The market launch of the BMW 2 Series Coupé clinches pole position in the premium compact segment. The figure 2 in the model designation stands for supreme sporty flair while the letter M refers to the attractive features available for making a dynamic driving experience even more intensive. As in the case of the BMW M Performance automobile BMW M235i, BMW M Performance parts developed for all variants of the BMW 2 Series Coupé will be available as of the market launch in March 2014. The retrofit components designed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH in the areas of drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit perceptibly boost driving dynamics as well as underscoring the athletic appearance and sporty interior ambience of the new 2-door model. The product selection forms part of the Original BMW Parts program and enables the driver of a BMW 2 Series Coupé to add a touch of individual style in a way that expresses motor racing enthusiasm.

The BMW M Performance Power Kit available for the BMW 220d Coupé creates perfect starting conditions, increasing the output of the 4-cylinder diesel engine by 12 kW/16 bhp to 147 kW/200 bhp and maximum torque by 40 Nm to 420 Nm. The increased sprint capacity achieved has no impact on fuel consumption and exhaust emission figures. A BMW M Performance silencer system is available for the BMW M235i Coupé which reduces exhaust gas pressure to produce a striking, sports-style sound. In addition BMW M Performance tailpipe trim elements are offered in chrome or carbon, bearing the M logo.

A highlight in the suspension area is the BMW M Performance limited-slip differential available for the BMW M235i Coupé. When the dynamic stability control function DSC is deactivated, the torque-sensitive mechanical limited-slip differential in the rear axle ensures traction-optimised distribution of drive torque between the rear wheels. It reduces the slip that occurs on the wheel with less grip by transferring more drive power to the other wheels using a blocking effect. This converts engine power into forward momentum as effectively as possible so as to be able to accelerate out of a bend even more dynamically, for instance.

Products available for all model variants include the BMW M Performance sports suspension including a lowering of 20 millimetres as compared to the standard version, as well as specific dampers and shortened coil springs finished in red, and the especially light and high-capacity BMW M Performance brake system with brake calipers painted in a choice of red, yellow or orange. 19-inch forged BMW M Performance light alloy wheels are also available in two design versions.

The exterior components created to optimise aerodynamic properties have been developed with characteristic M precision. As a supplement to the M sports package available ex works and in conjunction with the BMW M Performance rear spoiler in carbon there is a BMW M Performance Aerodynamic Kit available for the front apron which has been tailored specifically to this model. The combination of air ducting elements at front and rear guarantees an ideal aerodynamic balance and can be supplemented with a diffuser insert for the rear apron as well as attachments for the side sills. Other individual accents to the outer appearance of the BMW 2 Series Coupé can be added by means of a black decorative grid for the BMW kidney grille, exterior caps in carbon, side sill foils with M Performance inscription and BMW M Performance accent stripes in two colour versions.

An cockpit ambience inspired by motor racing is created by the BMW M Performance sports steering wheel in Alcantara/carbon finish with red central marking and Race Display in 12-o'clock position, a gear lever and handbrake handle in carbon and an Alcantara gaiter. A carbon finish is likewise available for the gear selector switch of the automatic transmission. Other features available for a highly sporty and individually designed interior include interior strips in carbon and Alcantara, high-grade steel pedals and a driver footrest in corresponding design.

BMW has revealed a new autonomous driving assistant system that is capable of operating a car in a range of different driving situations -- even sending it into a wild oversteer drift on a circuit without any prompting or input from the driver. It's all part of a host of new technologies shown by the German car maker at this week's International CES (aka Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas.

Fitted to a prototype version of the soon-to-be-introduced M235i Coupe, the advanced system has been developed by BMW's Technik division in Munich, Germany as part of a program that aims to make cars fully autonomous by the end of the decade, when vital juristic changes to road worthiness laws across the globe are expected to allow such technology to be introduced to regular production cars.

Touting GPS technology used in the latest guided missile system as well as state of the art sonar radar, BMW's latest autonomous driving assistant system actively intervenes in the decision making of the driving process, operating the accelerator, steering and brakes fully independent of the driver.

Phoning home while drifting around your favorite track. Checking e-mails while your car autonomously launches off the line with a smokey burnout. Updating your Facebook page while pulling over 100 mph up the back straight. With BMW's latest technology, such scenarios are no longer a pipe dream, but reality. The question is: how long will it take lawmakers to play ball?