What it is: The littlest new BMW to wear a proper M Badge. As such, it will be the spiritual successor to the fun, if inelegantly named, 1-series M coupe and, reaching back a bit further, the 2002 Turbo. Tip-offs to the car’s upped amperage include big black M wheels, huge cross-drilled brakes with blue M calipers, and of course, swirly paper on the fenders to conceal their muscular bulges. The front fenders are actually borrowed from the M235 racecar and as such, are a size too large for the front wheel; the rear fenders look wider than stock, but don’t appear to be from the racer. When the final M2 is revealed, expect to see a slightly more conventional (but still flared) front fender with the M fender vent, lower rocker panels that fit the car, a rear lip spoiler, a diffuser-esque rear bumper with quad exhaust tips, and a more aggressive front fascia than the M Sport package fascia worn by this car. In other words, it’ll probably look just like this.

Why it matters: We have written extensively about the inevitable appearance of the M2, and shown M2 renderings, but this is the first time we’ve seen it on the prowl. Since it is shorter and lighter than the new M4, it should also be more agile than its bigger brother. Just as significant, it will be more accessible to younger M buyers that otherwise might check out the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG, or the upcoming Cadillac ATS-V or Audi RS3.

View Photos Top: 2016 BMW M2 (spy photo). Bottom: 2014 BMW M235i coupe. CHRIS DOANE AUTOMOTIVE

Platform: As with all non-M 2-series models, the M2 uses BMW’s compact rear-wheel-drive platform. We expect to see extensive use of aluminum in the body panels, possibly even the fenders. Also don’t be surprised to see a convertible appear eventually, based on the 2-Series convertible we saw running around a few months back.

Powertrain: We’re fairly certain that the M2 will be powered by BMW’s prolific twin-turbo S55 3.0-liter inline-six. Output ratings will likely approach or surpass 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. As such, the M2’s power-to-weight ratio should beat both the beloved V-8–powered previous-gen M3’s as well as the new M4 coupe’s. Transmission choices will in all likelihood be shared with the M3/M4, which offer a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

View Photos CHRIS DOANE AUTOMOTIVE

Competition: Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG, Audi RS3, Cadillac ATS-V Coupe.

Estimated Arrival and Price: We expect the M2 will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early-to-mid 2016 as a 2017, though there’s a slim chance we could see it late next year. Prices will likely start around $55K, which would split the difference between the $44,025 of the 2014 M235i coupe and the $65,125 M4.

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