The Muscular M2 Coupe is the BMW We Deserve

Now THIS is what a BMW should be.

BMW threw a lifeline to diehard sport coupe enthusiasts with the introduction of the hard-charging new M2 coupe at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Critics have complained that BMWs have gotten fat and soft, losing the elemental appeal that attracted them in the first place, but the M2 promises to satisfy their primal desires.

A new 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder in BMW’s signature inline configuration rips out 370 horsepower and 343 lb.-ft. of torque. Even better, an overboost feature turns up the wick to 369 lb.-ft for the short bursts needed to tear off a quarter mile run or to pass slower traffic on a two-lane blacktop.

BMW promises 0-62 mph (100 kph) acceleration of 4.3 seconds when the M2 is equipped with the optional 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. A conventional H-pattern six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, to the relief of old-school enthusiasts.

Top speed is electronically restricted to 155 mph unless you splurge on the optional M Drivers Package, in which case the M2 can rocket you to your chosen destination at 168 mph.

Now this is an Ultimate Driving Machine we can get behind.

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