Extension of the new BMW 2 Series range; maximum dynamics in the premium compact segment now also available in Convertible form; the BMW 2 Series Convertible is the successor to the world’s most popular open-top premium model in this vehicle class (more than 130,000 units sold); systematic development of hallmark strengths of the BMW 1 Series Convertible in terms of driving dynamics, efficiency, agility, athletic elegance, emotion, comfort, functionality and intelligent networking; open-top driving experience of unmatched intensity thanks to typical BMW seat position and wide-opening top; rear-wheel drive – unique in the segment – ensures outstanding dynamics; market launch from February 2015 including BMW M Performance Automobile BMW M235i Convertible.

Independent exterior design, developed in parallel with BMW 2 Series Coupe, sporting hallmark BMW Convertible features and clear visual differentiation from the compact models of the BMW 1 Series; elegantly stretched lines; flat silhouette with pronounced swage line; powerfully sculpted rear wheel arches pointing up rear-wheel-drive configuration; targeted personalisation through model variants Advantage, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport, each with specific exterior and interior design as well as equipment features.

Typical BMW proportions with short overhangs, long bonnet, set-back passenger cell, broad wheelbase and wide track; significantly enhanced dimensions compared with its forerunner model, the BMW 1 Series Convertible; length increased by 72 millimetres to 4,432 millimetres, width by 26 millimetres to 1,774 millimetres, wheelbase by 30 to 2,690 millimetres, front track by 41 to 1,521 millimetres and rear track by 43 to 1,556 millimetres; extended interior specification including e.g. optimised entry and exit comfort for rear passengers; luggage compartment volume increased by 30 litres to 335 litres with the top closed or by 20 litres to 280 litres with the top open, as well as a 35‑millimetre-wider rear hatch compared to the predecessor model; rear seat backrest can be folded using a lever in the luggage compartment; through-loading aperture width increased by 150 millimetres to 450 millimetres and height of 246 (+28) millimetres.

Newly developed, electrically powered fabric top with additional insulation and optimised acoustic comfort; opens and closes in 20 seconds at the push of a button, even while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h (30 mph) if required; choice of three roof colours: Black (standard), Anthracite with silver effect and Brown with silver effect (optional).

Interior with signature BMW Convertible “boat deck” look thanks to harmoniously flowing shoulderline and soft-top compartment, along with rollover bar concealed behind rear head restraints when stationary; driver-focused cockpit; high-quality materials and finish with model-specific accents: centre console with high-gloss black surfaces around radio and climate controls, chrome surrounds for air vents and exclusively designed climate control display with white readouts on a black background.

BMW 2 Series Convertible (average fuel consumption: 8.5–4.4 l/100 km [33.2–64.2 mph]; average CO2 emissions: 199–116 g/km) with supreme dynamics and maximum efficiency for its segment; four-cylinder petrol engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in the BMW 228i Convertible (180 kW/245 hp) and BMW 220i Convertible (135 kW/184 hp); four-cylinder diesel from the new BMW Group engine family with TwinPower Turbo technology and 140 kW/190 hp for the BMW 220d Convertible; eight-speed Steptronic transmission as an option; BMW M235i Convertible as a new benchmark for agility, precision and emotionality in the segment; 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and 240 kW/326 hp, M‑specific tuning for chassis components, aerodynamically optimised body features, individual cockpit design and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as an option.

Extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology as standard: Air Curtains as well as Auto Start Stop function in conjunction with both manual and automatic gearbox; ECO PRO mode activated via standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch, including coasting function in conjunction with automatic transmission and including Proactive Driving Assistant if Navigation system Professional is specified.

Outstanding agility and impressive ride comfort thanks to rear-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engines, balanced axle load distribution and sophisticated chassis technology; double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle with model-specific tuning; Electric Power Steering and high-performance brake system as standard; variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers optional; all models come as standard with the DSC stability control system including DTC and electronic locking function for the rear axle differential; M Performance mechanical limited-slip differential available for BMW M235i Convertible from the Original BMW Accessories range.

Torsional rigidity of the body increased by around 20 percent compared with predecessor model; best aerodynamic properties among the competition; optimised weight thanks to intelligent lightweight design; body structure with precisely defined load paths and generous deformation zones, based on the BMW 1 Series that was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating; extensive occupant protection through safety equipment including front and side/head airbags as well as integrated rollover protection system; pedestrian protection optimised by active bonnet and defined deformation zones at the front of the car.

High-quality standard equipment includes electrically powered and acoustically insulated roof, BMW Professional radio including iDrive operating system with Control Display in flatscreen design, automatic climate control with convertible mode; optional leather trim with SunReflective technology to reduce surface heating in direct sunshine; optional latest-generation Navigation system Professional including Touch Controller; first BMW model with the option of over-the-air navigation updates via the vehicle’s built-in SIM card.

Significantly extended range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive: anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, Adaptive Headlights, Parking Assistant, rear view camera, Driving Assistant, Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info display, cruise control system with braking function, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real Time Traffic Information, Online Entertainment, extended functionality provided by apps for internet-based services such as Facebook and Twitter.

Model variants:

BMW M235i Convertible: Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology (twin-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-Vanos).
Capacity: 2,979 cc, output: 240 kW/326 hp at 5,800 – 6,000 rpm, max. torque: 450 Nm / 332 lb-ft at 1,300 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 5.2 seconds (automatic: 5.0 seconds),
top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph.
Average fuel consumption: 8.5 (7.9) litres per 100 kilometres / 33.2 (35.8) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions: 199 g/km (184 g/km), exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW 228i Convertible: Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (twin-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-Vanos.
Capacity: 1,997 cc, output: 180 kW/245 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm,
max. torque: 350 Nm / 258 lb-ft at 1,250 – 4,800 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 6.1 seconds (automatic: 6.0 seconds),
top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph.
Average fuel consumption: 6.8 (6.6) litres per 100 kilometres / 41.5 (42.8) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions: 159 g/km (154 g/km), exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW 220i Convertible: Four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (twin-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, Double-Vanos.
Capacity: 1,997 cc, output: 135 kW/184 hp at 5,000 – 6,250 rpm,
max. torque: 270 Nm / 199 lb-ft at 1,250 – 4,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.6 seconds),
top speed: 231 km/h / 143 mph (226 km/h / 140 mph).
Average fuel consumption*: 6.8 – 6.5 (6.4 – 6.2) litres per 100 kilometres / 41.5 – 43.5 (44.1–45.6 ) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions*: 159 – 152 g/km (149 – 144 g/km), exhaust standard: EU6.

BMW 220d Convertible: Four-cylinder in-line diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (turbochargers with variable inlet geometry, common rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors, max. injection pressure: 2,000 bar).
Capacity: 1,995 cc, output: 140 kW/190 hp at 4,000 rpm,
max. torque: 400 Nm / 199 lb-ft at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm.
Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph]: 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.4 seconds),
top speed: 225 km/h / 140 mph (225 km/h / 140 mph).
Average fuel consumption*: 4.7 – 4.4 (4.4 – 4.1) litres per 100 kilometres / 60.1– 64.2 (64.2–68.9 ) mpg imp,
CO2 emissions*: 124–116 g/km (116 – 108 g/km), exhaust standard: EU6.

Here is the look of the 2 Series Gran Turismo from Autobild.

The 2er GT is the next logical step and previews the potential for the 2er GT as well as an exclusive look for the new Gran Turismo models of the 5er and the 3er, which will be more sleeker than today's models but still maintain the current GT's attributes.

The more angular appearance forgoes today's more rounded look for a more cohesive coupe look. Body sculpture will be angular and chiseled to provide a modern and fresh look with exceptional stand out details.

Current GT traits remains such as the 5er with its first class cabin and semi-command seating position. The car has a slight increase due to being accommodated on the 5er Li model from China. This allows for a more sleeker rear end. The rear lights will be placed higher and they are more stretched across the rear but reduced in height , a trait of upcoming BMW models.

The 5er GT will be shown as a new Concept car and will demonstrate one of the benefits of the BMW and Toyota relationship. A new Fuel Cell, for increased Efficiency.

BMW’s M division is preparing to revive the intrinsic spirit and driving appeal of its original six-cylinder powered M3 with a new racy two-door, the 370bhp-plus turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder-powered M2 Coupé.

Depicted above in exclusive computer generated images based on prototypes spied testing at BMW’s M division headquarters on the outskirts of Munich in Germany, the new price-leading M-car has been conceived to sit between the existing M235i and fifth-generation M3. Its price is expected to be around £45,000 when sales kick off in just over 15 months from now.

This will see the new M2 Coupé compete directly with an upgraded version of the Mercedes-AMG A45 and the upcoming second-generation Audi RS3 when it reaches UK showrooms during the first quarter of 2016. A public debut for the new BMW in lightly-veiled concept car guise is planned for next year’s Frankfurt motor show.

As with the earlier limited-volume 1M Coupé, which it indirectly replaces in the BMW M line-up, the M2 Coupé will be powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre in line six-cylinder direct injection petrol engine. It won’t, however, be the powerplant used by the larger and more expensive four-door M3 and its mechanical identical two-door sibling the M4, according to departing M division boss Friedrich Nitschke.

Described as an all-new development, the S57 B30-designated unit is based around the German car maker’s upcoming B57 powerplant that is planned to make its debut in the sixth-generation 7-series early next year - rather than the older N55 engine that forms the basis of the unit that powers the M3 and M4, the so-called S55 B30.

A heavy cloak of secrecy surrounds the new engine, which is also earmarked to power a range of future petrol powered ‘M Performance’ models for BMW M’s subordinate go-faster brand. Nitschke revealed it could develop up to 400bhp in production form, beating the future power output of the four- and five-cylinder engines of the A45 and RS3.

“Four hundred is the magic number,” said the BMW M division boss, referring to the power output of the M2’s new engine. “With forced induction it is no trouble to achieve this, but we have to make sure it doesn’t get too close to the power level of the new M4,” in reference to the engine used by the M2 Coupé’s larger sibling, which delivers 425bhp.

BMW M division insiders say initial prototypes of the M2 Coupé run an engine tune that gives it 375bhp.

Channelling those reserves will be a standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual clutch transmission with remote steering wheel mounted shift paddles – both featuring automatic stop/start and brake energy recuperation alongside a thermal energy recovery function.

Although nothing is official ahead of the new car’s planned unveiling in concept car form, BMW M division sources suggest the new M2 Coupé will be geared for a 0-62mph time of 4.4sec in seven speed dual clutch guise – 0.5sec inside the time quoted for the 335bhp 1M Coupé and 0.2sec slower than the M4. The model's top speed, as with all existing M-cars, will be limited to 155mph in standard guise.

Early examples of the M2 Coupé will be sold exclusively in rear-wheel drive configuration, complete with an electronically controlled limited slip differential that incorporates a torque vectoring function for enhanced traction.

The combination of six-cylinder power and rear-wheel drive is set to provide the new price-leading BMW M car with what Nitschke describes as “a unique selling point” in a market segment he says is “completely dominated by four-cylinder four-wheel drive performance cars”.

Autocar understands BMW’s M division is planning to make a four-wheel drive xDrive option available for the M2 Coupé in selected markets later on as part of a broader sales strategy that will see it offered as an option on all future series production M models.

Further performance-enhancing initiatives include the use of a number of lightweight components aimed at bringing the M2 Coupé’s kerbweight well down below 1530kg to be lighter than the existing M235i. Among them will be a carbonfibre strut brace within the engine bay and composite plastic panels – developments first seen on the new M3 and M4.

Differentiating the new M2 Coupé from the existing M235i Coupé will be uniquely styled front and rear bumpers, front wings, sills, boot lid and standard 19-inch wheels.

The M2 Coupé is planned to be produced on the same production line as the standard 2-series Coupé at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany, with the first examples scheduled to land in showrooms during the final quarter of 2015. It will be followed in 2016 by a new M2 Cabriolet.