Soon-to-be unveiled BMW coupe a little flyer

The worst kept secret in Bavaria is the BMW M2 coupe, and it will break cover at the Detroit motor show in January.

The Bavarian premium giant has finally relented after being bombarded with pleas for a smaller, lighter, more agile machine than its entry-level M3 and M4 models.

So it will front up in Detroit with a new baby rear-drive coupe, based on the 2-Series bodyshell, complete with a 272bhp, 465Nm turbo- charged inline six cylinder engine and all the software tech it needs to drift controllably for rear tyre after rear tyre.

BMW claims the little coupe will punch to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds and though it’s governed to 250km/h, the top speed can be bumped up to 270km/h with a Driver’s Package option.

A full 40 years after the 2002 turbo, the M2 coupe is BMW’s attempt to skip over the original non-turbo M3 generations and all the way back to a giant-slaying turbo tearaway. And it just might be right.

There is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to deliver the power and torque, which can overboost to 500Nm for short bursts, to the rear axle, where a limited-slip diff waits to distribute it all. And, for the holdouts (including most of the office here), there’s a six-speed manual, which is a touch slower and thirstier than the DCT, but lighter, with more pedals to pump.

Power peak

The power peak builds to 6,500rpm (well down on the M3’s 7,300rpm) and the DCT versions have a launch-control system to unleash it most effectively.

In fairness to the little flyer, that’s more power than the M3 had until 2007 and more torque than it had until 2013.

The M division engineers claim it fits in with a more eco-conscious world, delivering an official figure of 7.8 litres/100km and emissions of 185 grams of CO2/km.

It will make use of the M3’s hardware “modules” to take care of the ride and handling, though its shorter wheelbase promises to deliver a more nimble package and far lighter weight.

The suspension is mostly aluminium at each corner, with the front and rear axle setups both taken directly from the M3/M4 twins, so there’s a steel rear axle carrier bolted directly (no bushes) to the body and a five-link rear axle system.

It uses a combination of the electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, the dynamic stability control software safety net and the MDM (M dynamic mode) button to deliver easily controlled drifts on racetracks. When the car recognises it’s underdrift conditions, it switches the diff from limited-slip to full lock.

The little rocket rides on 19-inch forged alloy rims (similar to the M3) and uses an electronic steering system with two settings.

Styling cues

The car is dripping with M styling cues, including the low front apron and deep, fat air intakes, plus thick wheel arch extensions blended into the body and twin tailpipes.

The cabin drips with Alcantara and leather, with dedicated M Sports steering wheel and gear levers, plus internet connectivity when you’re not busy tearing up rear boots.

Its “connected drive” software is even set up to deliver a GoPro app for hot lappers, and there’s a lap-timer application allowing drivers to share their data on social media or via email. If you try anything off track of course, then it will provide useful evidence in the inevitable court case as well.