiluted track star.

Beneath the camo is a package that goes to the very heart of what M has stood for over five decades: longitudinally-mounted straight-six, six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, all encased inside a shrink-wrapped two-door body of commendably compact dimensions.

No oversized kidney grille here, no xDrive four-wheel drive, no SUV proportions and not a sign of any electrical hybrid trickery. It could be that when it reaches showrooms next April, following an unveiling this October, the M2 will be M division’s final purely petrol-powered car.

BMW says we can expect similar straight-line performance to the last of the outgoing M2 models, the CS. So expect 450PS (335kW) and 0-62mph in around 4.2 seconds – final figures are yet to be confirmed.

The engine for this new G87 model is quite different from before though, being a detuned version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six from the M3 and M4. As well as matching the CS’s power, it will come with a higher rev limit and more torque. There will be a Steptronic eight-speed auto transmission option, but also the availability of three pedals and a gear lever. Well done BMW for that.

A lot of the running gear, including the brakes, are also from the M3/M4 while the platform is based on that of the latest 2 Series coupe, with its stiffer body structure. There’s been no confirmation of weight yet, just the suggestion that if keeping the kilos in check weight is that important, you might care to go for the optional carbon roof and carbon seats.

Styling? Think a nuggety little three-box number with notably flared guards, a power bulge on the bonnet and front design elements that emphasis a low and wide look. Overall, though, expect the design to share a lot with the previous hottest model in the 2 Series Coupe range, the M240i xDrive.

Could this be a new driver’s champion in the compact coupe stakes? A car with a natural affinity for track driving? A last petrol-powered hurrah to everything that has made BMW M such a favourite over the decades? In short, all the M car the true enthusiast ever needs? Could be.

A bit of a shame then that it won’t be starring at the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard next week for M’s mega 50^th anniversary celebration. Oh well, just the debut of the first M3 Touring and M4 CSL to look forward to then.