Report: BMW 1-Series M-Coupe successor to be called the M2, expected to be due in 2015

AutoExpressUK has reportedly learned some follow-up details surrounding the successor to the much loved and limited production BMW 1-Series M-Coupe. We’ve already heard previous reports that BMW’s own Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, the head honcho for the entire M-Division, openly expressed interest in a next generation model.

And to follow up, word is that the BMW 1-Series M-Coupe successor will don the new 2-Series nomenclature after BMW’s restructuring. Resultantly, the new car’s name will be referred to as the BMW “M2.” It will be based off of the future 2-Series, which is slated to be the successor to the 1-Series coupe in general. Though details suggest that BMW will have two M-treated models, with the M2 being the signature model to get the full M treatment, and a lesser M-Sport-packaged M235i.

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Check out more news on the BMW 1-Series M Coupe.

The M235i is already set to utilize an updated version of BMW’s current 3.0L turbocharged inline-six for a figure around 316hp. The M2 on the other hand will use an engine based off of the same version, except with a power figure around 350hp. That power is expected to be channeled through either a seven-speed dual-clutch auto or a standard manual for the M2. To improve performance, the M2 is also expected to go on a diet as well when compared to lesser models, with rumors involving the use of carbon fiber paneling.

Additionally, the future M2-to-be will utilize a mechanical limited-slip differential unlike the industry’s usual trend of electrically controlled differentials with torque vectoring and individual braking, which just aren’t quite the same as mechanical LSDs.

Suspension wise, BMW is said to be firming up the spring rates of the suspension when compared to the last model to provide a much more focused performance drive.

So while the 2-Series has yet to be unveiled, a launch date is projected to occur sometime in 2014 with the M2 most likely starting life in 2015.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoExpressUK