[kevinlevrone]

I don't know what it is (possibly the next BMW-Toyota Z4 looking at the windscreen ?) but it looks better than the 2 series.

[andrey_gta]

Its so wide, its mesmerizing.


i think its the Toyota/Z4 replacement

[hyperzulu]

It has Recaros!

[twin fed]

I really have no idea where they are going with this mule. The roof line is terrible. the front is way to sloped and the rear to upright. There was a lot of finished work done to this mule to get the roof and quarter panels like that and then paint it. Keep in mind all the glass had to be custom made for this, nothing translates over from the M235i. There is no way this is going to be M2, there is to much differentiation to make it worthwhile or profitable, for what in the larger scheme of all things BMW is going to be a small production scale car.

[AtlantaDude]

Originally Posted by doberzus

I love this!

I wish the 2 series looked like this....seriously wish this was the M235i/M2 look.

Honestly, after looking at the side by side of the 2 series and this test mule. The current 2 series just does not look attractive with that high roof line. This actually looks mean and aggressive!

I agree 100%!!!

I hope this is an intense LCI test mule, although no swirl wrapping tells me it's not. I love it though. That roofline is perfect!

Drop an S55 motor in it, give me the DCT, and call me a happy driver! Whoa! (LSD implied here, with the S55)

FYI: I have a 6spd now, and am not part if the 6spd or die crowd

[eyeloveteeth]

makes sense what everyone has said about the Z replacement. Sounds about right in terms of timing.

however, something really weird, is the massive unsprung weight that shows up in every photo. Even with the shorter wheel base.

I am willing to bet that there's some sort of hybrid powertrain in there.

[Adem1534]

In my opinion, it's most definitely an M2 mule.

Black roof? That signifies to me that that roof is being tested - it's something BMW is analyzing.

Carbon Fiber, anyone?

I think the new roofline looks absolutely stunning. Completely ditches the porky look from certain angles.

Was really close to ditching the M2, and picking up a fully loaded Mustang GT a year earlier.

But that roofline really adds to it's character. Love it.

[hellrotm]

With the chopped roof. It has to be test mule for the upcoming Toyota/BMW joint project. Most likely testing the chassis and suspension, that is why they chopped the roof. Needs to have the lower center of gravity to get correct data.

I really hope this is a sign of fixed roof sports car.

[AtlantaDude]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

I really hope this is a sign of fixed roof sports car.

Agreed! Not a targa, but a real fixed roof.

[ron_jeremy]

Originally Posted by RL530xit

Test mule for new Z2? Fitted with carbon fiber to reduce weight and be in line with the Z's?

That was my guess as well.
A light compact Z2 with RWD would've been awsome.

[Adem1534]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

With the chopped roof. It has to be test mule for the upcoming Toyota/BMW joint project. Most likely testing the chassis and suspension, that is why they chopped the roof. Needs to have the lower center of gravity to get correct data.

I really hope this is a sign of fixed roof sports car.

Your analysis can apply to this being the M2 as well:

"With the chopped roof. It has to be test mule for the upcoming M2. Most likely testing the chassis and suspension, that is why they chopped the roof. Needs to have the lower center of gravity to get correct data."

And you know what, it makes a hell of a lot more sense that this is testing for an M2.

- Carbon Fiber roof -(something everyone was hoping for on the M2)
- Carbon Fiber hood -(something everyone was hoping for on the M2)
- Lowered Roofline - (Looks more aggressive and high performance, for the M2).
- Double Bubble roof - (also something everyone was hoping for on the M2).

They took a M235i. They didn't modify it (by definition) but they actually redesigned the hood line. That is an indicator that the lowered roofline is not just for arbitrary testing. It's for testing a production spec roof line.

So, again:

M235i ----> Lower roof line ----> add carbon fiber hood -----> hood gets signature double bubble ------> Carbon Fiber roof ------> shorter, more nimble wheel base for greater performance


And there are people here saying that it can't be the M2?

I'd bet money that this is related to the M2.

EDIT: It even has recaros in it. Come on, guys.

This thing is literally screaming:

"I AM A PROTOTYPE TESTING THE LOWER HOODLINE ALONG WITH THE NEW CARBON FIBER HOOD, CARBON FIBER DOUBLE BUBBLE ROOF,A SHORTER WHEEL BASE, AND NOT TO MENTION, I HAVE RECAROS IN ME. But that's cool, I'm fine with you guys calling me a toyota/BMW joint prototype"


As if it couldn't be any more obvious.

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by Adem1534

Your analysis can apply to this being the M2 as well:

When has a M-verison of one of their models ever had a chopped roof?

[Red Bread]

The chopped wheelbase makes it absolutely NOT an M2.

[Eddien123]

Maybe a facelift for the 235?

[StealYourFace]

It's got a rear diff and the same rear brakes, but smaller front brakes.

Looks like the longer front makes up for the shorter rear. Next z4?

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by Eddien123

Maybe a facelift for the 235?

Has BMW ever shortened the wheelbase and chopped the roof for a refresh?

Especially on a low volume seller like the 2-series.

[Adem1534]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

When has a M-verison of one of their models ever had a chopped roof?

Never.


That doesn't matter. There are no rules that say BMW has to stick to their previous methodology.

EDIT: I see what you mean now. I was just applying it to the second half of your comment. (After the chopped roof part).

[Fugly M3]

Originally Posted by twenzel

Agreed! Lower roof, longer front end, shorter wheel base all point to a roadster.

In picture 9 you can see the rear diff so it is not a FWD platform.

Yea, the rear diff is what I looked for too! Very interesting!

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by Adem1534

Never.


That doesn't matter. There are no rules that say BMW has to stick to their previous methodology.

EDIT: I see what you mean now. I was just applying it to the second half of your comment. (After the chopped roof part).

The chopped roof and carbon panels are basically the opposite of BMW using the 7-series chassis with weights over the roof to test components for the X7.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1046509

[CJBimmer]

Has to be a CSL/GTS or race derivative version. Manufacturing one-off carbon fiber parts is expensive and a pointless exercise for a mule, especially parts that are so detailed, and as another poster mentioned, have excellent form and fit. No, those are parts in development for an actual car. That logic also throws out the Z car test mule. Also, the car features AeroCatch hood latches. Thats not standard on any M car and would make an unlikely debut on a performance car other than the M3/4 as its BMW's marque vehicle in the performance segment.

My money is on a CSL/GTS or similar high performance variant of the M2. The bumpers are uncovered because they'll undoubtedly change. Lower roofline and carbon fiber bits give the vehicle the appropriate center of gravity and weight distribution for performance testing.

I, for one, think this little car is fantastic, regardless of what it turns out to be.

[captpn]

Wow, now this is the car they should have originally come out with. The lines to me are much nicer than the current 2. I was close on deciding to order a new 2, but now this gives me pause for sure.

Love it, want it, but what is it.

[Schm]

Originally Posted by eyeloveteeth

makes sense what everyone has said about the Z replacement. Sounds about right in terms of timing.

however, something really weird, is the massive unsprung weight that shows up in every photo. Even with the shorter wheel base.

I am willing to bet that there's some sort of hybrid powertrain in there.

That would give credence to the Toyotamw, it has been reported widely that the car will both have hybrid systems.