BMW’s Next RWD M2 Coupe Gets Green Lit, Along With AWD M2 Gran Coupe And 1M Hatch

BMW has reportedly given the green light for the next-generation M2 Coupe, which will retain its rear-drive architecture unlike the rest of the 2-Series models which transitioned on the FWD FAAR platform.

The new BMW M2 Coupe, which is expected to go on sale in Europe in 2022, will be built upon the company’s CLAR architecture. The chassis is expected to be heavily related to that of the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra, Autocar reports.

Power will be provided by a detuned version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter S58 six-cylinder engine found in the X3 M, X4 M and the upcoming M3 and M4 models. Under the bonnet of the second-generation M2 the powerplant is expected to produce at least 420 HP, or 15 HP more than the current M2 Competition.

Both manual and automatic transmission options will be offered, while the new M2 Coupe will also adopt a 48-volt electrical architecture to support the company’s mild-hybrid technologies.

Fully Fledged M Variants Of 1-Series And 2-Series Gran Coupe With AWD

In addition, and unlike previous reports on the matter, BMW is said to offer a fully-fledged M variant of the four-door Gran Coupe and of the five-door 1-Series, as an answer to the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45.

These will use a modified 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine making around 400 HP to all four wheels via a fully variable all-wheel drive system.

While there’s no doubt that the angriest Gran Coupe will adopt the M2 badge, the 1-Series will avoid the historic M1 nameplate once again and most likely will bring back the 1M badge that was first used in the 2011 1M Coupe.

We’ve been hearing for quite some time now that the next M2 Coupe will remain a proper six-cylinder rear-drive performance car, but the news of the 1-Series and 2-Series Gran Coupe getting the full M treatment will be taken with a grain of salt, at least for now.