[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Breaking Exclusive: 2014 BMW M235i and 2 Series Coupe (F22) Spied!

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Following the 2 Series Convertible sightings, we bring you the first ever look at the highly anticipated BMW 2 Series Coupe (F22). Why is it highly anticipated? Many BMW enthusiasts hope that it will hark back to the days of a smaller, lighter, nimbler BMW coupe - a role which the 3 Series Coupe (now 4 Series Coupe) seems to have abandoned. The hope is that the 2 Series Coupe will be the E46 3 Series Coupe, incarnate.

M235i COUPE

Not only do we see the standard 2 Series coupe (228i, 235i or other model) on the truck, but the M235i coupe appears front and center! The BMW M235i coupe is expected to be the very first model of the BMW M Performance cars lineup to come to the North American market. A convertible M235i is also rumored to be coming.

There's little doubt that the the middle model is the M235i as it features the telltale parts. It shares its wheels, M Sport brakes, and black double exhaust pipes from the M135i. This particular M235i even appears to be painted Estoril Blue II, the launch color for the M135i. A trunk spoiler lip can also be seen clearly, but the rear bumper design is still obscured with very heavy cladding (you can see the raised camouflage panels in the closeup images). Finally, we see for the first time, that the 2 Series xenon headlights will feature squared-off angel eyes / corona rings.

M235i PERFORMANCE

The M235i should essentially be a coupe version of the very well received M135i, powered by the same N55 engine configuration - a turbo 3.0L inline-six rated at 320 horsepower (6 cylinder sound confirmed by our photographer's ears at the scene), paired 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.

For a preview of what to expect from the M235i, the M135i features 320hp (@5800rpm) / 332 lb-ft torque (@1250-5000rpm). It's quoted from 0-62mph (0-100kmh) at 5.1 / 4.9 seconds (manual/auto), but real life tests have already resulted in 0-60 in 4.49 seconds (from Chris Harris review).

Also see the following detailed info on the M135i:

BMW M135i Project Manager, Christof Lischka, Speaks About... M135i
Official BMW M135i Info Thread


2 SERIES LINEUP

The M235i coupe 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.

The 2 Series models will be built on the same RWD platform as the current 1 Series hatchbacks (F20/F21) and is expected to spawn the following lineup:

• 2 Series Coupe (F22)
• 2 Series Convertible (F23)
• 2 Series Gran Coupe (four door coupe) - still speculative [more info].
• 2 Series Gran Sports Tourer (Hyundai Veloster type vehicle) - still highly speculative [more info].
• M235i M Performance Automobile - as now spotted and confirmed.
• M2 Coupe - successor to current 1M coupe, recently rumored to be 4 Cylinder [more info] (though we have our doubts as the M235i is likely to share the M135i's six cylinder inline engine and our photographer confirms clearly hearing a 6 cylinder in the M235i prototype).
• M2 Gran Coupe - M version of 2 Series Gran Coupe to compete with Mercedes Benz CLA45 AMG and Audi S3 Sedan; still speculative [more info].

Also see the latest summary of the potential 1 Series, 2 Series, M2, Z1, Z2, and X1 lineup.


SCHEDULE

The 2 Series will begin production in November 2013, as a 2014 model year.
Follow our 2 Series news, coverage, and updates @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/2-series/


* Click on images for high resolution versions *

[Jason]

In case anyone missed this great M135i review by Chris Harris, it certain whets our anticipation for the M235i coupe!

[Jason]

And here is Jeremy Clarkson's very positive review of the M135i:

http://f20.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=771782

[bradleyland]

So close, yet so far away

[bradleyland]

Can we assume that the car is on spacers for transport in these photos?

[Greenkirby21]

time to start saving my pennies!

Interesting how the exhaust is split instead of on one side like the current 1 series.

[av689]

Like those coronas

[chriscecc914]

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

time to start saving my pennies!

Interesting how the exhaust is split instead of on one side like the current 1 series.

The current M135i and 135i do have split exhaust pipes like that.

Awesome to finally see the F22!! Hopefully it's a modern day e46.

[sheFs]

Now THIS is what I'm talking about. The perfect car to coax the wife into and basically have for yourself on the weekends!

[BMW269]

Nice. An M2 CSL would be the best thing that could ever happen to BMW, hoping front will look better than 1 Series.

[DDS2015]

Looking good!

[bmwaddict]

OMG! Those blacklines are lovely

[InTheNightKitchen]

The first photo looks like an action scene out of a movie, like he just came around the corner drifting and is making a getaway by driving up the ramp lol

Like everyone else I anticipate this and the rumored M2

[ShortShiftEnvy]

Why can't they just call this model a 235is and leave the whole M moniker out of it.

[Remonster]

Will it really have a DCT? The M135i has the 8 speed sport auto.

[MrClean335i]

If this is a 2014 model when is the concept going to be shown?

[AGAV13]

All good news but nothing special. Guess ill just have to wait for a M2GC.

[Itgb]

I'm a little confused about the engine strategy between the M235i and upcoming M2. All reports so far have said 4-cyl M2. How are they going to differentiate that model enough to overcome the 320hp and torque advantage of the N55? Maxed out 4cyl turbo engines usually come in low 300hp from the factory(STi, EVO, etc.). There better be quite a bit of weight savings to justify stepping up to M2.

[bradleyland]

Originally Posted by chriscecc914

The current M135i and 135i do have split exhaust pipes like that.

The F20 isn't offered in the US, so most US buyers aren't aware of the split exhaust.

[chriscecc914]

Originally Posted by Itgb

I'm a little confused about the engine strategy between the M235i and upcoming M2. All reports so far have said 4-cyl M2. How are they going to differentiate that model enough to overcome the 320hp and torque advantage of the N55? Maxed out 4cyl turbo engines usually come in low 300hp from the factory(STi, EVO, etc.). There better be quite a bit of weight savings to justify stepping up to M2.

M2 having 4 cyl turbo is just rumor still. I find it hard to believe since the m135i and m235i have 6 cyl. Even the article above states some doubt against a 4 cyl M2.

[JasonCSU]

Something about "2addicts" just doesn't sound right, but I'll get used to it. I'm looking forward to see what the new 2 series coupe looks like once it has shed the camouflage.

[TheBingoBalls]

I think the 2-Series is going to be the car to get. I assume the size is going to increase a bit over the current 1-Series which is a good thing because I felt it was a bit too small.

Could we see the 2-Series become the new 3-Series, the way BMW has been doing business recently?