The M2 is BMW's latest sharply styled performance coupe (pictures)
The successor to the 1 Series M, the 2016 BMW M2 is a 365-horsepower compact sport coupe that won't put you into financial ruin.
The BMW M2 is much wider than the 2 Series on which it's based -- 2.1 inches in the front, and 3.1 inches in the back, to be specific.
To keep the curb weight as low as possible, BMW utilized aluminum in several suspension and undercarriage components.
The M2's tires measure 245mm up front and 265mm in back. Now you know why the bodywork is so much wider.
As with every other current M car, the M2 features BMW's distinctive quad-tailpipe layout.
The M2's brakes are large for a car of any size, with a 15-inch diameter in front and a 14.5-inch diameter in the rear.
The M2's interior is largely similar to the standard 2 Series, albeit with several M-specific tweaks, including unique gauges.
M2 drivers will be able to adjust a wide variety of attributes, including steering weight and transmission shift speed.
The M2's sport seats feature unique blue stitching and more bolstering than the standard version.
The twin-scroll turbocharger bolted to the M2's six-cylinder engine provides the benefits of twin turbochargers without the complexity or cost.
Packing 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque, the M2 will shoot to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (manual variants achieve that speed in 4.4 seconds).
An overboost function will temporarily raise the M2's torque output to 369 pound-feet between 1,450rpm and 4,750rpm.
If safety is a concern, the M2 comes with a wide variety of available safety tech, including lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, rear parking sensors and a backup camera.
The M2 also comes with an electronic limited-slip differential with several different modes. Yes, there is a setting that'll let you drift with impunity.
No matter how you spec it out, the M2 is limited to a 155 mph top speed.
If you're not the most coordinated track rat, BMW's manual transmission will take care of the heel-toe work, matching the revs on every downshift automatically.
Pricing has not yet been disclosed, but it will be available closer to the M2's Spring 2016 release date.
The final curb weight figures for the M2 are 3,450 pounds with the dual-clutch automatic, and 3,505 pounds with the six-speed manual.
The M2 isn't limited to Germany -- buyers in the US, UK, Australia and elsewhere around the world can get in on the fun.
Your green sensibilities will be happy to know that the M2 comes standard with stop-start technology.
Are you a bit of a show-off? There's an optional bit of software that will let you sync your GoPro to the infotainment display.
Not really a blue kind of person? Don't worry, you have a whopping three other exterior colors from which to choose.