The 2 Series is coming. But perhaps more importantly for BF readers the M235i right behind it. According to sources August of 2013 will mark the start of production for the F22 2 Series rear wheel drive coupe. The successor to the 1 Series, the 2 series will see a slight increase in size, a slight decrease in weight and a number of new technology It will also see the introduction of a M Performance Line version of the small BMW coupe to be called the M235i. And thanks to some digging similar to what we did with the 4 Series, we ‘ve uncovered some data (and dates) around the new M235i.

The M235i will start production in November of this year with sales likely starting in late winter 2014 for the US. Additionally expect the 228i and 235i (with optional xDrive) to hit dealers around the same time. But it ‘s the M235i that we ‘re more interested in. And it ‘s also the car that we dug up some details and specs on.

The new baby (almost) M car will be powered by the same N55 based inline six producing 315 HP with 330 ft lbs or torque. Crucially for the US market it will be available with both xDrive and the ZF 8 speed auto that the rest of the BMW line-up generally uses.

The car will come equipped with the same 2PG 18 “M LT/ALY Wheels on the M135i as well as the 2NH M Sportbrake to keep things under control. Unlike the 1M don ‘t look for a M derived suspension much less M3 based subframe or even a mechanical limited slip differential. However it will be available in both Estoril Blue (II) and everyone ‘s favorite (suppose to be) limited edition orange “Valencia “.

So here it is. America ‘s first taste of the M Performance Line and BMW ‘s first attempt at what could almost be called a successor to the almost mythic 1M. Will it live up to our lofty expectations? Our experience behind the M135i certainly makes it all pretty promising.