The Munich-based car maker is keeping its lips sealed about what it has in store for the world-renowned event, and the teaser sketch it published reveals precious little. However, a number of media outlets speculate that one of the concepts will be a close-to-production show car designed to give enthusiasts a thinly veiled preview of the long-awaited M2.
Likely billed as a heir to the original E30 M3, the M2 will be lower, wider, and meaner-looking than the 2 Series on which it will be based. The coupe will benefit from BMW’s expertise in carbon fiber, and it will boast an evolution of the 3 Series’ new 3.0-liter straight-six engine tuned to make about 370 horsepower.
Linked to either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic, the straight-six will send the M2 from zero to 60 mph in a little over four seconds. An electronic limited-slip differential, bigger brakes on all four corners, and a comprehensively updated suspension system will keep the power in check.
The second model will also be a close-to-production concept, but this one will preview the M4 GTS that is scheduled to arrive as a limited-edition model. The M4 GTS wil be a more hardcore version of the M4 that will inaugurate BMW’s innovative water-injection technology. The extra power will be complemented by a noticeable reduction in weight and, all told, the GTS will be much faster than the M4.
Regardless of what BMW has in store for Pebble Beach, both concepts will be unveiled online in early August. If the rumors are correct, look for both the M4 GTS and the M2 to greet the public for the first time at a major auto show in Europe or in the United States before the end of the year.
