The M Division’s new managing director, Dr Friedrich Nitschke, revealed the car was key to his plans. Plus, it seems that it’s only the start.
The M2 model will be based on the brand’s F21 platform and has a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels.
A source also explained that BMW will not copy Audi’s “sausage factory” approach to design. This means the racy new 2 Series will get unique front and rear end styling, as images reveals.
The German carmaker is currently testing two engines: a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo, which offers around 350bhp and a second engine, which is an innovative tri-turbo, giving similar performance but better fuel economy. This will debut in a new X3M at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
BMW’s new model will have all-new DCT semi-automatic transmission, while the brakes will be taken from the current M3. To keep the newcomer’s weight to a minimum, the firm is expected to make extensive use of the advanced carbon fibre-reinforced plastics it has developed for its Project i cars. This material, which was first adopted on the E46 M3 CSL, is stronger than steel and yet extremely light. Beside this, it is much easier to repair than carbon fibre.
Nitschke stated: “In the 1M Coupe, we have a starter car for the M Division, and we are continuing to develop this project. Such models must be sporty, and offer extraordinarily low fuel consumption. This is something we could achieve with the M2. I think the 1M Coupe proves there is room for an M2, a coupe.”
Source: Autoexpress
2 comments
Well, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe is probably a pretty successful car, which is the only one bothered by the new M models, the engines are puffed up :-(. An M is a high-speed motor and should remain so 🙂 Oh yes to the M-Coupe would better fit the performance seats.
Yes, you’re right Daniel…