New renderings of the 2016 M2 surface on the inter-webs. The successor of the BMW 1M is scheduled to go on sale in early...

New renderings of the 2016 M2 surface on the inter-webs. The successor of the BMW 1M is scheduled to go on sale in early...

New renderings of the 2016 BMW M2 surface on the inter-webs. The successor of the BMW 1M is scheduled to go on sale in early 2016 with a world premiere taking place just a few months earlier.

To differentiate itself from the M235i Coupe, the F87 M2 will sport uniquely styled front and rear bumpers, front wings, sills, boot lid and standard 19-inch M wheels. The rendered M2 here also comes functional vented hood, M3/M4 side mirrors, carbon fiber roof, ceramic brakes with yellow calipers and full LED headlights.

The overall weight plans ask for a limited of 1530kg, lighter than the current M235i. It features a carbon fiber strut brace within the engine bay and composite plastic panels.

Under the hood, just as we reported, it will not sport the inline-six turbo from the new M3 and M4 - even detuned - but rather an updated version of the N55 Twin-power 3.0 litre engine with 370 horsepower. The M2 prototype runs with both a manual and automatic transmission so we expect both options to be available in the production series.

The power output suggests a 0-60mph time of 4.4seconds with the DCT, 0.5seconds faster than the 1M Coupe. However this isn't all, the shocker really comes from the statement that BMW is looking into an xDrive version of the M2 coupe in selected markets. And if that wasn't enough, an M2 convertible will also be launched in 2016.

By: Unknown On 17:15

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Rumor - BMW i8s with 500+ hp coming in 2016

George Kacher, a journalist well connected with BMW sources, reports for Automobile mag that the Munich-based automaker is preparing a new 'Green' supercar for 2016...

George Kacher, a journalist who is very well known and connected with BMW sources, reports for Automobile mag that the Munich-based automaker is preparing a new 'Green' supercar for 2016, The centenary year for BMW. Built under the codename M100, the car will sold under the BMW i8s badge.

Ulrich Kranz is once again in charge of the BMW i supercar and the new program director Roberto Fedeli, who has just recently moved from Ferrari, is going to be working alongside. Even though the BMW i8s is based on the "regular i8" model, the anniversary car will come with many different bespoke parts that could almost be advertised as a brand new car.

The carbon fiber life module and the drive module will be retained, however new materials, lightweight construction techniques and even the lack of the rear seats will point to a whole new car. Also a reworked transmission and stronger brakes are on the list as well.

The biggest change comes from under the hood where the car will get a combine power output over 500 horsepower and 500ib-ft of torque. However the current i8 pairs the turbo three-cylinder's 228hp and 236ib-ft of torque with 129hp and 184ib-ft from its electric motor.

The new mid-engine plug-in supercar is still being evaluated in two different configurations. One of the features a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four rated at approximately 320hp; also the other one boasts a 3.0-litre straight-six good for close to 480hp - most likely the S55 engine from the BMW M3 and M4.

Meanwhile the petrol engine drives the rear wheels just as in the BMW i8, the electric motor propels the front wheels. Its power output is 109hp when mated to the six and 204hp when supporting the four. Common to both versions is a rear-mounted integrated starter generator, which develops 27hp. A dual-clutch transmission with 9-speeds is said to be used.

The curb weight of the BMW i8S model is said to exceed 3,455 pounds, the extra 150-plus horsepower will help with performance. The top speed may again be limited to 155mph, but the 0-62mph acceleration is said to improve from 4.1-3.5seconds

if the BMW i8 starts at £136,625 the i8S will be priced higher to reflect its status

By: Unknown On 17:00

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