Small But Mighty: BMW Announces the 2016 BMW M2

2016 BMW M2

From the 1M to the M235i, BMW pulled us further and further into a love affair with its sporty compact coupe – and now that the 2-series has gotten the full M treatment, we have reason to rejoice. The 2016 BMW M2 posts impressive numbers, packs cutting-edge technology in the name of driving pleasure, and looks as mean as any other M car to date.

The M2’s 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque come courtesy of a 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged inline-six. BMW engineers enhanced the standard M235i’s motor with M3 pistons and crankshaft main bearing shells, while a modified oil sump and a quad-pipe M-sport exhaust complete the M2’s transformation. With peak torque available from just 1,450 rpm, DCT-equipped M2s sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds, easily outpacing previous E90/E92 M3s.

2016 BMW M2

The M2 is also rife with technology – its fully variable Active M Differential claws at the pavement during spirited driving, and its M Dynamic traction control mode makes for an ideal balance of shenanigans and grip, allowing you to drift with confidence. Buyers can even equip their M2s with BMW ConnectedDrive Services, which uses the M Laptimer app along with GoPro technology to measure a host of track performance data points.

2016 BMW M2

Most important is the M2’s nods toward the purist demographic – thankfully, this hot coupe is still available with BMW’s silky smooth 6-speed manual transmission. Buyers who opt for the manual will enjoy the added bonus of an auto rev-matching feature, which is fully defeatable should you want to practice your heel-toeing. Best of all, this M2’s hulking haunches, raked hood lines, and aggressive rear splitter are in perfect keeping with M design history.

Expect the M2 to hit showroom floors in spring 2016. Until then, contain your excitement for what could prove to be one of the most engaging, communicative M cars of the 21st century.

Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video review of the 2015 BMW M3/4.

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Frank Kosarek
Frank caught automotive fever early in life. Hailing from a long line of car fanatics, Frank was able to recite the year and model of every car that passed him by age five. His passion and love for the automobile have only grown since then. When not thinking about cars, he is reading, writing, learning, or dreaming about them. His area of expertise comes in the realm of German and Italian cars, of which Porsche is a favorite. Frank currently resides in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his family. He thoroughly enjoys driving exotic cars in the beautiful Carolina weather.