Rumors about the production of a full M Version of the BMW M235i as the official replacement for the 1M Coupe have been flying around for quite a while, and they are now stronger than ever. In fact, the latest reports from Munich suggest BMW has green-lighted production of this model as the new M2.

Company insiders have revealed to reporters from BimmerPost that BMW M2 is being prepared for production in early 2015, with a possible market launch later that year or in early 2016. And the specs they are suggesting for the car are very impressive, but not as good as we were led to believe.

Last time we heard about the BMW M2 we were told it will come with a 400 horsepower version of the same six-cylinder turbo engine in the M235i. It is indeed getting that engine, but the latest report puts the maximum output somewhere between 370 to 380 horsepower. That means the M2 will only be about 50 hp mightier than the M235i.

It will, however, be lighter, and equipped with M developed chassis, suspension, differential, transmission, and electronics. So the difference between this and the M235i could be huge. And we know the M235i is one helluva driver’s car already, so what’s the M2 going to be like?

Via Bimmrpost