This year, BMW is blowing the 50th candle on the M division's anniversary cake. 2022 will be a busy year for Bavaria's go-faster division considering it will unveil the production-ready XM, M3 Touring, and the M4 CSL. Not only that, but the new kid on the M block is also earmarked for a release in the following 12 months. We're obviously talking about the M2, known among BMW aficionados by its "G87" codename.
We've already seen our fair share of images depicting the Bavarian sports coupe, but this is the best set thus far. Our spies had a close encounter with the new M2 and were able to immortalise the hot prototype carrying thinner camouflage. Thankfully, the exposed front grille confirms BMW won't be going overboard with the size of the kidneys. Flanked by two small-ish air intakes, the centre-mounted radar sensor below the number plate further shows the grille won't be extending all the way down as it does on big-brother M4.
Gallery: 2023 BMW M2 Coupe spied with less camouflage
Positioned above the M240i, the smallest fully fledged M car was not shy to show off its big and square air intakes on the front bumper as well as the quad exhausts at the back. The subtle boot lid spoiler doesn't seem to be any bigger than the one you get on the M Performance model, but rest assured BMW will offer a series of M Performance Parts to lend the car a more aggressive appearance.
The test vehicle was riding on 19-inch wheels with tyres measuring 275/35 R19 at the front axle where the blue brake callipers are more visible. It seemed to have slightly beefier wheel arches to signal wider tracks and also appeared to be sitting closer to the road compared to the M240i. That tells us it had a stiffer suspension setup to sharpen up handling.
Previous encounters:
While the M4 can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive, the latest intel suggests BMW will sell the upcoming M2 strictly with a tail-happy layout. Both manual and automatic transmissions are planned, along with a base output of around 400 bhp and a potent Competition model with roughly 430 bhp or even more. Motivation will be provided by the S58 engine inside the M4, but obviously dialled down to avoid stepping on the elder brother's toes.
Rumoured to be unveiled this summer, the M2 will likely be followed by hotter derivatives like a CS or even a CSL.
Source: Automedia