The new BMW M2 debuted in October, reportedly on the 11th. A member of Bimmer’s post the forum did some digging and found internal documents showing the S58 twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six making 453 horsepower (338 kilowatts) in this application.
If these documents are accurate, it means the S58 version on the M2 is slightly less powerful than the app on the X3 M and X4 M. The manufacturer’s variant has 473 hp (353 kW). While the listing doesn’t show torque figures for the M2, the powerplant in the performance crossover has 457 pound-feet (620 Newton-meters).
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The internal listing doesn’t list the M2 gearbox, but it says drive as “Heck,” which is the German word for rear or tail. This means the model is rear-wheel drive.
Previously leaked technical documents suggest that the all-wheel-drive M2 is also finally happening. The system allegedly has five driving modes. Torque distribution prioritizes sending output to the rear wheels until additional traction is required.
Judging by the camouflaged prototype (above), the M2 has more inlets in the lower fascia and horizontal slats in the upper grille. The ride height is lower than the regular Series 2, and the fender flares are more prominent. The quad exhaust outlets are under the rear bumper.
If the regular M2 doesn’t appeal to you enough, there are rumors about BMW developing a hotter version that might sport the CS or CSL moniker. This will reportedly push the engine output to 473 hp (353 kW). Only an eight-speed automatic gearbox turning the rear wheels will be available. In addition to the extra power, there will be tweaks to the suspension and brakes. We don’t have details yet on when this model will debut.
BMW M division boss Frank van Meel insists that the new M2 is almost the end of the team’s pure combustion-powered offering. Although, the upcoming limited CSL 3.0 seems to be the real finale. We already know that the next-generation M5 adopts a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
