[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by W///

The pics were taken in Camarillo. Don't know if that's a city or the shopping center name haha

The outlets are in the city of Camarillo. That's about 40 minutes out of Los Angeles on the way to Calabasas (which is the backside of the Malibu mountains)

Will be on the lookout when I'm in LA!!

[fuddman]

Originally Posted by Corinne

Sorry if this sounds stupid but, to me, this looks more or less exactly like an M235i. It desperately needs a power bulge on the bonnet (hood ?)

+1
The M4 GTS was a genuine surprise both in performance and design. Based on what Scott26 had said, I was expecting a similar M2 surprise. But the mules I've seen so far offer no promise of any of that. Producing a "bulkier" M235i is not what I would call, and as you suggest, a design surprise. Although, if they put a power bulge on the hood, I'm willing say "Wow, what a surprise!!" I doubt they'll do even that. Sort of like asking them to put a dipstick in it.
At this stage, I look forward to a performance surprise. But I'm starting to wonder about that, too.
I'm coming to the conclusion that the design and performance (and even the introduction) of the M2 is being constrained by fears it will take away from sales of the M4 or even 4 series cars, in general. Nothing wrong with that. I still like the way the car looks, even under the camo; but, I've adjusted my expectations.

[W///]

Originally Posted by fuddman

+1
The M4 GTS was a genuine surprise both in performance and design. Based on what Scott26 had said, I was expecting a similar M2 surprise. But the mules I've seen so far offer no promise of any of that. Producing a "bulkier" M235i is not what I would call, and as you suggest, a design surprise. Although, if they put a power bulge on the hood, I'm willing say "Wow, what a surprise!!" I doubt they'll do even that. Sort of like asking them to put a dipstick in it.
At this stage, I look forward to a performance surprise. But I'm starting to wonder about that, too.
I'm coming to the conclusion that the design and performance (and even the introduction) of the M2 is being constrained by fears it will take away from sales of the M4 or even 4 series cars, in general. Nothing wrong with that. I still like the way the car looks, even under the camo; but, I've adjusted my expectations.

OK, I'm completely lost here. A couple of points:
1) How do you know what an M4 GTS looks like design wise? It's just an M4 with a lip and an rear wing. Also, if you are going to compare a $100k+ M4 GTS, then you should do it to the M2 CSL (which I'm still skeptical about). Scott said expect the M2 CSL to take cues from the GT6 car, not the base. Not to mention I've been around long enough to take things Scott says with a grain of salt.

2) Again with this hood bulge... I ask why? It would be 100% non functional and be purely for looks. Is that what M cars are about now? If a non-functional hood bulge is going to make it or break it for you guys, then this is probably not the car for you. I will say I am still a little bitter that the M2 is not getting a CF roof though (although not enough for me to not consider the entire car)

Again, I'm not sure what you are all expecting. It's NOT going to be like the GT6 concept. Just like from far away, you can easily confuse an M4 from an M4 with Msport. I'm faaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrr more concerned about how it drives.

[hayes180]

Originally Posted by W///

OK,

2) Again with this hood bulge... I ask why? It would be 100% non functional and be purely for looks. Is that what M cars are about now? If a non-functional hood bulge is going to make it or break it for you guys, then this is probably not the car for you. I will say I am still a little bitter that the M2 is not getting a CF roof though (although not enough for me to not consider the entire car)

+1 perfectly said

[SGL]

Originally Posted by W///

I will say I am still a little bitter that the M2 is not getting a CF roof though (although not enough for me to not consider the entire car)

There is a very, very good chance that the M2 will not have a CF roof, but to play Devil's advocate, there is a chance they have painted or wrapped the CF roof on the mules.

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by IS3andME

Scott had said imagine that space except it's not a intake (pushed in, or filled in). I questioned whether it is an intake. The clue is, if it is an intake, then it would not be covered up, as a functional air intake for brakes would be left open.
This has nothing really to do with a "CSL" version, unless that version does get a functional brake air intake

This makes the most sense to me. It's just body curvature, not an actual vent. I would be pretty annoyed if they slapped some huge non-functional vent on there, and if it's functional, it'd need to work during testing.

[W///]

Originally Posted by ScottGregory

There is a very, very good chance that the M2 will not have a CF roof, but to play Devil's advocate, there is a chance they have painted or wrapped the CF roof on the mules.

I very much doubt it. BMW has always just covered it if it is indeed a CF roof. On top of that, the new roofs would have a double bubble, which we would see through the paint or wrap.

I give it almost 0 chance, considering how close we are to launch.

[whatclay]

Originally Posted by Hazey82

I'm not really liking the look here next to the M4. The M4 looks more exotic/sporty with its shorter height overall especially the front and the M2 looks quite bulldogish like the 1M especially on that front view shot. Also the white is horrible next to the bright M4.

While I find the M4 is incredible terms of styling, the M2 is looking pretty sharp, too. M235i dimensions are nearly those of an E46, which, in my book, is a great thing.

Looking forward to the official release!

[hayes180]

Originally Posted by whatclay

While I find the M4 is incredible terms of styling, the M2 is looking pretty sharp, too. M235i dimensions are nearly those of an E46, which, in my book, is a great thing.

Looking forward to the official release!

agreed

[Hazey82]

Originally Posted by hayes180

+1 perfectly said

I disagree, I ask why not? I've got the E46 and the bulge just adds to the overall toughness. It makes it unique over the std cars just like the wider fenders. I know these things are not primarily what makes it an M car but it is a component that just adds flavour since the E46. The M2 is what the new M3 should have been due to its size and it's already been referred to as the modern or replacement E46 M3.
It needs to standout more visually over the M235i and adding the bulge or CF roof can do that.
I'm someone that wants a real drivers car and who drives them that way and I'm sure the M2 will deliver but I'm also someone who likes the look of a car and gets much pleasure from looking at it as much as driving it. The more unique features the more special the car becomes.
Why hold it back?

[whatclay]

Originally Posted by Hazey82

I disagree, I ask why not? I've got the E46 and the bulge just adds to the overall toughness. It makes it unique over the std cars just like the wider fenders. I know these things are not primarily what makes it an M car but it is a component that just adds flavour since the E46. The M2 is what the new M3 should have been due to its size and it's already been referred to as the modern or replacement E46 M3.
It needs to standout more visually over the M235i and adding the bulge or CF roof can do that.
I'm someone that wants a real drivers car and who drives them that way and I'm sure the M2 will deliver but I'm also someone who likes the look of a car and gets much pleasure from looking at it as much as driving it. The more unique features the more special the car becomes.
Why hold it back?

I'm on board with a little hood treatment- looks great on the E46, E92 and the F30, so why not here? Would set the M2 apart visually and add an aggressive element to the styling- never a bad thing. This and a CF roof would seal the deal for me and many others here, I see.

[hayes180]

i have an e92, i like the bulge, i think it should be on it.. but should not be a deciding factor on buying a M2

[admranger]

Originally Posted by W///

And you have an Imola E53? Wow, that is commitment! IR and MR are both some of my favorite colors and unfortunately never had a chance to own one. I do see an IR E39 M5 in my distant future though.

You might be SOL on an M2 unfortunately.

Commitment is one word for it.

SWMBO is the target driver for the M2. She's the one who loves red. Domestic bliss is kept when cars are red.

FWIW, we almost got the E90M3 in Imola, but couldn't justify the $4k (discount from $5k retail) individual price. Even properly applied fuzzy logic didn't work...

I'm not that upset if the M2 doesn't come in red. Makes car decisions easy. Keep what we have.

[HermesRider]

Ah, a proper M3!---the true love of youthfulness before wine, women, and song put on the flab and moved us fourward in time.

[jbeene]

Originally Posted by s!ke

I'm surprised they listed "BMW test day" and not try to keep it secret like "private event" or just "reserved" or something.

Maybe BMW is taking advantage of the viral nature of all things "secret" nowadays. Make it just secret enough that at least one switched on enthusiast or media person shows up and provides them with acres of free publicity.

Cool car though. I remember very clearly the GM of my dealership when I cancelled my 1M Euro delivery saying don't get another M3 "they are churning them out like bratwurst" I got the M3... still love it but resale wise the 1M never really depreciated and the M3 gulp... though the IM never resonated with me.

This car does. Though the Giuilia is a pretty appealing car. When they are both on the market it will be an fun decision to make.

Leaning towards the Giulia though. I think its a great long term car (as in decades). Can't lose with either though. Both will be special.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

They test everywhere across the globe but the something is coming was the M2 has begun hot weather testing in the US. So we are almost at the end of development and then we will know...

Meanwhile in a hot part of the US...

[SCOTT26]

Let me reiterate...

There is no air vent behind the front door.
Reason being there is no function for that to form.
The body work is more pronounced at the rear to cover the rear track from the M4 and that the standard 2er whilst in 218i or M235i shares the same pronounced wheel arch that it makes more sense to further define it on the M car therefore creating differences between the standard M235i and the M2 and as you can see there is broader front and rear arches on the prototypes than there is on the standard 2er's.

Therefore both cars can exist as there are areas to distinguish both.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Let me reiterate...
There is no air vent behind the front door.
Reason being there is no function for that to form.
The body work is more pronounced at the rear to cover the rear track from the M4 and that the standard 2er whilst in 218i or M235i shares the same pronounced wheel arch that it makes more sense to further define it on the M car therefore creating differences between the standard M235i and the M2 and as you can see there is broader front and rear arches on the prototypes than there is on the standard 2er's.
Therefore both cars can exist as there are areas to distinguish both.

Maybe you noticed the interesting render pictured below. Still needs some fine-tuning and different wheel design, but gives us a good idea of what may be expected.

[Adem1534]

Originally Posted by Artemis

Maybe you noticed the interesting render pictured below. Still needs some fine-tuning and different wheel design, but gives us a good idea of what may be expected.

Attachment 1234233

The rear isn't remotely correct on this though

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Let me reiterate...

There is no air vent behind the front door.
Reason being there is no function for that to form.
The body work is more pronounced at the rear to cover the rear track from the M4 and that the standard 2er whilst in 218i or M235i shares the same pronounced wheel arch that it makes more sense to further define it on the M car therefore creating differences between the standard M235i and the M2 and as you can see there is broader front and rear arches on the prototypes than there is on the standard 2er's.

Therefore both cars can exist as there are areas to distinguish both.

So you're saying there might be an air vent back there?

Sorry, had to do it

[HotelGuy]

Originally Posted by Artemis

Maybe you noticed the interesting render pictured below. Still needs some fine-tuning and different wheel design, but gives us a good idea of what may be expected.

Attachment 1234233

That photoshop sold me on this car.

I figure...I won't have a kid for at least 2 years. And I am at least 5 years from needing 4 doors again. Answer is.....2 door M2.

[hayes180]

Originally Posted by HotelGuy

That photoshop sold me on this car.

I figure...I won't have a kid for at least 2 years. And I am at least 5 years from needing 4 doors again. Answer is.....2 door M2.

I like your style