Why is the 2016 BMW M2 missing from the LA Auto Show?

Why didn’t BMW M GmgH bring the new 2016 M2 to the LA Auto Show? It’s taking a back seat to another M model.

The new 2016 BMW M2 isn’t at the LA Auto Show and it takes a back seat to the ultra high-performance M4 GTS. These two M models are on completely different ends of the BMW M GmgH spectrum. The new BMW M2 Coupe is designed as an entry point into the M performance models and the BMW M4 GTS is the most expensive model in their lineup.

The M2 Coupe is scheduled to go on sale next spring in North America and it won’t be unveiled in the U.S. just yet. Even though the first M2 has already rolled off the assembly line in Leipzig, performance enthusiasts will have to wait for the M2 to make its public appearance here.

The M2‘s performance is impressive and produces more power than its predecessor, the BMW 1 M Coupe. The M2 comes with a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder inline engine that pumps out 365 bhp and 343 lb-ft of torque. This is more than 70 lb-ft of additional torque than the past generation M3 produced.

It’s not as impressive as its big brother the BMW M4 GTS that is making its North American debut in LA this week. The innovative water injection system in the M4 GTS is what sets this high-performance track-ready model apart from the standard M4 Coupe. The system developed by BMW M GmbH helps boost power to 493 bHP, an increase of 16 percent over the BMW M4’s 3.0-liter TwinTurbo inline six engine and torque has been increased by 10 percent to 442 lb-ft. BMW says the M4 GTS will launch from 0-60 mph in a quick 3.7 seconds with a governed top speed of 189.5 mph.

The BMW M4 GTS is a street-legal track racer and only 700 examples will be made available globally, with 300 examples to reach the U.S. in spring of 2016. It will be priced at $134,200, including destination. It’s a stark contrast to the all-new 2016 BMW M2 Coupe that will be an entry point into the M performance division of the Bavarian automaker.

Media source: BMW USA