There is very little doubt that the BMW M Division will go through significant changes in the near future. While most, if not majority, of the M cars that came out this year, and that will come out in 2020, are still “old school” in a way, the future of M will revolve around electro-mobility.
Research and work have already started on some future M models and while one day the M Division will be mostly, if not all electric, there are some intermediary steps that will be taken. We’ve already heard about a future 48V system in M cars, which will lead the way for plug-in hybrid M cars and eventually, a fully electric M sportscar.
But what will happen to the fun, little cars like the M2 Coupe? We already know that a new generation is in works, based on next year’s 2 Series Coupe. The standard 2 Series will retain its beloved rear-wheel drive platform and will continue to give BMW customers a dynamic and spirited driving experience.
Therefore, the M2 Coupe will also continue to send all the power to the rear wheels which will certainly please all the BMW enthusiasts.
To make things even more interesting, a report by Automobile Mag dropped a little rumor within the fine print portion of the article. According to them, a partly electrified M2 is not far fetched, but details are sketchy at the moment. While we couldn’t confirm this with our own sources, yet, it’s fair to assume that a 2022 BMW M2 model will NOT go the plug-in hybrid way. The more reasonable approach would also be a 48V system, and electric turbos, which will give an additional power and torque boost.
The very same report mentions BMW R&D department experimenting with next-generation supercapacitors that can sustain extreme discharge voltages, severe temperature variations, repeated boost action, and successive high-energy supercharging.
So some surprises might be in store for the next M2.
For now, we’re simply glad that the story of the M2 will continue in a few years and it’s already interesting to see what a 2029-2030 would evolve into.
I just hope the next M2 continues to stun in driver’s experience and dynamics. Hopefully, design also peaks and may it be always about fun.
The blind advance toward all-electric everything is both dangerous and foolish in many ways. Battery poison, electric power pollution, and the fact that M cars will largely be devoid of the very qualities that make them desirable in the first place are just some of the numerous negative aspects of this unquestioned march into total societal police state control.
Apparently the blind obedience and bowing down to hellaciously big, totalitarian state, enviro-fascism that’s taken control over much of the world makes one wonder if those who fought and perished in World War 2 did so completely on vain. This entire enterprise is repugnant and obscene to the hilt, and the brakes need slamming before it’s too late for all of us, as the total government control over our lives in the guise of environmentalism is far more dangerous than any actual climate calamity.
Its because of us that the ice age went away…=D all those T-models driving around back then
Someone likes to watch futuristic sci-fi movies don’t they? I liked the new Blade Runner too, but hey …. I don’t see it happening in my lifetime.
Euro 7 starts in 2020. Motorcycles start Euro 5 in 2020. Many motorcycles are vanishing as unable to pass even Euro 5. Air cooled
Motorcycles will vanish. I guess direct injection/turbos cause more particulates than diesel so particulate traps will be another add on burying the engine in more hoses, more engine bay heat, and wires. Even motorcycles will follow cars with hybrid or smaller motors with forced induction. Governments are forcing car manufacturers to keep curbing emissions. BMW is doing a good job of the balancing act. Going directly to full electric would cost billions vs a gradual approach.
the mild hybrid setup will be quite nice
Strange as the word on the street is that other MFGs are scrapping the plug in hybrid model in favor of all out electrification. Plug in hybrid sales are horrible and soon no MFGs will produced them. Wonder why BMW thinks it can be successful with this approach. Consumers don’t see the added benefit of the hybrid power because range is so poor. Unless the Factory (BMW) thinks they can add four independent electric motors, one to each wheel, and also have petrol power? Hmmmm….what about a full size BMW electric motorcycle to compete with Zero and HD? That would be cool An M bike, if you will. I am also prepared to be insulted by all of you. So go ahead … I can take it, I have been married twice.