The company has just confirmed that BMW will unveil its new 2023 M2 performance coupe in October, which will allow plenty of time for further testing and development. A large test program was recently held at the Salzburgring in Austria.
The final phase of testing focused on perfecting the driving dynamics and tuning of the chassis, with prototypes subjected to intensive laps on the circuit. We also take a look at the design of the new model on the runway, although the special 50th anniversary wrapper hides every detail.
BMW confirms that the new M2 will be equipped with the “tried and tested performance models of the M3 and M4”, which means it will use the latest S58 3.0-liter bi-turbo six in line. Power and torque figures have not yet been revealed, but as a guide, the base M3 / M4s produce 353 kW and 550 Nm and the M3 / M4 Competition versions develop 375 kW and 650 Nm.
We doubt very much that the M2 offers so much power, but it seems likely that a power of about 330 kW. The outgoing M2 Competition developed 302 kW and 550 Nm from the old S55 engine, while the M2 CS developed 331 kW and 550 Nm.
BMW M also confirms that the new M2 will feature the powerful brake system of the M3 and M4 to ensure excellent overall performance. Speaking of which, BMW says the new M2 will deliver performance similar to the old M2 CS. In a statement, BMW said:
“The new production car has a similar performance level to the BMW M2 CS … It allows the driver to experience that pure track feel in any condition, even at the limit.”
It also confirms that the new model will be offered with a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic M Steptronic (torque converter). The adaptive M chassis and rear-wheel drive promise sporty driving characteristics.
In terms of design, it takes the form of the latest 2 Series. It also jumps on the CLAR platform, like most modern BMWs, and shows off the company’s latest style philosophy but without the big front grilles. controversies.
It will be available with an optional carbon fiber roof and carbon fiber cube seats to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity, while the dashboard shows the latest 8.0 operating system with dual digital displays.
BMW says the world premiere is scheduled for October, with the market launch blocked for April 2023. Australian details have yet to be finalized.
Brett Davis
Brett is the publisher and founder of PerformanceDrive. He’s obsessed with driving, having played with Matchbox cars until he was tall enough to drive a real one. After initially working as a mechanic, Brett graduated with a degree in journalism and joined the media as an editorial assistant for Top Gear Australia magazine. He then worked at CarAdvice. His dream is to live next door to the Nurburgring in Germany.