The 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine and brake system from the M3 and M4 vehicles will be used in the M2. Six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions will be available for the BMW M2.
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Overview
The 2023 BMW M2, which has rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission that is an option, is anticipated to maintain the enjoyable driving characteristics of its predecessor. While the latest M2 is built on the same platform as the standard BMW 2-series, it is once again designed to deliver optimum performance. It will not only feature a more unique design and a chassis that has been particularly calibrated, but its twin-turbocharged inline-six engine should produce more horsepower than the outgoing M2 Competition’s 405 horsepower. The 2023 M2 will come with both a manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission. What other information is there regarding the two-door coupe? We’ll just have to wait till BMW makes them public.
Rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission will be available on the G87 BMW M2.
Recently, there have been some reports spreading online that the upcoming BMW M2 (G87) will offer xDrive all-wheel drive as an option. However, because of our sources, we are aware that is untrue, therefore we felt the need to elaborate. Contrary to what you may have read online from many sources, the new M2 will solely drive the back wheels.
There are valid reasons to believe that the upcoming BMW M2 will include all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is already a feature available on the BMW M3 and M4, so it seems sense that the M2 will follow suit. The new G87 BMW M2 will also be constructed on a modified version of the current M3 and M4’s CLAR architecture.
But it won’t actually happen like that. The new M2 will instead be built to be the final member of the venerable group of rear-drive, front-engine sports cars with manual transmissions. That’s correct, despite the fact that everything today seems to be going automatic-only, the G87 M2 will maintain the manual transmission.
A variation of the S58 engine used in the new BMW M3 and M4 will power the BMW M2. According to our sources, the engine is a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-six that will likely produce 480–490 PS (about 480 horsepower). The amount of power it will have is absolutely astounding. The M2 will weigh less and have a shorter wheelbase, but it will be more than the normal M3 and M4. Therefore, it ought to be a true hooligan.
Ironically, given all of its power, the BMW M2 might certainly benefit from all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive would turn it into a complete performance weapon with its damn-near 500 horsepower in such a compact, short car. It’s intriguing that BMW isn’t using the same type of drivetrain as Mercedes-AMG and Audi, both of which compete with the M2 and have all-wheel drive. However, the upcoming M2 will only be rear-drive and come with a manual transmission. The final refuge for classic BMW excellence.
spy images of the 2023 BMW M2 Coupe gallery
For the next M2, BMW is keeping the manual transmission alive and offering the clutch pedal in addition to an optional setup with an eight-speed automatic transmission to appease both worlds. The coupe is expected to be a little bit heavier and larger than the M4, despite not being mentioned in the report. For better handling, a carbon fiber roof should help offset some of the weight gains and reduce the center of gravity.
Customers would be able to choose from a range of 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, according to the same article. Individual colors, which are now only available on larger, more expensive models, are reportedly making their debut on the M2 for buyers looking to spend extra for a more exclusive paint job.
BMW is also making some significant production-related modifications, with the Euro-spec M2 being produced at the Leipzig factory in Germany and the North American version being put together at the San Luis Potosi factory in Mexico. The latter has a production capability of up to 175,000 vehicles annually and has been active since 2019 with the current-generation 3 Series Sedan.
According to reports, the new M2 will begin production in December 2022 and follow the previously teased standard 2 Series Coupe, which will make its premiere in the coming weeks.
The BMW M2 is available in manual.
There are two trim levels for the BMW 2-Series: 230i and M240i. Both are available as convertibles or 2-door coupes. Although xDrive all-wheel drive is an option on both trims, both vehicles have rear-wheel drive. A 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 248 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque powers the 230i. The 3.0L straight-six turbocharged engine in the M240i generates 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is a free option on both models, while an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard on both vehicles.
The 2-Series’ goal is in large part to be enjoyable to drive. This has been accomplished by BMW using an entirely independent suspension system with a 5-link rear suspension system, which is a somewhat uncommon feature in this class. Thus, in addition to being quite swift in a straight line, the 2-Series is able to out-handle most of its rivals. Body roll, dive, and squat are all effectively managed without degrading the ride comfort of the vehicle.
The BMW 230i is the less impressive of the two models, but it still comes with a respectable amount of equipment. 6.5-inch full-color display, a USB port, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for the stereo and Bluetooth setup, automatic climate control, and a memory system that remembers the driver’s preferred settings for everything are all included as standard features. Larger wheels, a rear spoiler, better suspension tuning, and other features are available as Sport Line or M Sport upgrades for the 230i.
Starting with the more powerful engine, of course, the M240i comes with superior equipment. The M240i also has larger brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, front seats that can be adjusted in 10 different ways with power, a sports instrument cluster, and dynamic cruise control.
Leather seating surfaces, satellite radio, heated seats, a sunroof, a Harman/Kardon luxury sound system, and concierge services are all available extras for the 2-Series. A navigation system with real-time traffic updates and access to BMW apps are included in the technology package, which also includes a driver assistance package with parking sensors and a rear-facing camera. Adaptive M Suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are included in the Track Handling Package.
Similar to their coupe predecessors, the 2-Series convertibles in both 230i and M240i form have a power-operated top that raises or lowers in less than 20 seconds.
Anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control, and numerous airbags are among the safety features. An emergency request system that will trigger in the case of a collision is also standard on the BMW 2-Series. The system has a 10-year subscription included.
All BMW M vehicles are manual.
BMW is going to keep the manual, but you’ll definitely need to put some money down to acquire one since M cars may be the only BMWs that do so. Frank van Meel, the head of M Division, told Autocar that he was happy that half of all orders for the new M2 coupe were for the manual gearbox model and that he understood why drivers yearned for the connection and challenge that a manual-equipped performance car offers.
“Technically speaking, there isn’t much of a purpose to keep it. Compared to the alternative, it uses more gasoline and is heavier and slower “He said to the British publication. “But the handbook is extremely popular with both customers and fans. The relationship helps them show that they can tame the beast, which is the objective. We want to maintain it, “He assured.
The M4 and the M3 are the only BMW models currently offered with a six-speed manual option, as opposed to the standard eight-speed automatic; and even in those cars, the three-pedal option is restricted to the lower-powered, non-Competition trims. This is until the 2023 M2 arrives in showrooms at the end of 2022. Although their availability is dwindling over time, BMW does still provide manual transmissions on some non-M vehicles in Europe.
Van Meel stated to Autocar that “people want to say they can handle the beast.” “A manual gearbox is part of that,” the person said. “If they have a method of proving they can do that, then they want it.”
“We enjoy manual gearboxes because it adds to the emotive appeal of our cars. The US is the largest market, so it’s wonderful if consumers keep saying they want it there.”
But only if you can afford a full-fledged M vehicle is it spectacular. Ironically, purchasers of less expensive BMWs will have to face the fact that their vehicles will only be offered with automatic transmissions, a technology that was formerly an expensive add-on and the distinguishing feature of a high-end car. Even the M240i, the M2’s younger sibling, is only offered as an automatic.
Van Meel omitted addressing whether BMW will continue to support manual transmissions in the age of electric vehicles. According to earlier statements made by the manufacturer, the M2 will be the final M car to lack electrification. Toyota is developing a simulated manual transmission for performance electric vehicles, and we’d love to see BMW follow suit when it is forced to discontinue the real thing.
Is the BMW M2 automatic?
A twin-turbo inline-six will power the new M2, but it should be more potent than the current model, which had a 3.0-liter with 405 horsepower on the Competition edition. If we had to hazard an estimate, we’d think the new engine will produce around mid-400 horsepower. Either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic will power the new M2’s rear wheels. Naturally, it wouldn’t be a M vehicle without a specifically adjusted suspension and other chassis upgrades that make it the 2-series model that circles a racetrack the fastest. In Austria, we got the opportunity to test drive a prototype M2, but regrettably, the weather prevented us from doing so. We’ll update this article with our driving observations and further powertrain information whenever we have another opportunity to drive the M2.
Is the M3 available in manual?
The 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo in the M3 sedan is similar to that in the forthcoming M4 coupe. The standard model delivers 406 pound-feet of torque and 473 horsepower to the rear wheels. There is only a six-speed manual transmission available. Even more potent, the M3 Competition’s engine produces 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, but it can only be ordered with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the M3 Comp, but an all-wheel-drive system with a rear-drive mode is also an option. Every M3 also has adjustable brake pedal feel and adaptive dampers. Also available for the sedan are even more powerful carbon-ceramic brakes with stylish gold-painted calipers. Both the normal M3 and the Competition model impressed us on our first drive thanks to their propensity for performing outrageous drifts, which the optional M Drift Analyzer encouraged (part of the M Drive professional package). We also developed a liking for the manual gearbox’s smooth changes, and we were as thrilled with the engine’s strong acceleration. The M3 doesn’t quite immerse the driver as much as the noisy Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, though.
Are any BMWS from 2022 manual?
The fact that the M3 sedan is a sedan is the sole reason I ranked it better than the Toyota. It’s amazing that a rear-wheel-drive, four-door BMW M3 with a manual transmission will still be available in 2022. The GR86 is fantastic to drive—by yourself. It’s terrible for placing kids in the rear, though. In contrast, the M3’s back seat can easily accommodate two car seats and comfortably accommodates two children. All the while having a manual transmission, being speedy, and entertaining. Despite how terrible the manual is and how sterile the manual seems, the manual M3 is still a fantastic overall package that is difficult to surpass.