[IZAGLO]

[
To me, the quintessential nature of a BMW is a small, sporty RWD car. If the 3er truly becomes the smallest one you can get (which is a hilarious notion), then I really will have to look elsewhere. Just not interested in driving a boat on the road.[/QUOTE]

So True!!! Coming out of my Miata and standing next to the 2007-Current M3 i am blown away on how BIG they really are...just toooo big IMO. That being said i alway's loved driving the E46 M3 and actually do like driving the E92 with the V8...lovely engine and driving dynamics but way to big for me...I am sure the current 2016 m3 will be a blast to drive and fast as shit but again my prefernce is small...small with some leg room,shoulder room and a back set for whatever(not people)...maybe some of my music instruments...but the M2 and M235i is as big as I go otherwise,,,,my 2nd choice will be the Porsche 911S used so bring on the M2....No other car BMW makes has me so excited!!

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by IZAGLO

So True!!! Coming out of my Miata and standing next to the 2007-Current M3 i am blown away on how BIG they really are...just toooo big IMO. That being said i alway's loved driving the E46 M3 and actually do like driving the E92 with the V8...lovely engine and driving dynamics but way to big for me...I am sure the current 2016 m3 will be a blast to drive and fast as shit but again my prefernce is small...small with some leg room,shoulder room and a back set for whatever(not people)...maybe some of my music instruments...but the M2 and M235i is as big as I go otherwise,,,,my 2nd choice will be the Porsche 911S used so bring on the M2....No other car BMW makes has me so excited!!

i am really starting to love the F80 M3....it seems like the true successor to the 1M in terms of styling and engine.....however like you i am bothered by how large the car is.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Levi

Alfa Romeo. Will have the only compact RWD sedan on the market (if this new plan works out of course).

This is a good point, but only the 4C is "reachable" for the average person, and that is M3 money here...which is really getting to be a lot.

[/QUOTE]
So True!!! Coming out of my Miata and standing next to the 2007-Current M3 i am blown away on how BIG they really are...just toooo big IMO. That being said i alway's loved driving the E46 M3 and actually do like driving the E92 with the V8...lovely engine and driving dynamics but way to big for me...I am sure the current 2016 m3 will be a blast to drive and fast as shit but again my prefernce is small...small with some leg room,shoulder room and a back set for whatever(not people)...maybe some of my music instruments...but the M2 and M235i is as big as I go otherwise,,,,my 2nd choice will be the Porsche 911S used so bring on the M2....No other car BMW makes has me so excited!![/QUOTE]

To me, the E46 M3 was the "perfect" size - hence the main attraction to the M235 and eventually the M2 - but if what we are seeing is correct, we will no longer (at some point in the future) have access to a RWD of that approximate size, weight, and RWD. Just seems crazy to me.

I love the E9X M3s for what they were, but I agree that they are just too big - in fact I was one of the people who went from a E92 to an E82 for that specific reason.

The M2 should truly be interesting - but could mark the end of an impressive era...which is sad.

Originally Posted by IEDEI

i am really starting to love the F80 M3....it seems like the true successor to the 1M in terms of styling and engine.....however like you i am bothered by how large the car is.

I think it looks fantastic - it's just on a scale that's too large for me - if they took it and shrunk it down (hence the M2GC idea), they would have the utlimate winner on their respective hands. But alas, it appears we will be denied this treat.

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

This is a good point, but only the 4C is "reachable" for the average person, and that is M3 money here...which is really getting to be a lot.


The M2 should truly be interesting - but could mark the end of an impressive era...which is sad.

Well, I did not mean the 4C, which is just a (hopefully) a turning point is Alfa's history. I meant the Giulietta replacement, which will be Alfa's entry level model, and this time RWD (again if new plan works out - too scared in having hope).

The M2 will non the less be the most interesting car in the mean time. Only dislike is its height, why couldn't they make it as low as a 6 Series?

By the way, even a Cayman is somehow too big in size, almost larger than old 911.

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

This is a good question - there has been rumors of a "truer" orange, similar to the very nice photoshop that is on this thread somewhere - different than VO, which looks burnt in person to me. Nive color - just not really that orange.

Jerez Black would be hot on this car...I am hoping for that...

There is a "remix" of the Kyalami Orange color introduced for the BMW ZM models already conceived at BMW, its a metallic color this time around.

There is no definite decision to apply to a certain vehicle finalised yet.
But many say its for the M2 to offer a similar colour relationship with Valencia Orange introduced on the 1er M Coupe to be on the successor of that car which will be the M2.

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

there's NO 'Gran Coupe' coming....which means there is no M2 Gran Coupe coming!

Its funny how BMWs denials always eventually become true.

"There is no need for a model above the 7er"
Research does indeed show potential for a 9er as illustrated by Vision Future Luxury.

"We see no need for a BMW X7"
Confirmed to be the fifth production model from the BMW werk in Spartanburg after its further expansion.

"Little need for 2 Series Gran Coupe says BMW Board Member Herbert Diess?"

There is indeed interest in these concepts which are and will be concepts to gauge a reaction so these won't be on any lists yet.

One other model is also being conceptually investigated especially in how things and markets progressively change...

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

"Little need for 2 Series Gran Coupe says BMW Board Member Herbert Diess?"

This is clear corporate-speak for "we're caught with our pants down and are missing a rapid growing market segment that doesn't want an E39-sized sedan; therefore, let's spout out some BS that belittles that market segment while we work like banshees under the cover to try to save our tails".

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Its funny how BMWs denials always eventually become true.

"There is no need for a model above the 7er"
Research does indeed show potential for a 9er as illustrated by Vision Future Luxury.

"We see no need for a BMW X7"
Confirmed to be the fifth production model from the BMW werk in Spartanburg after its further expansion.

"Little need for 2 Series Gran Coupe says BMW Board Member Herbert Diess?"

There is indeed interest in these concepts which are and will be concepts to gauge a reaction so these won't be on any lists yet.

One other model is also being conceptually investigated especially in how things and markets progressively change...

And when BMW builds the 2 Series Gran Coupe...

There is indeed interest in a M2 Gran Coupe! as well!!

[ska///235i]

If theres a M2GC then take my fukn money

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Its funny how BMWs denials always eventually become true.

"There is no need for a model above the 7er"
Research does indeed show potential for a 9er as illustrated by Vision Future Luxury.

"We see no need for a BMW X7"
Confirmed to be the fifth production model from the BMW werk in Spartanburg after its further expansion.

"Little need for 2 Series Gran Coupe says BMW Board Member Herbert Diess?"

There is indeed interest in these concepts which are and will be concepts to gauge a reaction so these won't be on any lists yet.

One other model is also being conceptually investigated especially in how things and markets progressively change...

ha! well the corporate trampoline i suppose! i'm sure you know it quite well!

i suggest you tell them to make a "0 series" RWD coupe. Very small....like 2500lbs small. 175-225hp. ALL DREAMS will come true with an M0.

that is my ultimate BMW. tell them scott!!

[SW19]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Its funny how BMWs denials always eventually become true.

"There is no need for a model above the 7er"
Research does indeed show potential for a 9er as illustrated by Vision Future Luxury.

"We see no need for a BMW X7"
Confirmed to be the fifth production model from the BMW werk in Spartanburg after its further expansion.

"Little need for 2 Series Gran Coupe says BMW Board Member Herbert Diess?"

There is indeed interest in these concepts which are and will be concepts to gauge a reaction so these won't be on any lists yet.

One other model is also being conceptually investigated especially in how things and markets progressively change...

Just a couple of questions Scott,are you able to confirm what ynguldyn said that the M2 will only have about a 3 year production run?

European M2 will start production in November 2015. US version will start production in March 2016. The car will be produced until October 2018.

No xDrive at the moment (likely never).

Confirming N55B30T0 engine.

Also,your info about the X7 being a go for production.Is it basically the same size as the Mercedes GL450?

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

There is a "remix" of the Kyalami Orange color introduced for the BMW ZM models already conceived at BMW, its a metallic color this time around.

There is no definite decision to apply to a certain vehicle finalised yet.
But many say its for the M2 to offer a similar colour relationship with Valencia Orange introduced on the 1er M Coupe to be on the successor of that car which will be the M2.

Awesome - I like remixes.

Hoping this comes true...

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Levi

Well, I did not mean the 4C, which is just a (hopefully) a turning point is Alfa's history. I meant the Giulietta replacement, which will be Alfa's entry level model, and this time RWD (again if new plan works out - too scared in having hope).

The M2 will non the less be the most interesting car in the mean time. Only dislike is its height, why couldn't they make it as low as a 6 Series?

By the way, even a Cayman is somehow too big in size, almost larger than old 911.

Ahhhh, I am not familiar with this car - I will check it out.

I love the Cayman, but it is just too damn expensive. BMW still gives you the most RWD fun for your money, even as prices rise on the various models...

[bimmerbuff]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

To me, the E46 M3 was the "perfect" size - hence the main attraction to the M235 and eventually the M2 - but if what we are seeing is correct, we will no longer (at some point in the future) have access to a RWD of that approximate size, weight, and RWD. Just seems crazy to me.

I've heard this rumor (that the next generation will be built on the front-drive platform) a lot lately. It was actually mentioned in Roundel this past month, and we know for a fact that BMW is reducing the number of platforms they have to just two.

If it comes to pass, that would really be too bad. There should always be a small RWD model in the lineup...I know the Mini is considered sporty and fun to drive despite being FWD, but still...

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

It will come...guaranteed. Audi is going to eat up the small sedan market with the new A3/S3/RS3 and Mercedes with the CLA/AMG/etc; BMW will have to have a 4-door in this size car (i.e. smaller than an E39 5-series which is what the F30 essentially is).

Just look at the 1st month of sales for the new A3 (which didn't even have a full month on the market). Audi year over year sales of the A4 were up about 1% in April *plus* they sold almost as many of the new A3; hence, they almost doubled their market share in the small sedan category.

+1, btw I love the look of the A3 sedan, doesnt look cheap and kiddish as a hatchback A3 of last generation, but classy and fun. Bmw needs 2GC

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

+1, btw I love the look of the A3 sedan, doesnt look cheap and kiddish as a hatchback A3 of last generation, but classy and fun. Bmw needs 2GC

the new A3 looks terrible in person....looks like a Hyundai. The last A3 may not have been very bold, but it was a very german functional hatchback. The new one is a Hyundai-like entry level....SKIP.

[JustChris]

So UK pricing far out guesses with 18 months to go:-
M5 £73k
M4 £54k
M2 £44k

This is £10k over an M235i and £10k below a manual M4. Very hard to resist at that price. I don't think as standard it would come with as much as the M4, adaptive being an option for example.

[Steven1077]

It will probably be more like £10k more than a decent spec M235i so £52k, a decent spec M235i is about £42k but the M2 should still £10k less than a decent spec M3

[hyperzulu]

I wonder why they wouldn't just skip to the new B engine if that is what is being developed for the LCI 2 series.

[DVC]

Originally Posted by BimmerEngineer

This is good to hear. After seeing 2 independent magazines in the UK test a 2009 135 N54 (twinturbo) vs a 135 N55 single turbo, and the N55 powered car pulled ahead of the N54 car after 50 mph and put nearly 3.5 car engths on the N54 car by 130 mph speaks volumes to the intention for the N55 as a linear powerband machine with good power from off idle to 6800 rpm vs the N54 which has good low and mid range power but falls flat on it's face above 5500 rpm showcases the differences. Seen these two powerplants tested by a magazine here in U.S. with a similar outcome. I've also had 2 of each engine in a 135 and 335, one each with N54 and one each with N55... The N55 cars were more fun to drive and had much superior overall power. Problem is now the new M235 is heavier than the M4. That's not good. Regular light limited production this time should keep pricing reasonable. This car should underut the M3 by $8-10k. Give us a 48-54k M2 and I'm sold. I'll buy 2, ... We need something to smack down the CLA45 and a rumored 390 hp CLA45 S coming.

Interesting thoughts on N54 and N55... thanks for sharing.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by BimmerEngineer

Problem is now the new M235 is heavier than the M4. That's not good.

This is incorrect.

The new M235i weighs in at 3494 lbs. while the new M3 and M4 weigh in at 3590 lbs. and 3588 lbs. respectively.

[phoenixbmwlife]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

This is incorrect.

The new M235i weighs in at 3494 lbs. while the new M3 and M4 weigh in at 3590 lbs. and 3588 lbs. respectively.

Then there's the issue of curb weight: in U.S. spec, the M235i tips the scales at 3,535 pounds (or 3,505 with the manual gearbox).

Source http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...5i-first-drive