Mar 19, 2015, 10:40am ET

BMW to launch E30 M3-inspired model

The spirit of the E30 M3 is back.

BMW will use its iconic E30 M3 as the inspiration for an upcoming M vehicle, a top company executive has revealed.

The E30-based M3, launched in 1986, is easily one of BMW's most beloved models. Essentially a race car for the street, the original M3 boasted a powerful four-cylinder engine, a stiffer suspension than a standard 3-Series and pronounced body work that included massive fender flares and fixed rear wing.

Despite creeping up on nearly 30-years of age, the E30 M3 remains popular among enthusiasts to this day. Luckily for them, BMW is planning ingrain some of that car's DNA into an upcoming M-badged model.

"The E30 M3 has a really big fan base, and we are going to be taking cues from it for a future product,” BMW Group design director Adrian van Hooydonk told Autocar.

Van Hooydonk didn't elaborate much, but the E30 M3-inspired model is likely to be a version of the upcoming M2. BMW could launch that special M2 sometime in 2016, which just so happens to mark the M3's 30th birthday and the 100th anniversary of BMW itself. Quite the celebration, indeed.

The E30-inspired M2 is expected to feature the same style of wheel fenders as the original, as well as a fixed rear wing. Power will likely come from an all-new 3.0L inline-six developing in excess of 370-horsepower. As with most M products, lightness will be key to the special edition M2.

"I'd have to give Colin Chapman the credit for the ‘performance through light weight' mantra, but that was another big factor for the E30, and that is also a priority for us,” van Hooydonk said.

Early reports suggest the limited edition M2 could tip the scales at just 3,000 pounds.

Like the original M3, sales of the special M2 will be limited, which should send values through the roof.