While the BMW M2 has only been on sale for around 12 months or so, it's getting an update at the same time as the rest of the 2 Series Coupe line-up. As it stands, the biggest revisions surround the infotainment system, now featuring BMW's Operating System 8.5, which delivers better voice control, a new layout and new climate controls, but the M division engineers have been tinkering under the bonnet, too.
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Well, the M2 was already a potent two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe, but BMW has managed to unlock another 20hp from the 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six, pushing it to 480hp. Although that's probably not too difficult, considering the same engine appears in the M3 and M4, where it's tuned to make well in excess of 500hp. BMW has remapped the M2 to boost throttle response, too, irrespective of the driving mode chosen.
The M2 uses a variation of the platform that underpins the M3 and M4, but while those cars can be had with four-wheel drive, the M2 remains rear-drive only. It also retains the option of a six-speed manual gearbox. BMW quotes a 0-100km/h time of 4.0 seconds for the eight-speed auto-equipped M2, while the manual model manages the same sprint in 4.2 seconds. Another difference between the two models is that while the auto comes with 600Nm of torque, the manual has to 'make do' with 550Nm, presumably to protect the manual gearbox.
Good stuff. Any other updates?
There has been a subtle reworking of the M2's exterior, with the biggest changes reserved for the rear. There are two pairs of exhaust tips sticking out the back as before, but they're now finished in black, while the M2 badge on the boot lid is finished in the same colour. Buyers can now order the car's alloy wheels in silver if they so wish, while new additions to the colour palette include Java Green, Fire Red, Sao Paulo Yellow and Portimao Blue.
Other new additions inside include a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, while an Alcantara-trimmed wheel is available as an option. Customers can now add the race-inspired M Carbon bucket seats as an individual option, too - until now they were only offered as part of the M Race Track package, which also added track-biased tyres.
When does the updated M2 hit Irish shores?
The new M2 Coupe is available to order now, with first deliveries towards the end of the year. The new M2 costs €115,760 excluding on-the-road costs in Ireland.