BMW is expected to introduce the 2-Series, which replaces the 1-Series coupe/convertible, to the world later this year. For the U.S. market, we anticipate an engine lineup consisting of two tunes for the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The specs that found their way to 2addicts.com today are for the South African-market models.
Most notably, the M235i will use a 322 horsepower, 332 lb-ft. of torque version of the automaker’s 3.0-liter inline TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder engine; that’s actually a little more power than the M135i hatchback currently sold in South Africa.
In addition, the South African market will also be offered 220i (gasoline) and 220d (diesel) models, the former of which is likely to come to the U.S. It features a 181 horsepower, 200 lb-ft. of torque 2.0-liter engine, and it’s the same unit found in the BMW 320i. It’s not likely that we’ll see the diesel-powered 220d any time soon in the U.S.
Interestingly, the spec sheets list the South African model 220i with a curb weight checking in at just under 3,000 lbs. While the North American market model should weigh a little more thanks to some additional standard equipment, it will likely weigh less than the outgoing 1-Series.
Thanks to several readers for pointing us in the direction of these leaked specs.
Spy shots… and what we already know
Our intrepid spies have provided us with a fully uncovered look at BMW’s 1-Series-replacing 2-Series coupe while it was on a photo shoot in Europe.
Pictured here in M Sport guise – note the M badge, bulging front fascia, big alloy wheels and gigantic brakes – the 2-Series coupe is set to arrive in the United States very soon as a 2014 model year.
Confused about the 2-Series name? You’re not alone. BMW is repositioning its coupes to have even-numbered names, while its higher-volume sedans will retain their odd number configurations. The upcoming 1-Series sedan will be complemented by the 2-Series coupe, while the current 3-Series is set to gain a 4-Series coupe companion in the near future.
The 2-Series will be marginally larger than the outgoing 1-Series, stretching perhaps 2 to 3 inches longer overall.
Spotted in both soft- and hard-top configurations, the 2-Series will ride on a version of the 1-Series rear-wheel drive platform. However, that won’t last for long – BMW’s next-generation 1-Series will switch to a front-wheel drive layout, meaning this round of 2-Series will be the first and last to send power to the rear wheels.
Underhood we expect to see both four- and six-cylinder engine options for the U.S. market. For those craving the ultimate in performance, BMW is said to be developing an M2 based on the 2-Series coupe, but it should be more aggressive looking than the red car spied in Europe.
Although not seen yet, our sources tell us that BMW is also working on a Gran Coupe version of the new 2-Series. Penned in the same vein as the 6-Series Gran Coupe, the 2-Series Gran Coupe will take on upcoming vehicles like Mercedes’ CLA. It remains unknown if the 2-Series Gran Coupe will spawn a performance M model.
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