Photography by J.A. Ackley
3,814lbs with the manual
BMW gave the media its first in-person look at the M2 on Thursday night. This example was covered in the striking Zandvoort Blue, which is exclusive to the M2.
“It’s a purist’s car, it’s a driver’s car,” said John Kelly, product manager for the M line. “It’s a car that’s focused on rewarding the driver, having fun.”
[Here it is: The all-new, second-gen BMW M2 ]
The interior looks just like every other BMW's, making it familiar for BMW enthusiasts and also very intuitive for all drivers.
This car had the Carbon package, which includes M carbon-fiber seats clad in Merino leather, like what you'd find in an M3. These seats look, feel and function like racing seats. Thus, they trade comfort for performance–keeping you from sliding as you hurl the car around corners.
One caveat: If you have a bigger butt than the average driver–like my 6′4″ frame has–you might find these a tad too tight, digging into your hip bones. However, as in most BMWs, especially the M cars, there’s plenty of headroom for someone of my stature, even with a helmet on.
The biggest takeaway about the interior is the addition of that third pedal and a stick shift. While the six-speed manual version saves you 53 pounds over the eight-speed Steptronic automatic, it’ll cost you 0.2 seconds from zero to 60.
Back to that Carbon package–it includes a carbon-fiber roof, saving 40 pounds compared to the standard fiberglass one. That's a substantial amount of weight to lose from an advantageous spot, as it lowers your center of gravity.
Weight savings also come from other areas.
“We have an aluminum center section hub,” Kelly said. “One of the benefits of that is lower unsprung weight, which is one of the reasons why the car has such precise, nimble characteristics.”
Looking at it in-person versus photos, another feature also grabs your attention: flared wheel wells.
“The track [width] is an inch and a half wider than the previous generation,” said Kelly. “It’s much wider than the standard 2 Series. The reason for that is it carries subframes, axles, suspension straight from an M4. So it’s really wide, but with a shorter wheelbase.”
The M2 is set to go into production in a few weeks and to go on sale in April 2023. If it’s anything like the M4, it should feel incredibly light and nimble as you wheel it around a track.
3,814lbs with the manual
mr2peak said:3,814lbs with the manual
what a porker!
mr2peak said:3,814lbs with the manual
Carbon roof, carbon seats, aluminum drivetrain parts, is the frame made of osmium?
I can't be the only person who saw the front end pic and thought 2005 Dodge Charger, can I?
Trent said:I can't be the only person who saw the front end pic and thought 2005 Dodge Charger, can I?
I see what you're seeing, but my first thought was that it looks like someone made a BMW from Legos.
In reply to Trent :
I thought they got a body kit from Ali Express or Pep Boys.
The dash is full of tv screens. I hate it. BMW loses me more with every new "unveiling".
I am struggling to feel excited about this car even though it has sweet box flares.
When the 1M came out, it was like BMW returned to form with an absolutely ridiculous and unnecessary M car. Then the first M2 came out and we could all actually buy the 1M we wanted. Now this one comes out and it is a frumpy looking M2 CS at a lower price but with more depreciation. I am sure the styling will get better with time. On the other hand, an M2 CS probably has a lower cost of ownership if I plan on keeping the car for less than 5 years.
Am I just jaded from too many similar cars? I am sure it drives great and is 3% faster than the outgoing car but I think I am going to keep pouring money into my old BMWs instead. Maybe this is what it is like to feel old.
jesus that dashboard, let alone the styling. I would imagine it still drives pretty well, but BMW has done a pretty comprehensive job of alienating me from the brand. And BMWs are what got me into cars in the first place.
this is what the front end says to me: (Altima SE R if the pic doesn't work)
J.A. Ackley said:
why are there two brake pedals?
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