- UPDATE, May 27, 2022: BMW teases new M2 again
- The story to here
- April 24, 2022: BMW M2 teased, Mexican production confirmed
Snapshot
- New M2 to be produced at BMW’s plant in Mexico
- Next-gen coupe could produce as much as 317kW
- Latest teaser coincides with BMW M’s 50th birthday celebrations
UPDATE, May 27, 2022: BMW teases new M2 again
BMW has continued to preview its upcoming, second-generation 2023 M2 coupe, with the rear-wheel-drive sports car shown off drifting in the dark.
Having previously only teased the new M2 in camouflage, the latest BMW video briefly shows its upcoming model going sideways in an industrial area, while also showing a brief shot of its interior – albeit focusing on the driver.
The teaser comes as BMW’s M division marks its 50th year of operations this week, with the manufacturer telling its fans “get the presents” and to “get ready for playtime”.
Teasers from last year have hinted at the M2 scoring a more agressive body than its 2 Series base, as the model was refreshed roughly 12 months ago into its second generation.
It’s tipped power will come from the S58 engine which drives its bigger M3 and M4 stablemates, although a slight detune to “only” 317kW would ensure it doesn’t knock the more established nameplates too quickly.
A manual gearbox for the M2 has been all but confirmed, potentially making it one of BMW’s last performance cars to be sold with a row-your-own ‘box.
Be sure to follow Wheels for more updates on the 2023 BMW M2.
The story to here
April 24, 2022: BMW M2 teased, Mexican production confirmed
The 2023 BMW M2 performance coupe has been teased in Mexico gearing up for production.
Set for reveal before the end of 2022, production of the next-generation M2 will shift from Germany to join the 2 Series and 3 Series at BMW’s plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
The facility started operations in 2019, initially building North American versions of the 3 Series sedan, before expanding to manufacture the new-generation 2 Series for the global market in 2021.
A second production shift and 800 additional employees will be added by the year’s end to meet demand, with production increasing by nearly 25 per cent last year.
“We are very excited to be part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of M, now that our Mexican plant will build M vehicles for the whole world,” said Harald Gottsche, president and CEO of the plant.
“The high capacity of human talent in San Luis Potosí is once again demonstrated and our commitment to the growth and development of the state is renewed.”
Australian deliveries of the rear-wheel-drive M2 are likely to commence in 2023.
It is expected to feature a detuned version of BMW M’s latest 3.0-litre ‘S58’ twin-turbocharged inline-six, sourced from the M3 and M4.
The model differentiates from the regular, second-generation 2 Series with aggressive front and rear bumpers, flared wheel arches and quad tailpipes.
More angular front styling inspired by the Z4 and M8 will also feature, with little influence from the controversially big-grilled M3 and M4.
As reported by Wheels in September, the updated engine is expected to produce at least 317kW of power and 560Nm of torque in standard form, beating the 310kW/500Nm turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S.
This is an increase of 15kW over the similarly configured S55 engine underneath the outgoing M2 Competition, allowing for similar off-the-line performance in spite of the added heft of the new-generation model.
With the 2 Series and M2 based around the brand’s latest Cluster Architecture – also underpinning the 3 Series, Z4 and Toyota GR Supra among others – the mechanical layout remains identical to its predecessor, but adds the ability for BMW to add 48-volt electrification in the future.
Above: 2022 BMW M240i
The addition of a mild-hybrid system would assist with acceleration and efficiency, however, the M2 is tipped to initially launch without any electric assistance.
An eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, replacing the previous seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, will be joined by a six-speed manual.
The 2023 BMW M2 is expected to debut in the coming months, ahead of its Australian launch in 2023.