Despite the recent announcements about BMW killing half its internal combustion engines, they are still making exciting fossil-fueled performance cars. The next BMW M2 is expected to be the latest addition on that front and it seems there is a lot to like about it. The car is said to make a debut around the end of 2022, as a 2023 model. But there is more good news surrounding the upcoming M2.

More Power Directed to the Rear

We knew that a new M2 was in the making. It was initially believed its engine would produce 450 horsepower. However, new reports from BMW BLOG indicate that it will actually develop 490 horsepower. That’s more than the current BMW M3 and M4, which both produce 473 horsepower. Torque is rumored to be around 406 pound-feet (550 Nm) – as much as the standard M3/M4.

Yes, power will go to the rear wheels only. Although this is great news for us enthusiasts, it’s a bit odd, given the fact the 369-horsepower M240i will be all-wheel-drive only. Thanks to being rear-wheel-drive only, the M2 will be lighter. A six-speed manual will also be available, while the automatic option is expected to be the well-known ZF eight-speed unit.

With that being said, all-wheel-drive is not completely out of the question, as more powerful versions of the M2 are being considered. We could get an M2 CSL at some point, which might break the 500-horsepower barrier.

Production of the new M2 will start around the end of 2022 and will continue until 2029. However, the performance coupe might be phased out earlier in some markets, due to emissions regulations. On the upside, the M2 is considered, by some, to be the purest M-car BMW makes. Given that the M3 is becoming bigger, heavier, and more tech-heavy, the M2 is referred to as the true successor to the venerable E30 M3.