The triumph of the BMW 1 Collection M Coupe (1M) caught Munich’s board members off guard. Nevertheless, the choice to succeed the automobile sparked a heated debate inside BMW. Based on Steve Saxty’s “BMW by Design” e book, Ian Robertson, former Board Member for Gross sales and Advertising and marketing, and Klaus Fröhlich, former head of BMW R&D, envisioned the BMW M2 as a real successor to the 1M. Regardless of inner advocacy for an all-wheel-drive (xDrive) or perhaps a front-wheel-drive (FWD) mannequin, the 2 board members had been resolute that the primary M2 (F87 codename) needed to be a rear-wheel-driven sports activities automobile with a six-cylinder engine.
The design group was additionally excited in regards to the prospect of a BMW, particularly because it was imagined to pay hommage to the enduring BMW 2002 Turbo. In 2015, three designers grew to become engaged on sketches for the primary M2: Hussein Al-Attar, Alex Ekimov and Alexey Kheza. The latter’s design was chosen for what turn into, in our opinion, the most effective wanting BMW idea vehicles of the final twenty years: the BMW 2002 Turbo. And the story goes on saying that BMW even thought-about a small manufacturing run of the thrilling hommage automobile. However as with most cool initiatives, this one ended within the archives.
Actually, the F87 BMW M2 made its option to the market boasting a surprising design by Al-Attar, who continued to craft a number of vehicles within the subsequent years. Even right now, the F87 BMW M2 receives approval for its harmonious mix of soppy and exact strains, that includes exaggerated fenders and a stance befitting the title of the 1M’s successor. Initially, it had an N55 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine sourced from the collection manufacturing of BMW vehicles, solely to be later changed by the followers’ favourite S55 M engine. Ultimately, the F87 BMW M2 exhibited two characters, mirroring these of its engines.
However one has to marvel: What if BMW had given the F87 M2 a front-wheel drive and a four-cylinder engine? Would which have altered the historical past and success of the automobile? Thus far, not one of the M vehicles (excluding M Efficiency Vehicles) have employed a front-wheel-drive structure, and that’s one thing praised by the vocal M group. In fact, the xDrive matter is a bit bit totally different as a result of that matter is as soon as once more on the desk with the second-generation G87 M2.
With elevated energy and torque, together with a broader buyer base, BMW M has allegedly discovered itself reexamining the idea of an all-year-round nimble sports activities automobile. Whereas the M group stays tight-lipped, rumors abound concerning a possible G87 M2 xDrive in 2026. Fortuitously, if that materializes, the BMW M2 could have loved a commendable run with a rear-wheel-drive setup. Each the F87 and G87 M2s earn reward for his or her driving dynamics and enjoyable issue, regardless of their development in dimension and weight—qualities hardly ever witnessed in a world at the moment saturated with SUVs or giant GTs.
For now, we’re simply grateful that Robertson and Fröhlich fought for the RWD authentic M2 which is able to go down within the historical past of BMW as a real successor to the enduring 2002. Now provided that BMW had constructed the 2002 Turbo Hommage as nicely. In case you’re desirous about studying extra BMW design behind-the-scenes tales, then the three-volume boxed set might be obtainable quickly at a pre-order worth of £244.95, round $300.. Alternatively, the principal e book, “BMW by Design” is on the market instantly for $99.95/€90.02/£88.10; all with free delivery in USA, UK and EU.
First revealed by https://www.bmwblog.com
