[WWM3]

Originally Posted by bladeomatic

This could be, but I'm not so sure.

I don't see BMW as intending the M3/4 to be the best offering they have. I think the public does that.

The M3/4 is the standard bearer for the brand, partly because it's so excellent and partly because it's the sinister version of the most popular core model they sell (3 series). The 3 is what the Accord is to Honda and the Camry is to Toyota. Wildly-popular & mid-sized.

Fundamentally, you can get some good benefits out of other models (M5, X5M, M6, Z4, etc.). but the M3 is sized right where most folks want. Not too big, not too small. Even if the M2 is faster or handles better than the M3/4, it's not going to be the size that most folks want. Witness the popularity of the 1/2 series vs. the 3/4 series.

That said, I seriously doubt that BMW will intentionally retard the performance of the M2 simply so it doesn't compete with the M3/4. Why? Because the 1 series M had virtually identical 0-60, 1/4 mile and skidpad specs as it's big brother M3 of the day. They certainly didn't hamper the last M pocket rocket.

There may be some obstacles in the smaller car that prevent BMW from providing a powerplant that closely competes with the M3/4. But the M2 will have the natural advantage of size/weight over the bigger cars. I fully expect an M2 will have no problem keeping up with an M3/4...and in certain situations (tight track, etc.) even possibly trouncing them.

That's a great point.