BMW plotting M2 convertible

New images of what appears to be a design study for a convertible version based on the current BMW M2 have been leaked online.

The pictures, unearthed by Autoblog.nl, are claimed to be genuine and are said to have been leaked by a source working close to the German car-maker.

If true, a convertible based on an M2 could be close to production and on sale as soon as 2017. There’s just one problem.

The revelation of an M2 convertible conflicts with widely reported comments made by its chief engineer, Frank Isenberg, earlier this year when he publicly announced to Australian journalists that BMW had no plans for an M version of the 2 Series Convertible.

Isenberg's reasoning was a drop-top version of the M2 would compromise the small M car's attraction as a hard-core enthusiast's vehicle, one that was made to be enjoyed on track.

That thinking might have changed following the sales success worldwide of Australia’s Best Driver’s Car for 2016.

If a U-turn has been made on that decision, the M2 cabriolet will come powered with exactly the same 272kW/465Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six as the coupe.

With a slight weight penalty from the bracing needed to support the open top,, expect the small convertible to still reach 100km/h from standstill in around 4.7 seconds.

Down Under the first allocation of 300 cars were quickly snapped up and, despite an allocation of another 100 vehicles, waiting lists have not subsided for the small coupe that has a starting price of less than $90,000.

If green-lit for production the small M2 cab will join the existing high performance M4 and M6 convertibles in BMW's convertible M car line-up.