Next-gen G42 BMW M2 confirmed, baby M line-up to get over 420 hp; new AWD M2 Gran Coupe a possibility

Next-gen G42 BMW M2 confirmed, baby M line-up to get over 420 hp; new AWD M2 Gran Coupe a possibility

For those worried about the fate of the next-generation BMW M2, well, we bear great news. BMW has just given the green light for the second-generation M2 Coupé, and it’s due in 2022, Autocar reports.

The new M2 Coupé, internally known as the G42, is rumoured to get the S58 3.0 litre inline-six petrol engine, which replaces the current S55 unit. In the outgoing F87 M2 CS, the S55 engine – also a 3.0 litre straight-six – makes 450 hp and 550 Nm of torque, enabling a century sprint time of 4.0 seconds with the aid of a seven-speed DCT.

The new output hasn’t been specified, but word is the base M2 model will get around 426 hp, rivalling that of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S. A slight weight increase is expected, since the new 2 Series will grow slightly in dimensions, but BMW assures that the redline will be the same at 7,200 rpm.

Unlike the FAAR-based F44 2 Series line-up, the G42 M2 Coupe will adopt the automaker’s latest Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform with a longitudinal engine mounting. Again, this is great news for purists, and opens up the possibility for electrification. Sources say a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system may be employed to improve performance and efficiency, but its viability remains to be seen.

Next-gen G42 BMW M2 confirmed, baby M line-up to get over 420 hp; new AWD M2 Gran Coupe a possibility

The new M2 will use the new S58 3.0L twin-turbo straight-six engine

A six-speed manual will be offered as standard, plus an electronically controlled Active M Differential may be offered as well. BMW is considering the option of an eight-speed torque converter automatic to replace the seven-speed DCT, a move which will benefit mild-hybrid applications.

“We have some markets that are calling for an automatic option, but the overwhelming majority of our customers continue to see the manual gearbox as a must-have feature,” a BMW M source told the publication. It will remain rear-wheel driven as well, as part of BMW’s unrelenting push to position it as a puristic, circuit-bred model in the best of its tradition.

“It’s part of what makes the M2 unique in its market segment,” an insider said. “It’s also what our customers have come to expect from BMW M: a pure and undiluted driving experience.” Expected upgrades include additional stiffening measures thanks to suspension-strut tower-mounted beams for the front and rear, dynamic engine mounts, plus wider tracks.

Next-gen G42 BMW M2 confirmed, baby M line-up to get over 420 hp; new AWD M2 Gran Coupe a possibility

Design-wise, the M2 Coupé is said to get the same front face as the M235i Gran Coupé (seen above), with dominant features being the grille shape and headlights. However, it may get a more cab-rearward profile, a longer bonnet, and mixed tyre profile.

The M2 namesake is also rumoured to be joined by a four-door model for the first time, this being the M2 Gran Coupé. It’ll be based on the M235i Gran Coupé, with its B48 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine tuned to make around 400 hp. Also touted is a fully variable all-wheel drive system. Both of these will reportedly be transferred over to a new, range-topping 1 Series M.

The new compact Ms will serve as successors to the rear-wheel drive M240i Coupé. However, BMW M boss Markus Flasch previously stated that the B48 engine won’t be tuned beyond what’s offered with the M135i or M235i, but if that’s truly the case, BMW won’t have a direct rival to take on the compact Mercedes-AMG 45s. If you ask us, it’s only a matter of time before the B48 gets cranked to make north of 400 hp.


GALLERY: BMW 220d Gran Coupé
GALLERY: BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • vodka on Mar 09, 2020 at 3:27 pm

    BMW Motorsport needs an 50% more displacement and 50% more cyls to make about the same amount of power that Mercedes AMG can extract from their 2.0 ltr 4 banger. Audi RS needs 25% more. AMG is ahead of its rivals in the engine game.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • E36 M3 3.0L vs W202 C36 3.6L
      E46 M3 3.2L vs W203 C55 5.5L
      E93 M3 4.0L vs W204 C63 6.2L
      F80 M3 3.0L vs W205 C63 4.0L

      Learn the history dude.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
      • vodka on Mar 10, 2020 at 10:50 am

        Looking at history makes it even more impressive that AMG has totally leapfroged BMW. BMW is playing catchup. The industry is heading towards, smaller, more efficient but more powerful engines in parallel with electrification. An extremely tough engineering challenge.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Anonymous on Mar 10, 2020 at 5:02 am

      The TFG engine in the Koenigsegg Gemera makes up to 45% more power from 1 less cylinder than the AMG M139. It can run on pure alcohol fuel, pure petrol, or anywhere in between. And, it’s camless. AMG doesn’t look so great now does it?

      Well they still do. Engines are made to fulfill design goals. Koenigsegg wanted to make an efficient and clean GT engine. AMG wants the shock factor. BMW wants refinement. The M139 is impressive, but the S58 would have the natural smoothness of a straight-6.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

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