Just as the F87 BMW M2 fell into the hands of experienced drivers, it quickly became a community favourite. Some even went so far as to call it the successor to the E46 M3. After its launch, the M2 was quickly replaced by the more capable M2 Competition, and then the M2 CS or Club Sport was added to the lineup.
The German brand has now unveiled the second-generation M2. Internally called the G87, the new 2023 BMW M2, while controversial in its design, is a serious step above its predecessor in all other respects.
There’s more power, better technology and better handling. But what is really disappointing is the design. Although it’s a matter of perspective, truth be told, we’re not big fans of BMW recent design attempts. We’re sure a lot of people agree with us, but of course there are others who disagree.
We feel that BMW is trying to modernize and impress far too many people. The end result, however, is some weird design choices and a whole lot of hate. Even though the new BMW M2 doesn’t sport the monstrous kidney grilles of the M3, the exterior is still a step in the wrong direction compared to the F87 M2. Can new M Performance parts change that? Let’s find out.
BMW prepares M performance parts for the 2023 M2
According to photos shared by Instagrammer Wilcoblok, BMW is working on M Performance parts for its latest compact sports car. Although BMW has yet to officially announce the accessories, Wilcoblok says they are as official as they come. Parts include a new chin spoiler up front, with blades running up the sides of the bumper. The front air intakes have a sharper look thanks to sporty diagonal strakes. More design cues, perhaps for aero benefits, can be seen behind the front and rear wheels. Flanking the sides are some pretty aggressive L-shaped rocker arms that appear to have some form of aero lens.
At the rear, things look even sharper. The bumper design is enhanced by a new stacked exhaust layout similar to the M3 and M4 with M Performance accessories. We can also see two spoilers, one fixed to the roof, and the other to the trunk lid, in the shape of a very large wing. The spoiler exercise is giving us some serious JDM vibes, with similar designs seen across Lancer Evolutions and Subaru WRX STI.
M Performance parts look more like Mansory than BMW
Honestly, the M Performance bits don’t do much to improve the looks of the new M2. Yes, it makes the car more aggressive, but the fundamental design remains intact. For reference, it’s like slapping a set of HRE rims on a Pontiac Aztec or PT Cruiser. Still no spectators, but now they are less attractive than before, at least from the waist down.
In a way, the M Performance-equipped BMW M2 looks more like a Mansory item than an OEM one. Controversial? Maybe, but we think Mansory cars can be a bit of a stretch.
However, in BMW’s defence, we do like the look of the rear. The exhaust design and all the symmetry is worth appreciating. In fact, we reckon the stock G87 M2 could be a whole lot better with an aftermarket front bumper. The car is still proportionate, but perhaps it’s the front that ruins the design. The overly square design elements are somewhat of a shift from the rear. If the styling isn’t consistent, then the whole car is just an asymmetry on wheels.
Styling aside, the 2023 BMW M2 is an absolute stopper
At the heart of the 2023 M2 is a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six. Internally called S58, this same engine powers the all-new M3 and M4, albeit in a more powerful version. In the M2, however, the unit develops 53 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 48 horsepower over the outgoing F87 model. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic.
As for technology, the car is equipped with the latest. Unlike the new 2 Series, the M2’s dash features a massive one-piece digital display – a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment system.
According to BMW, the chassis of the new M2 is stiffer than before, thanks to increased frontal stiffness as well as reinforced mid and rear sections. We are certain that the new 2023 M2 will be a superior car to its predecessor. Is it leaps and bounds? Probably not. In our books, the F87 trumps the G87 as best value for money, especially when it comes to design. Will the G87 M2 grow on us? Not sure at this point. Maybe we’ll change our minds once we see it in the flesh, preferably with M Performance parts.
Source: Instagram/Wilcoblok, BMW
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