2016 BMW M2: A rawer ultimate driving machine

The M2 picks up where the 1M Coupe left off as the purest and most driver-focused vehicle in BMW's M car lineup.

Unlike the adaptive suspension systems found in the M3 and M4, the M2 uses a lighter fixed suspension with aluminum struts, control arms and antiroll bars to save even more weight.

The M2 does borrow some parts from the M3's parts bin like the aluminum front and rear axles.

A 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine sits under the hood of the M2, which churns out 365 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on the M2, while a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is available for an additional $2,900.

To visually set the M2 apart from regular 2-Series models it gets a black grille, double-spoke 19-inch wheels, exclusive fascias, front fender gills, wider rear body work to accommodate wider track and wheels and a spoiler.

For the interior, the M2 gets a blue contrast stitching, open-pore carbon fiber trim and Alcantara door panel inserts.

With the dual-clutch transmission, BMW says the M2 can hit 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.

BMW put larger brake rotors on the M2, but the system still showed signs of brake fade after only a couple of short sessions on the race track.

While the M2's steering is quick to respond to inputs, the electric power steering system lacks feedback.