BMW M 235i SPIED TESTING AT NÜRBURGRING’S NORDSCHLEIFE

As we know BMW has now decided to name all its coupes using even numbers. That means 3 Series Coupe has now been renamed 4 Series. Even the smaller 1 Series Coupe will soon be called a 2 Series Coupe (not to be confused with your two walking shoes). Our spies have recently caught this 2 Series being tested at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife.

The model in question is the 235i, specifically the M235i. And before you get your knickers into a tight twist, this is not the M2. That car is still on its way. M235i is based on the 2 Series which will launch in Mzansi in 2014, essentially as a replacement for the 1 Series Coupe. Its engines will largely mimic those of the 1 Series hatch. The car spied here uses the company 3.0-litre turbo to irk out 235kW and 450Nm of torque. Performance will be expected to hit a claimed 4.8 seconds for the 8-speed automatic and 5 seconds for the 6-speed manual.

As stated earlier, the 2 Series will be available at BMW dealerships in Mzansi from just before the second half of 2014. Launch models are not confirmed yet but the final range should consist of a 218i, 220i (135kW), 220d (135kW), 225i (165kW), 228i (180kW) and the normal 235i (225kW).