Coming at you: the 2016 BMW M2.

BMW is adding a new, pint-sized member to its high-performance family with the debut of the 2016 BMW M2. And with its TwinPower turbo-six, the Bavarian maker says the new M2 will deliver more torque than past-generation M3 models.

Set to go on sale next spring, the M2 fills a gap left open with the introduction of the latest 2-Series. The 2016 BMW M2 replaces the old 1 M Coupe.

The new two-door boasts a wider track than the mainstream 2-Series, and introduces new, lightweight aluminum suspension technology. To deliver maximum power to the pavement, it also boasts a fully variable Active M Differential.

The heart and soul of the new M2 is a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six making 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque. For short bursts, the TwinPower engine can deliver as much as 367-hp through a six-speed manual transmission with auto rev-matching. There’s also an optional seven-speed dual clutch with paddle shifters.

The 3.0-liter TwinPower I-6.

The stick version will get you from 0 to 100 kmh, or 0 to 62 mph, in 4.5 seconds – two-tenths faster than the old BMW 1 M. Meanwhile, the dual-clutch will shave off another two-tenths of a second.

Power goes to the rear wheels – at least in the initial version of the 2016 BMW M2. There had been some rumors the Bavarian marque might be developing an xDrive version, as well. But an embargo news release makes no mention of any all-wheel-drive option.

Visually, the new M2 can readily be distinguished from the less potent M235i by its wider fender flares, and the three air dams sculpted into the front bumper. In back, you’ll spot a new trunk-mounted spoiler and four exhaust tips flowing out of the gloss black air diffuser.

Designed for both track and street, the M2’s aero body details reduce drag by 5% and shave a whopping 35% off lift.

(Next-gen BMW M3 to go plug-in hybrid. Click Here for the exclusive report.)

The 2017 BMW M2 is about two-tenths of a second faster than the old BMW 1 M Coupe.

If you can put the M2 and M235i on a large enough set of scales you’ll find the newer model comes in almost 80 pounds lighter, at 3,295 lbs. One of the reasons is the more extensive use of lightweight materials, notably aluminum, for key components such as the engine and the suspension.

Lightweighting not only improves the coupe’s performance but helps boost fuel economy. The maker isn’t expected to release final figures until closer to the early 2017 sales launch, but it suggest mileage will be “laudable,” pointing to the use of such features as a new electric power steering system that draw no power when the vehicle is idling or driven in a straight line.

“This enables an improvement in fuel economy of roughly 0.6 mpg,” BMW notes.

(Click Here to check out the new, track-ready BMW M4 GTS.)

Despite rumors of an xDrive model, the BMW M2 will only be offered in rear-drive configuration.

The 2017 BMW M2 also adds such fuel-saving micro-hybrid features as Auto Stop-Start and Brake Energy Regeneration. The coolant pump runs only when needed, and the air conditioning compressor is taken off-line when not in use.

Inside, the M2 gets the familiar M-family three-spoke steering wheel, sports seats and a more driver-focused instrument cluster. There are plenty of “M” emblems to remind you and your passengers what you’re driving.

As for pricing, look for a starting MSRP in the U.S. of around $50,000.

(Click Here for a review of the new 2016 BMW 7-Series.)