Of all the new cars and SUVs->ke145 BMW->ke178 has launched recently, nothing has generated as much attention as the impending introduction of the 2016 BMW M2. It’s no secret that BMW is working on a hardcore version of the 2 Series->ke2065 to succeed the much-loved 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe, and BMW isn’t doing much to hide it. Quite the opposite, in fact.

With an official introduction expected later this year, a prototype for the 2016 BMW M2 was spotted recently being completely flogged around the Nürburgring.->ke999 Combining the best attributes from the already-exciting 2014 BMW M235i Coupe and the track-scorching 2015 BMW M4, the M2->ke3901 has no problem negotiating the famed track. Between the screeching tires and the throaty exhaust, the sounds emanating from this car are enough to get any enthusiast's blood pumping.

There’s still no official word on the M2’s spec sheet, but the expected output should be somewhere in the 365-horsepower range from the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. The prototype shown in this video is obviously wearing a more aggressive front fascia, wider tires and a quad exhaust outlet, although it’s not clear if the M2 will be getting any carbon-fiber body panels for additional weight savings. What is completely clear, though, is that this sporty coupe turns on a dime with little fuss.

If driving the 2016 BMW M2 is half as fun as watching the professionals tear it up around the ‘Ring, then get ready for one incredible car.

2016 BMW M2

You can check our speculative review of the new M2 here.