虽然新的宝马2系是目前宝马混乱的命名体系中最受争议的车型之一,但这并未使宝马停止开发2系车,特别是M235i。不过，到2015年底，2系车中动力最强劲的车型将是M2。其实自从去年中期开始，就有传言称M2必然要量产。从今年开始，陆续有该车的细节曝光，包括车重将比M235i降低300磅（约合136公斤）以及该车将搭载取自新款M3和M4，但功率将进一步调低的S55引擎等。目前S55这台3.0升直列六缸涡轮增压引擎的功率为425马力，扭矩406磅-英尺（约合550牛米），这对于M2来说显得有些太多，它更适合于更大，更昂贵的M3和M4。但至少应该超过300马力，因此M235i的320马力引擎对于3555磅（约合1614公斤）重的车身来说是合适的，如果M2的重量进一步降低，功率进一步提升，那么该车的性能将更优异。M2其他升级包括更宽的轮圈和轮胎，这一点从谍照上进一步加宽的轮拱就可以看出来。这种更宽的轮拱让人不禁想起赛道版的M235i Racing，而M2的外观更具侵略性和功能性，这种设计更符合它的身份和定位。M2其他方面的升级包括悬挂，M牵引力控制和稳定系统，另外很可能提供机械限滑后差速器，这将进一步强化M2的性能。预计M2将在明年晚些时候的某个车展首次亮相，随后将作为2016款车型上市。

 

2016 BMW M2 Spy Shots

The new BMW 2-Series is one of the many culprits of the brand’s confusingly revamped naming system, but that doesn’t stop it from being a very fun little luxury sports coupe—particularly in M235i form. By the end of 2015, however, the most potent version of the 2-Series should be on the road: the M2.

 

It’s been known since mid-2013 that an M2 was a solid bet for production. Early this year, more details on the possible direction BMW would take with the M2 were divulged, including hints at up to 300 pounds of weight savings as well as more power—perhaps even a slightly detuned version of the same S55 engine that powers the new M3 and M4.

 

At 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, the S55 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder might be overkill for the M2—or at the least might step on the larger, more expensive toes of the M3 and M4—but even something in the upper-300-horsepower range would be welcome. The M235i’s 320-horsepower engine never feels like it’s lacking despite the 3,555-pound curb weight; with less weight and more power, the M2 should prove to be quite capable.

 

Other upgrades include wider wheels and tires, factors hinted at by the camouflage over the fender flares on the car seen in the spy photographs. Reminiscent of the fender flares found on the track-ready (but sadly not U.S.-bound) M235i Racing, the M2’s look is aggressive and purposeful without being excessive.

 

Upgraded suspension, M Division traction and stability control calibration, and, likely, a mechanical limited-slip rear differential could all further enhance the M2’s performance over the capable but still restrained M235i.

 

Look for an auto show debut in late 2015 before the BMW M2 goes on sale as a 2016 model.