In an era when dual-clutch and torque converter automatics dominate the performance car landscape, the manual gearbox has become an endangered species. Modern transmissions are faster, smoother, and smarter than any human could hope to be. But they’re also missing something: connection. That visceral, analogue link between driver and machine. The G87 M2, in its most purist form, preserves that link — for now.

The Purity of Control

The new M2’s six-speed manual isn’t perfect. The throw is a touch long, and the clutch could be firmer. But none of that matters. What matters is that it’s there, a real manual, in a world increasingly devoid of them. It’s a declaration of intent: that driving should be about more than just numbers and 0-60 sprints. It should be an experience. An interaction.

The G87 rewards effort. Every heel-and-toe downshift is a small victory. Every perfectly timed upshift feels earned. It’s a rare treat in a performance car industry obsessed with lap times and launch control. And while the optional eight-speed automatic is competent, slick, and faster on paper, it lacks the character, the sense of involvement, that the manual brings in spades.

A Lineage of Legends

To understand why the G87 M2’s manual farewell hits so hard, you need to appreciate where it came from. The M2 lineage may be short compared to its M3 and M5 siblings, but its impact has been monumental. The original M2, the F87, launched in 2016 and was immediately hailed as a return to form for BMW M. It took the compact, rear-wheel-drive bones of the 2 Series and fused them with genuine M engineering — wider tracks, bespoke suspension, and a turbocharged inline-six engine. It was raw, responsive, and alive in your hands — a spiritual successor to the iconic E30 M3 and 1M Coupe that came before it.

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What made the M2 so revered was its simplicity. It wasn’t the most powerful M car, nor the most expensive. But it was the most approachable — a car that distilled BMW’s driving philosophy into something compact, balanced, and utterly joyful. With each variant — from the original N55-powered M2, to the sharper, more aggressive M2 Competition, and finally the M2 CS — the formula was honed, but never compromised. Manual gearboxes remained an option throughout, reinforcing the M2’s role as the purist’s choice in the BMW lineup.

In an age of growing complexity and digital interference, the M2 became a cult hero because it held the line. It reminded us that great driving isn’t always about the lap time — it’s about how a car makes you feel. And that’s the legacy the G87 now carries forward — and, poignantly, concludes in manual form.

The Engine That Binds It All

At the heart of the G87 M2 lies the S58 3.0-litre bi-turbo straight-six — the same engine found in the M3 and M4, albeit slightly detuned. In this application, it delivers 460PS and 550Nm of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. It’s a mighty powerplant: urgent, flexible, and sonorous when pushed. It doesn’t have the raw edge of BMW’s older naturally aspirated units, but what it lacks in theatricality, it makes up for in sheer thrust.

The torque curve is meaty and usable, allowing the M2 to surge forward from almost any speed. And with the raised top speed limiter (a factory option), this particular UK model can stretch its legs all the way to 180mph. On Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, traction is abundant, but not absolute — the M2 will still play when provoked. It’s a car that invites you to explore its limits, not shy away from them.

Driving Dynamics: Modern Meets Classic

The G87 M2 may be heavier than its predecessor, the beloved F87, but it’s also more planted and confident. The added mechanical grip is immediately noticeable. Where the old car could be a bit twitchy on the limit, the new one is more composed — less intimidating, more precise. This gives the G87 a dual personality: capable grand tourer one moment, rear-drive hooligan the next.

Its chassis tuning is sublime, striking a fine balance between agility and stability. The steering is fast and direct, and although it doesn’t drip with feedback like some older M cars, it communicates enough to keep you in the loop. The brake pedal is firm, the body control impressive, and the overall driving experience borders on intoxicating when you’re fully engaged with the manual gearbox.

This is a car that wants to be driven. Hard. On the right road, with the windows down and the revs up, the G87 M2 transcends specs and stats. It becomes a feeling.

Divisive by Design

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the styling. The G87 is not a universally loved object. In fact, it’s one of the most divisive BMW designs in recent memory. Gone are the elegant lines of the F87. In their place: boxy arches, a squared-off front end, and chunky proportions that make the M2 look almost cartoonish from some angles.

And yet, there’s something compelling about it. This particular example, gleaming in Toronto Red paint (a striking, shimmering crimson) amplifies the M2’s aggressive stance, and the wide hips and squared haunches speak to the car’s performance potential. It’s not conventionally beautiful, but it has presence — and like many of BMW’s more controversial designs, it may just age into icon status. Remember the E60 5 Series? Once mocked, now admired. The same fate could await the G87… possibly.

Visually, this particular M2 is the full-fat experience. Carbon-fibre roof and interior inlays, 50th anniversary M badges — the works. The carbon-backed bucket seats are wrapped in a tactile mix of leather and alcantara and finished with the signature M tricolour detailing and a bespoke stitch pattern. They’re snug, supportive, and utterly gorgeous.

Inside the Future

Step inside the G87 and the blend of tradition and technology continues. The biggest change? BMW’s iDrive 8 infotainment system. The new curved display is modern and slick, replacing the physical climate controls with a fully digital interface. It’s a contentious shift for some, but in practice, it works well — responsive, logically laid out, and visually sharp.

Material quality is excellent throughout. This M2 feels solid, premium, and every bit the baby M car it claims to be. Crucially, despite the tech-heavy interface, the essentials of driving haven’t been compromised. You still get a proper gearlever. You still get a handbrake (albeit electronic). And you still get a driving position that’s spot-on for spirited motoring.

The End of an Era

In many ways, the G87 BMW M2 is a contradiction. It’s bigger, heavier, and more complex than any M2 before it. It’s tech-laden, digitally connected, and aggressively styled. And yet, at its core, it’s a car that celebrates the analog — that seeks to preserve the simple, tactile joy of changing gears yourself.

It is, unmistakably, the end of something. When BMW confirms that future M cars will no longer offer a manual option, the G87 M2 becomes more than just a fast coupe. It becomes a symbol. A time capsule of a driving era that is rapidly fading into memory.

Yes, faster, more efficient cars will follow. But they will not feel like this. They will not ask you to work for your speed. They will not give you the satisfaction of a perfectly executed downshift on a twisty B-road.

So if you’ve ever loved driving for its own sake — not just for the speed, but for the sensation — the G87 M2 deserves your attention.

And it may just be the last of its kind. To see a video about this stunning BMW M2 click here:

If you’ve got an M2 and are thinking of selling, give Automotive Addiction a call. We are looking for immaculate enthusiast owned examples of BMW’s M2 for our sales stock and offer top prices for the best cars in pristine condition with meticulous ownership histories. To see what we could offer for your car, contact us on

01952 780477 or head over to the website at www.automotiveaddiction.co.uk

The post The Last of Its Kind: Saying Goodbye to the Manual with the G87 BMW M2 appeared first on Automotive Addiction.

A car designed not only to transport its owners in style to the race circuit, but also set some searing laps times before driving home again, the limited-edition, motorsport-bred masterpiece represents the pinnacle of what BMW’s M division can engineer when performance, innovation and legacy collide. 

Limited to only 700 units worldwide, this rare beast not only celebrated 30 years of the legendary BMW M3, but also marked a bold chapter in BMW’s century-long journey of automotive excellence.

The Legacy of BMW M: A history of performance perfection 

To truly understand the M4 GTS, one must first appreciate the impeccable pedigree of BMW M GmbH. Originally founded in 1972 as BMW Motorsport GmbH, the M division, headed by former racing driver Jochen Neerpasch, began with a focus on dominating race tracks before turning its attention to the road. 

As well as being responsible for motoring icons such as the M1, a mid-engine supercar that blurred the line between racetrack and road, BMW’s M division is also responsible for developing the first turbocharged engine to power a car to the Formula One World Championship title, and turning the Group A BMW M3 into the world’s most successful touring car to date. 

But it was the homologation version of the BMW M3 (E30), launched in 1986, that forever redefined what a road-going sports saloon could be. Light, agile, and track-ready out of the box, the M3 became the benchmark for performance coupes, cementing itself in motoring folklore. 

As the years passed, the groundbreaking formula remained, with BMW following its iconic original with revered special editions for each new generation as the model evolved. Models like the E36 M3 GT, E46 M3 CSL, E92 M3 GTS and E92 M3 CRT – each taking the concept to new extremes. With the release of the BMW M4 GTS in 2016, this rich tradition of M performance excellence continued, with this stunningly engineered halo model sitting atop a lineage of precision-engineered performance heroes.

Track-Bred Engineering: A closer look at the M4 GTS

Distinguished by its exclusive Frozen Dark Grey Metallic paint punctuated with lurid Acid Orange accents, the BMW M4 GTS is no mere cosmetic upgrade over the standard M4 – it’s an entirely different animal, built with one goal in mind: absolute performance. Based on the already potent M4 Coupe, the GTS takes the formula to the edge of legality and well into motorsport territory.

At its heart is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, familiar from the standard M4, but now enhanced with innovative water injection technology – a first in a production BMW. This innovative system sprays a fine mist of water into the intake manifold plenum chamber, where it evaporates, absorbing heat energy from the surrounding air and significantly cooling the intake charge by around 25° C. This in turn reduces the final compression temperature, improving oxygen density and allowing higher boost pressure and advanced spark timing to be run without the risk of incurring engine damaging detonation. The result? An output of 500bhp and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque, a leap of over 16% from the standard M4’s 425bhp, all while reducing thermal stress on performance related components and prolonging engine life.

This advanced powertrain catapults the M4 GTS from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 189.5 mph. Yet, astonishingly, it maintains fuel economy and emissions figures on a par with the standard M4 – 33 mpg imp and CO2 of 199 g/km – an astounding achievement that is testament to BMW’s engineering prowess.

But performance isn’t just about raw power; it’s about how you apply it. The M4 GTS is dripping in intelligent lightweight construction techniques, combining to tip the scales at just 1,510kg (3,329 lbs). This gives it a stellar power-to-weight ratio of 3.0kg/hp, enabling razor-sharp responsiveness.

The use of lightweight carbon-fibre is widespread: the bonnet, roof, adjustable front splitter, rear wing, diffuser, strut brace and propshaft, and even internal structural components like the instrument panel bracing tube, all use the exotic composite material, while the ultra light titanium exhaust system with quad 80mm tailpipes saves an additional 20% in weight and emits a guttural, motorsport-inspired roar that’s pure M.

Inside, the Alcantara-clad cabin is a spartan yet premium place to be. The all carbon-fibre bucket seats – that are exceptionally strong yet 50% lighter than standard M4 sports seats – provide unmatched lateral support for both driver and a lucky passenger. Unfortunately, only two occupants can experience the thrill of this focussed machine at any one time, because, unlike the standard M4, instead of a rear bench seat, the GTS has been equipped with a GFRP shelf and carbon-fibre rear bulkhead, underscoring the car’s commitment to performance over practicality. Other interior details like door pull loops, lightweight door cards, a 12 o’clock marker on the steering wheel, and a ClubSport package (with roll bar and six-point harness) reinforce its race-readiness.

Underpinning the M4 GTS is unique suspension system equipped with lightweight forged aluminium control arms, wheel carriers and subframes. Connected to the three-way adjustable M coilover suspension, tailor-made for the rigors of track use but adaptable for various circuits and personal preferences, these allow the precise geometry to be retained under the most extreme cornering conditions. Reigning in the speed is a set of ultra-high-performance M carbon-ceramic brakes providing an extended service life along with fade-resistant stopping power and a precise pedal feel, even during intense high-speed track sessions.

The exclusive forged, machine-polished 666 M star-spoke alloy wheels – painted on their inside edges in a striking Acid Orange – are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres developed specifically for this car, providing phenomenal grip and feedback. With this setup, the M4 GTS achieved a blistering 7m28s lap time at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, shaving a full 24 seconds off the time of the standard M4, and putting it squarely in the territory of genuine supercars.

Visually, the M4 GTS leaves no doubt about its intent. Aggressively sculpted aero elements like the adjustable carbon-fibre splitter and high-level rear wing serve both form and function, adding visual aggression and tangible downforce at speed. The rear end is distinguished by OLED tail lights, a world-first in series production. These ultra-thin, uniformly lit organic diodes not only enhance night-time visibility but also add a futuristic aesthetic edge.

While the standard M4 is a brilliant all-rounder, capable of both daily driving and track thrills, the GTS is unapologetically focused, shedding comfort for cornering precision and practicality for power. It’s a true track weapon, homologated for the road.

Investing in a future classic

Beyond the numbers, the BMW M4 GTS is certainly a car for the discerning enthusiast or collector – someone who values driving purity and appreciates engineering innovation. It sits among the most coveted BMW M specials, following in the hallowed footsteps of the original E30 M3, the E46 M3 CSL and E92 M3 GTS.

It’s a historically significant model too: a celebration of 30 years of the M3/M4, and a showcase of how far BMW’s M division has evolved in terms of performance, materials science, and motorsport technology transfer – all attributes that combine to make the M4 GTS an enticing investment opportunity too.

In a world of increasingly digitalized and sanitized performance cars, the M4 GTS stands as a raw, visceral, analog experience wrapped in cutting-edge tech. It’s not just a car – it’s a statement, a coveted collectible, and a conduit connecting driver to machine with nothing lost in translation.

For those lucky enough to own one of the 700 examples, the BMW M4 GTS is not just the sharpest M4 ever made – it’s a rolling piece of BMW M history.

Looking to Sell Your BMW M car?

At Automotive Addiction, we’re always looking to expand our inventory with privately owned vehicles sourced from like-minded enthusiasts that meet our high standards for quality, maintenance, and ownership. If you have an example of matched quality and care, our team is dedicated to providing a seamless, hassle-free selling experience, offering competitive prices and quick transactions. Whether you’re looking to make room in your garage or part exchange, we understand the importance of selling to fellow enthusiasts who will appreciate your vehicle as much as you have.

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The post BMW M4 GTS: A Road-Legal Track Weapon appeared first on Automotive Addiction.