The new BMW M235i will feature a proper LSD (Limited Slip Differential).

According to AutoExpress, citing Klaus Froehlich, Senior Vice President Brand and Product Strategies BMW Group, the 2014 M235i is one of the most exciting BMWs to launch next year. While the “M2″ is labeled for now as unlikely, the M235i is set to bring some surprises to BMW customers.

“I have just signed off the M235i’s M Sport performance kit, which will include a proper limited slip differential. I’m just working out whether to make this an option on all models. The M235i is as close a spiritual successor to the 2002ti that we’ve had. My initial benchmark was that it will be faster than the BMW 1M Coupe around the Nurburgring, which it is.”

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The M235i will most likely use the same engine as the M135i, a 3.0 liter TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder producing 320 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque (332 lb-ft) at 1,300 rpm. Redline is set at 7000 rpm.

Following the steps of the BMW M135i, an xDrive version of the M235i will appear in the 2 Series line-up as well.

(Test Drive: BMW M135i xDrive)

The new BMW 2 Series will be unveiled this fall after the Frankfurt Auto Show and first models will go on sale in Spring 2014.