BMW’s M Division continues testing the new generation M2, ahead of its unveiling that is understood to take place in the second half of the year.

This prototype was spotted on the roads outside the Nurburgring as it was getting ready to be tested in between the apexes. However, our spy photographers couldn’t get to the circuit, because “owners have forbidden all photos for commercial use when shooting on the track”, according to them.

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Expected to be one of the best driver’s cars in the segment, the 2022 M2 will be based around the CLAR architecture of the regular 2-Series Coupe. This means that unlike the 2-Series Gran Coupe, which shares its nuts and bolts with models such as the front-wheel drive-based 2-Series Active Tourer, X1, and X2, the new M2 will continue to be rear-wheel drive.

However, an M-tuned xDrive all-wheel-drive system could launch as an option, like on the 2021 M3 and M4, and certain markets could get it with a good old stick shift besides the auto ‘box. Details surrounding the powertrain are scarce, but it is believed to use an inline-six, perhaps a less powerful version of the unit found in the new M3 and M4. In the latter two, it produces 473 HP as standard and 503 HP in the Competition variants.

And the truly good news is that, unlike its bigger brethren, the 2022 M2 Coupe should get normal-sized kidney grilles. The beefed-up body kit, quad exhaust pipes, bigger wheels and M badging will set it apart from the standard 2-Series models.

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