[Jason]

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Rumors of M235i Coupe and Other M Performance Models Coming to U.S.

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Ever since the introduction of the first M Performance cars (the new BMW model lineup slotting between the M models and regular series cars) earlier this year, we've been hearing and BMW has been hinting at such cars for the North American market.

Now that the first petrol model, the well-reviewed M135i (official info | reviews), has debuted, Autoweek is reporting that the M235i coupe will be the first M Performance model to arrive in the U.S. and Canada. The report states that the M235i coupe will start sales in the States in early 2014, after a debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. We think this may be too early of an estimate however, unless the M235i will be launched concurrently with the standard F22 2 series coupe (the model more likely to have the timing described in the report). The 1 series coupe and convertible are expected to be rebadged as the 2 series coupe / convertible for the next generation model.

M235i coupe is said to be coming with the same N55 engine configuration as the M135i - a turbo 3.0L inline-six rated at 316 horsepower, paried with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, but all-wheel drive may be offered in some markets. A convertible M235i is also rumored to be coming.

Keep in mind that a M235i coupe model will not be a replacement for an expected future M2 coupe model - the successor to the E82 1M Coupe. Instead, it's a model which can be viewed as the successor to the current 135is coupe, to slot in between the standard 235i coupe and the M2.

See the rumored lineup for the future FWD 1 Series, RWD 1 Series, and 2 Series models.

*Note: the image above is a speculative render only of a 2 Series Coupe, courtesy of site member Roger Lightness (hi-res version).

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[Rickster311]

Can't wait to see this.. Probably going to be underrated too.

[Jake C]

Hmm interesting. If that holds true ( I understand things are subject to change) then you would have a 235i, M235i, and M2. Smart move as it covers all the price points and I'm sure options. That would make the M2 a lean mean driving machine. Again if things hold true because the 235i and M235i would have 6cyl and the top of the range M2 would be a 4cyl. If I recall correctly that was the way the M2 was looking a few months back. I think it would take some people a while to wrap their heads around that. But I think it could lead to some exciting possibilities.

- J

[pokerface]

That render is not bad! E92 coupe rear, 1 series F20 headlamps on an otherwise pug nose. hmmm

[tony20009]

At the rate BMW are going, one'll need a damn bachelor's degree to understand which model is which and which model one wants.

[aajami]

It'll be very interesting to see how BMW positions the M235i, equipped with a juiced 6-cylinder N55, against the upmarket M2, equipped with a juiced 4-cylinder N20.

The F2X that I'm most interested in, though, is the rumored 2-series Gran Coupe. That would be the true spiritual successor to the E46 sedan.

[amirz1000]

Originally Posted by aajami

It'll be very interesting to see how BMW positions the M235i, equipped with a juiced 6-cylinder N55, against the upmarket M2, equipped with a juiced 4-cylinder N20.

The F2X that I'm most interested in, though, is the rumored 2-series Gran Coupe. That would be the true spiritual successor to the E46 sedan.

Why would you think the M2 would get a 4 cylinder? I can't see that happening if there is an M235 with a 6

[09BlkSapphire]

Originally Posted by amirz1000

Why would you think the M2 would get a 4 cylinder? I can't see that happening if there is an M235 with a 6

Because of this:

New BMW M2 (1M replacement) might be a turbo four banger... ?

[SoCali E90]

I don't care if they make it a M2(squared) just as long as they keep those headlights away from the rest of the 1,2 series.

[宝马.e90]

The present-day E46?

[amirz1000]

Originally Posted by 09BlkSapphire

Because of this:

New BMW M2 (1M replacement) might be a turbo four banger... ?

Ok but it also says the 4 banger will have less power than the current 1m. So what you are saying is that there will be an M235 with more power than an M2? no chance. Either there will be both M235 and M2 powered by I6's or there won't me an M2

[DimSum]

could be one of my next cars.. damn that render looks good.

[Cuz5150]

hmmm BMW loves to stir the US market with rumors like that. I will not hold my breathe.

[Augenbrauezug]

Here's hoping the real car looks anything like the render. Love at first sight.

[carve29]

Call it what you want technically but doesn't the 335is already fit this category in the US?

[red-sauerkraut]

Nope, the 135is does it currently.

Originally Posted by carve29

Call it what you want technically but doesn't the 335is already fit this category in the US?

[ATX78703]

LAME.....

So you're telling me there are a total of 6 M performance models available right now in Europe and we have to wait till mid 2014 for a freakin M235i !?!?! Total B.S.

What's worse is there is really no excuse for this as this N55HP is basically just sitting around and already in other models. I was really hoping that M335i or X3 M35i or something was in the works for earlier release. We have like no production schedule on the upcoming 2er and this magazine is claiming that will be the first north-american M-performance model....

[Diver]

Considering that the M135i hatch is a reality in Europe, and a 235i seems almost certain for the US, an M235i coupe in the US does not seem like a stretch. It would be a tasty car indeed. I don't think that the M-Sport (or whatever it is going to be called) line dilutes the M brand. The high end consumer can discern between an M enhanced model and a full on M car.

[Nang Vann]

Looks pretty sweet

[aajami]

Originally Posted by amirz1000

Ok but it also says the 4 banger will have less power than the current 1m. So what you are saying is that there will be an M235 with more power than an M2? no chance. Either there will be both M235 and M2 powered by I6's or there won't me an M2

Scott26 has said on several occasions that the M2 will have a 4-cylinder engine while lower-market 2-series (like the 235i and M235) will come equipped with 6-cylinder engines. Remember that it was the same way with the E30. The 325i came with a 6-cylinder M20 engine whereas the M3 came with a 4-cylinder S14.

As for the power differences between the F22 M2 and the E82 1M, there are perhaps two things to consider. First, the 1M was a limited production car that only existed for one MY during the E82's life cycle, so it might not be considered a direct predecessor to the M2 by the folks at BMW. Or at least, they would use that reasoning as the excuse for why a slight power dip by the M2 might be acceptable. Second, these figures that we're quoting are all just targets and rumors. Even Scott26 himself has said that things may change. So for all we know, the F22 M2 might get an ultra-juiced version of the N20 that will produce equal or greater power than the 1M. Or, as you state, the gap between the M235 and M2 might be too narrow to establish a clear market segment, and BMW might nix one of them (as they recently did with the X1 M35i and the X3M).

Time will tell

[aajami]

Originally Posted by carve29

Call it what you want technically but doesn't the 335is already fit this category in the US?

The F22 M235i will be the successor to the E82 135is.

The E92 335is will be replaced with the F32 M435i/M440i.

[amirz1000]

Originally Posted by aajami

Scott26 has said on several occasions that the M2 will have a 4-cylinder engine while lower-market 2-series (like the 235i and M235) will come equipped with 6-cylinder engines. Remember that it was the same way with the E30. The 325i came with a 6-cylinder M20 engine whereas the M3 came with a 4-cylinder S14.

As for the power differences between the F22 M2 and the E82 1M, there are perhaps two things to consider. First, the 1M was a limited production car that only existed for one MY during the E82's life cycle, so it might not be considered a direct predecessor to the M2 by the folks at BMW. Or at least, they would use that reasoning as the excuse for why a slight power dip by the M2 might be acceptable. Second, these figures that we're quoting are all just targets and rumors. Even Scott26 himself has said that things may change. So for all we know, the F22 M2 might get an ultra-juiced version of the N20 that will produce equal or greater power than the 1M. Or, as you state, the gap between the M235 and M2 might be too narrow to establish a clear market segment, and BMW might nix one of them (as they recently did with the X1 M35i and the X3M).

Time will tell

For sure. Guess we'll have to wait and see!