BMW M2 1

Those who missed out on the 6,309 BMW 1 Series M Coupes produced from 2011 to 2012 (only three of which made it to Malaysia) can rejoice, because our European spies have sent us photos confirming that its successor, tipped to be called the BMW M2, is underway.

The mules spotted look to be wearing the wide fenders nicked from the M235i Racing, although a more cohesive body kit like the ones other M models wear would be a better bet for the production model. Also seen are some serious performance hardware taken from the M3/M4, including large split-spoke wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres as well as massive cross-drilled steel brakes.

BMW M2 9

There could be more M3/M4 parts hiding under the skin, too – the previous 1 Series M Coupe borrowed much of its chassis from the E90/E92/E93 M3, including the suspension, brakes, wheels, tyres and the Active M Differential.

As for the powertrain, expect the M2 to feature a highly-tuned version of BMW's TwinPower Turbo 3.0 litre straight-six shared with the M235i and the M3/M4, although it is unclear whether it will have a twin-scroll turbo like on the M235i or twin mono-scroll turbos like on the M3/M4. The engine will reportedly produce somewhere in the region of 380 hp; 60 hp more than the M235i, but 50 hp less than the M3/M4.