[alexmtl_135i]

Something very interesting in this interview: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=866768

MT: What about below the M3 and M4?
FN (Friedrich Nitschke): There’s no decision yet. But I absolutely want to develop a successor model to the 1 Series M Coupe. I have all the components I need – the powertrain, chassis. In the near future you will know. We can’t call it the M1, because that number is for the special mid-engined car, but there is M2, isn’t there?

MT: What about a four-cylinder M car?
FN: Not in the near future. But it’s possible. Our engines are modular.


So he kind of confirms the M2, and he seems to confirm that it won't be a 4 cylinders.
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[bimmerjph]

Thats disappointing, I was really looking forward to an S20.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

Thats disappointing, I was really looking forward to an S20.

Agreed, I think we're still at least one or two generations from light BMWs.

[BimmerMat135]

Good news I wasn`t even going to consider this car with a 4 cyl.

[Variance]

Well, this is disappointing news; a relatively light, nimble coupe with a 300-350 HP 4-banger would have been a joy to drive.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by BimmerMat135

Good news I wasn`t even going to consider this car with a 4 cyl.

So what do you want, just a mildly handicapped M3/M4? Not trying to be rude, I just wish there was more separation between the M2 and M4. A lightweight, 4 cylinder M2 was a lot more appealing than a dumbed down M4.

[amdmaxx]

glad Inline 6 is whats going there, if we are reading correctly. Maybe a detuned variation of M3/M4 engine.. Going to be good.. very good.. and smooth..

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

So what do you want, just a mildly handicapped M3/M4? Not trying to be rude, I just wish there was more separation between the M2 and M4. A lightweight, 4 cylinder M2 was a lot more appealing than a dumbed down M4.

+1

I mean with the power levels we are talking about here (roughly in the area of 350hp) that would be what? An exhaust and a tune? Not really an M engine. Plus you would have more weight in one of the worst places to have weight, high and up front. I mean its not like the N55 is renowned for its sound either. I mean its not bad, but it can't hold a candle to inline sixes of yore.

An S20 would be lighter, more responsive, and most importantly more special than a lightly tuned N55 engine.

[BimmerMat135]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

So what do you want, just a mildly handicapped M3/M4? Not trying to be rude, I just wish there was more separation between the M2 and M4. A lightweight, 4 cylinder M2 was a lot more appealing than a dumbed down M4.

I want something that sound good first of all And I've never heard a good sounding 4 cyl so far. I also want something that is easy to tune If they give us a detuned m3/m4 engine that will be such a good base in order to achieve impressive power figures.

[IS3andME]

Originally Posted by amdmaxx

glad Inline 6 is whats going there, if we are reading correctly. Maybe a detuned variation of M3/M4 engine.. Going to be good.. very good.. and smooth..

Would be funny, if they did something "unethical" for BMW in today's world and went with a NA I6...remember "no dogmas", which means exactly that...
But, he did say that they already have the engine and the chassis..so it's probably a no go on that...unless they used the 3 cylinder engine.

[scheneider]

Yay! No m3/4 for me, what i learn so far is smaller M always drives better than the bigger ones

[alexmtl_135i]

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

+1

I mean with the power levels we are talking about here (roughly in the area of 350hp) that would be what? An exhaust and a tune? Not really an M engine. Plus you would have more weight in one of the worst places to have weight, high and up front. I mean its not like the N55 is renowned for its sound either. I mean its not bad, but it can't hold a candle to inline sixes of yore.

An S20 would be lighter, more responsive, and most importantly more special than a lightly tuned N55 engine.

Well the N55 actually sounds better than the N54, the engine which is on the 1M.
The 1M also "didn't have an M engine", but the car was and still is incredibly good. I would take a 1M over an M3 personally.

Also, the S20 would never have the responsiveness of a turbo 6 if we're talking about 350hp. We can see the A45 AMG, it's a great engine but not as smooth as the N55.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by alexmtl_135i

Well the N55 actually sounds better than the N54, the engine which is on the 1M.

Having owned both engines, I don't agree. The N54 sounded better than the N55. The N55 has more immediate boominess, but sounds even more taxed out at upper rpms, just as dynos prove. It is more efficient, for what that's worth.

S2000's sound pretty good, as do a lot of Honda/Acura 4's. I'm partial to flat fours too, but of course BMW's won't sound a thing like that. Most DI engines sound awful at idle anyway. I'd take a lighter, higher revving and cleaner motor than a lazier, larger and torquier engine too.

[SCOTT26]

I should point out that the M2 is also not in the "near future"...

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

I should point out that the M2 is also not in the "near future"...

Fair point, can you say if we'll see the 2 GC before the M2?

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

I should point out that the M2 is also not in the "near future"...

So it is not soon BMW will get my money.

[utenigma]

Originally Posted by Levi

So it is not soon BMW will get my money.

+1

I'm already making plans for a EU delivery trip

2015 feels about right

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by utenigma

+1

I'm already making plans for a EU delivery trip

2015 feels about right

Same here. If they do the M2 right, I'm considering purchasing new, EU delivery.

[BimmerMat135]

Originally Posted by bplewis24

Same here. If they do the M2 right, I'm considering purchasing new, EU delivery.

+1 Same plan for me!

[Jake C]

I think that Scott's hint is a cryptic message that the M2 may not come with the N55 if it does come with a 6cyl.

Just a guess.

- J

[hector]

Originally Posted by Jake C

I think that Scott's hint is a cryptic message that the M2 may not come with the N55 if it does come with a 6cyl.

Just a guess.

- J

wadr, my interpretation is that it COULD come with a 4 cylinder since it won't be in the near future. on a tangentially related point; it's been postulated that because the m235 will have a 6cyl., that a 4cyl. m2 is illogical. perhaps that is valid but it assumes that the 6cyl m235 will continue to exist when the m2 comes out. while i believe that bmw intends to have m performance models alongside m models, i could envision the m performance 2 series "retreating" to 4 cylinders.

[alexmtl_135i]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

I should point out that the M2 is also not in the "near future"...

Damn