[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by JasonCSU

I may decide I prefer the smaller size and look of the M2, or I may fall in love with the sound and feel of the V8 in the GT350. I may even decide on the AWD route again and go with an STi, saving some cash in the process.

Or, you can do what I did and put a V8 in a Subaru!

Back OT. I love the idea of the M2, but I cant wait that long...I'll get a M235i while the gettin is good.

[W///]

Originally Posted by JasonCSU

From the standpoint of performance directly between the two, I certainly understand they will be in different leagues. My point was that I love all cars built with the intent on performance, so I will consider everything out there within my price range. I may decide I prefer the smaller size and look of the M2, or I may fall in love with the sound and feel of the V8 in the GT350. I may even decide on the AWD route again and go with an STi, saving some cash in the process.

I'm not that different. I wouldn't mind a used Cayman GTS either when they finally come down in price. We'll see what happens. I just don't think I want another V8 coupe to add to the E92 M3.

The only reason I brought up what I said is because we got people saying "car better be 3000 lbs" or it better be as quick as GT350. And things like that, we all know that's just not going to happen unfortunately. Hell I think you can say that about most cars, the GT350 is a game changer IMO.

[SW19]

Originally Posted by aajami

M2 introduction will probably coincide with the release of the F22/23 LCI, so the first version could already be the refreshed version (same thing that happened with the E82 1M, basically).

That is also what I am expecting to happen.

[dmboone25]

Now we need more pictures with less camo !!

[DVC]

Wow, I stepped away from the computer for a few hours, and I all but missed "the confirmation" !!

Originally Posted by W///

I'm not that different. I wouldn't mind a used Cayman GTS either when they finally come down in price. We'll see what happens. I just don't think I want another V8 coupe to add to the E92 M3.

The only reason I brought up what I said is because we got people saying "car better be 3000 lbs" or it better be as quick as GT350. And things like that, we all know that's just not going to happen unfortunately. Hell I think you can say that about most cars, the GT350 is a game changer IMO.

It sounds like a lot of us are thinking alike on this... anticipating an M2 that is a compelling driver's car - not expecting a "numbers car" that matches the likes of GT350s, Corvettes, etc. (If it matched up with these cars, it would be significantly more expensive; like-for-like, BMWs will of course cost a lot more than Fords and Chevys).

I just hope that BMW gives it their best shot at seriously keeping weight down, and tuning the car to be agile, sharp and responsive straight off the showroom floor. If it turns out to be a modern-day e46 M3, I for one won't be disappointed.
As for the engine, I'm not the type to demand tons of power and torque; I find the modestly tuned N55 in my 335i to be plenty fast on the street and track. The M3's S55 has so much torque, I actually get the impression that it's a bit of a detraction from appreciating it fully on the track.
If BMW finds a way to make the M2's N55 more responsive, linear with boost delivery (it's already probably more linear in delivery than the S55), and rev-happy up to higher RPMs, I will have ZERO complaints about equipping it with an N55 derivative.

[W///]

Originally Posted by DVC

Wow, I stepped away from the computer for a few hours, and I all but missed "the confirmation" !!



It sounds like a lot of us are thinking alike on this... anticipating an M2 that is a compelling driver's car - not expecting a "numbers car" that matches the likes of GT350s, Corvettes, etc. (If it matched up with these cars, it would be significantly more expensive; like-for-like, BMWs will of course cost a lot more than Fords and Chevys).

I just hope that BMW gives it their best shot at seriously keeping weight down, and tuning the car to be agile, sharp and responsive straight off the showroom floor. If it turns out to be a modern-day e46 M3, I for one won't be disappointed.
As for the engine, I'm not the type to demand tons of power and torque; I find the modestly tuned N55 in my 335i to be plenty fast on the street and track. The M3's S55 has so much torque, I actually get the impression that it's a bit of a detraction from appreciating it fully on the track.
If BMW finds a way to make the M2's N55 more responsive, linear with boost delivery (it's already probably more linear in delivery than the S55), and rev-happy up to higher RPMs, I will have ZERO complaints about equipping it with an N55 derivative.

Excellent post. We're more or less on the same page here. I really enjoyed the M235i I test drove (I was actually pretty surprised), so adding M3/4 bits to the equation will only make me happier. I'm just looking for a track car. A modern day E46 is exactly what I'm looking for (although I'd prefer a modern day Z3M)

And for what I'm looking for with my next car, having another gas guzzling V8 is not really an option.

[F80_M]

Would be nice for the M2 to have 400-415hp but that's not going to happen.

[GFK007]

Will there still be demand for my 235 if I put it on lease trader with a year left to go?

My lease started in March of 14.

[F80_M]

Originally Posted by GFK007

Will there still be demand for my 235 if I put it on lease trader with a year left to go?

My lease started in March of 14.

I'm sure there will be since not everyone is going to want to make the jump to the M2.

[Jackie Chiles]

Fall of 2015 will see the "Perfect Storm" of affordable sporty cars. Not just new cars - M2, S3, GT350, VW R400, Miata, etc., - but a bunch of cool used cars will be available - 2014 Caymans, C7s, AMG CLA45s and M235i.

I prob won't be Ready to buy until Fall 2015, but I am salivating at my prospects in what might be an over saturated market.

[auf Deutsch]

Originally Posted by Jackie Chiles

Fall of 2015 will see the "Perfect Storm" of affordable sporty cars. Not just new cars - M2, S3, GT350, VW R400, Miata, etc., - but a bunch of cool used cars will be available - 2014 Caymans, C7s, AMG CLA45s and M235i.

I prob won't be Ready to buy until Fall 2015, but I am salivating at my prospects in what might be an over saturated market.

Don't hold your breath waiting for the R400.

[bladeomatic]

Originally Posted by ASAP

Let's assume the car costs 55k... for 62k, you get an M3 which overall will have far more standard features and a power plant on another level. The 1m was special in comparo to the older m3 because you received a turbo motor... here everything will be subpar.

Hmmmm...

Your description above also applies to the M5 vs. M3 debate. M5 has more power/features than the M3. But it's also bigger, less nimble, etc. I drove a new M3 the other day, after driving my M235i for month's now. It's certainly got a more premium feel and more power, but it somehow wasn't anywhere near as fun to me. I keep coming back to the article I read below, which resonated with me:

****************************
http://www.carthrottle.com/rwd-bmw-m...of-the-titans/

"More than anything, I wanted the M3 to feel like its M Performance little brother - the M235i - and then some. But it just doesn’t. Actually - ignoring the fact that it’s a lot less practical - the considerably less expensive, non-M Division 235i coupe is a more compelling package that’s considerably more engaging to drive."
****************************

If you tell me that BMW's grabbing something the size of an M235i, putting in a tighter suspension, dropping in a motor with ~50 more hp, adding an LSD and possibly lightening a few things, well then you've got my attention.

You tell me I may get this potentially more-engaging ride for $7k less than an M3?

Where do I sign?

[UpNcOmINg!]

So much money to make and so little time!!! EXCITED LIKE HELL!

[ynguldyn]

OK, here's my contribution to this thread:

1. Power estimates should be adjusted slightly down.
2. Choice of manual or M-DCT confirmed.
3. Probably no LED headlights.

[UpNcOmINg!]

So we looking at around 270kw (362bhp) claimed then me thinks.
30kw and 50-100nm extra.

[W///]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

OK, here's my contribution to this thread:

1. Power estimates should be adjusted slightly down.
2. Choice of manual or M-DCT confirmed.
3. Probably no LED headlights.

Well we can finally put that silly rumor of the M2 being MT only to bed. Kinda sucks about potentially no LED, but I can absolutely live with that (and save myself at least $1900 and make that go towards new mods).

For your next contribution, you should reveal exterior colors

P.S. So it'll look like my M2 would be: 6MT, metallic paint, HK. That's it

[UpNcOmINg!]

I'm with you.
Thinking the same setup exactly!
May even skimp on the metallic paint. Will decide closer to the time me thinks.

[gaijin]

Originally Posted by UpNcOmINg!

So we looking at around 270kw (362bhp) claimed then me thinks.
30kw and 50-100nm extra.

Dinan already advertises a claimed 364 HP, 430 lb-ft of torque for the M235i.

[twin fed]

Originally Posted by W///

Well we can finally put that silly rumor of the M2 being MT only to bed. Kinda sucks about potentially no LED, but I can absolutely live with that (and save myself at least $1900 and make that go towards new mods).

For your next contribution, you should reveal exterior colors

P.S. So it'll look like my M2 would be: 6MT, metallic paint, HK. That's it

Pretty much my setup as well

[SW19]

Originally Posted by W///

Well we can finally put that silly rumor of the M2 being MT only to bed. Kinda sucks about potentially no LED, but I can absolutely live with that (and save myself at least $1900 and make that go towards new mods).

For your next contribution, you should reveal exterior colors

P.S. So it'll look like my M2 would be: 6MT, metallic paint, HK. That's it

I would say that the M2 will have the LED headlights as an option because the new 1 series LCI is going to have them.

What I would really like to know is if the M2 will have the 2 series LCI when it first goes into production in November.Some members have said that it will because that is what happened when the 1M was first released.

If the 2016 model isn't going to have the LCI,it may be better to just wait for the 2017 model.

[W///]

Originally Posted by Nantucket

I would say that the M2 will have the LED headlights as an option because the new 1 series LCI is going to have them.

What I would really like to know is if the M2 will have the 2 series LCI when it first goes into production in November.Some members have said that it will because that is what happened when the 1M was first released.

If the 2016 model isn't going to have the LCI,it may be better to just wait for the 2017 model.

I mean, the rumor was that during LCI, the 2er line would become the 230i and M240i. If we look at the chart, that's not going to happen this year. So to me, it looks like either the M2 will launch without LED's, and during LCI, it'll probably be come an option.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by Nantucket

I would say that the M2 will have the LED headlights as an option because the new 1 series LCI is going to have them.

What I would really like to know is if the M2 will have the 2 series LCI when it first goes into production in November.Some members have said that it will because that is what happened when the 1M was first released.

If the 2016 model isn't going to have the LCI,it may be better to just wait for the 2017 model.

It won't be LCI, and that's why it won't have LEDs either.