2023 BMW M2 manual transmission may be US exclusive – report

The next-generation 2023 BMW M2 sports coupe's manual transmission option may not be offered outside the United States, according to the latest information from a BMW insider.

Confirmed for reveal before the end of 2022, the new 'G87' M2 is expected to offer the choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions, bolted to a revised version of the larger M3 and M4's 3.0-litre twin-turbo 'S58' inline six-cylinder engine.

However, a BimmerPost forum user – who is a trusted BMW insider, with a solid track record with accurate information – 'ynguldyn' claims the six-speed manual "could be a US-only option", unlike the same gearbox in its larger siblings, which is offered in most global markets.

Not offering the six-speed manual outside the US would likely rule out a right-hand-drive version for Australia – despite moderate demand for the manual transmission locally (representing 18.1 per cent of the 2600 previous-generation 'F87' M2 coupes sold since launch).

Global demand for the previous manual M2 was thought to be similar – in the region of 20 per cent – which is a stark contrast to the US, where about 50 per cent of M2s sold were believed to be manual models.

The current M3 sedan and M4 coupe (codenamed G80 and G82 respectively) are BMW's last new cars on sale in Australia with manual transmissions.

Demand for manual transmission versions of those cars has been modest: 7.5 per cent of M3 sales and 10.8 per cent of M4 sales locally between March and December 2021, according to data sourced by Drive.

However, BMW has a history of offering manual M cars only in the US; the late-2000s and early 2010s M5 sedans (codenamed E60 and F10 respectively) could be had with six-speed manuals, though only in North America.

The current 'G42' 2 Series coupe can't be had with a manual transmission, unlike its predecessor.

The bosses of BMW's M Division have previously said they remain committed to keeping the option of a manual transmission on the M2 – though this decision is driven largely by the US market, rather than Europe, Asia or Australia.

In 2018, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel – who departed the role later that year, but returned in 2021 – told Drive: "Being an engineer I would say from a rational standpoint that even though the manual gearbox is lighter than an automated gearbox it uses more fuel and is slower, so it doesn't really make sense…

"From the emotional standpoint, a lot of customers say 'I don't care, I want to have one'. As long as we have these take rates on M2, but also the M3 and M4, we're going to offer manuals because we listen to our customers… If demand is so high, then why not fulfil it?"

van Meel's successor, Markus Flasch, added in 2019: "We’ve made a conscious decision [with the M3 and M4] to continue [to offer manuals] and the market that pushed us very hard to do so was the United States.

"We will keep the manual in the core models of [M]2, 3 and 4. But nobody asks for a manual in an M5. I’m producing cars for our customers and [they have] a very, very clear opinion of what they want to see."

As reported, production of the new 2023 BMW M2 is rumoured to be revealed in the second half of this year, ahead of the start of production in December, and first Australian arrivals likely in the first half of 2023.

All signs point to the new coupe featuring a version of the larger M3 and M4's 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine (known as the S58), which rumours suggest will be detuned from the M3 Competition's 375kW to around 339kW – matching the 2021 M2 CS limited edition.

The six-speed manual and eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission options are set to power the rear wheels only in standard and M2 Competition variants – unlike the M3's available M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

According to BimmerPost's ynguldyn, available performance features are yet to include 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels (with an M2-specific design), a carbon-fibre roof, and M Carbon bucket seats – though carbon-ceramic brakes reportedly won't be available.

Spy photos and leaked images suggest the new M2 will keep its predecessor's flared wheel arches alive, joined by an aggressive front bumper design, unique side skirts stretching into the rear wheel arches, a boot lip spoiler, and four exhaust tips.

According to sources claiming to have seen the final design, the new coupe will feature a pair of intakes in the corners of the headlights – and may debut a new light blue colour for BMW, known as M Zandvoort Blue (following BMW M tradition of naming hero colours after race tracks).

Inside, the new M2 is set to benefit from BMW's new iDrive 8 dashboard design – rumoured to be introduced on the standard 2 Series from August 2022 production – with a 12.3-inch instrument display, and a central infotainment touchscreen as large as 14.9 inches across.

The 2023 BMW M2 is likely to be revealed in full in the second half of this year, ahead of first Australian arrivals likely in the first half of next year. Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest updates.