New BMW M2 to pack 280kW: report

BMW’S upcoming 2 Series-based M2 Coupe will be powered by a new 280kW inline turbo six-cylinder engine, which could leave its four- and five-cylinder German rivals struggling to keep up, according to UK publication Autocar.

Sitting above the current range-topping M235i, the newest M car will replace the discontinued 1M when it goes on sale in Australia possibly in early 2016, after a likely Frankfurt motor show debut next year.

The M2 will go head-to-head with Mercedes-Benz’s 265kW/450Nm four-cylinder turbo-petrol A45 AMG and Audi’s imminent RS3 that is tipped to pack 260kW.

The M2 will reportedly be powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol six-cylinder engine, but details remain under wraps.

Autocar has reported that BMW M Division insiders have revealed the early M2 prototypes are running a tune which produces 280kW.

The 3.0-litre inline six in the M235i makes 245kW and 450Nm, while the enhanced version in the M3 and M4 produces 317kW and 550Nm.

While those engines are based on the N55 powerplant, the M2’s will be an all-new unit code-named S57 B30, which is derived from the B57 debuting in the sixth-generation 7 Series.

A six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will be available to send power to the rear wheels.

Distinguishing the M2 from its M235i sibling visually will be a tougher body kit with M-designed front and rear bumpers, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Although BMW engineers will likely ensure it won’t be able to match the M3 and M4’s 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds, the M2 will slide under the 4.8 seconds of the M235i and could well trump the 4.6 seconds of Benz’s A45 AMG.