Electric Cars

Fifty years after the introduction of its groundbreaking 2002 Turbo, BMW is celebrating this heritage with a special, limited-production variant: the 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition. This exclusive model masterfully blends nostalgic design elements with modern performance, offering enthusiasts a unique piece of BMW's storied turbocharged history. Priced at $82,900, this M2 iteration commands a premium over the standard model, justified by its distinctive appearance and the promise of future collectibility. It comes equipped with a potent 473-horsepower inline-six engine paired with a manual transmission, echoing the driver-focused philosophy of its predecessor.

BMW's journey with forced induction has been a fascinating one. Despite being a late adopter for mass-produced turbo engines in the modern era, the German automaker actually pioneered the first turbocharged production vehicle in Europe with the 1973 2002 Turbo. This classic, a true icon in its time, is now a highly sought-after collector's item, fetching impressive prices. The 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition draws direct inspiration from this legend, becoming the latest in a series of nostalgic tributes from BMW, such as the M850i Edition M Heritage, which paid homage to the original E31 8 Series.

While the original 2002 Turbo packed a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower thanks to its KKK turbocharger—a remarkable output for the early 1970s, enabling a sub-seven-second 0-60 mph sprint—the new M2 Turbo Design Edition steps into a new league of performance. Visually, the two cars share a two-door coupe silhouette and the iconic tri-color M stripes. However, the modern M2 is significantly more aggressive, featuring a wider kidney grille and pronounced rear fenders. Its Alpine White exterior provides a striking contrast to the Motorsport stripes, which adorn the power dome hood, complete with a black center finish. A subtle yet clever detail is the reversed turbo branding on the hood, designed to be read correctly in the rearview mirror of the car ahead, a playful nod to the original 2002 Turbo's front air dam.

Beyond its striking exterior, the M2 Turbo Design Edition boasts unique interior enhancements. While maintaining the core layout of the standard M2, this special edition features \"M2 Turbo\" script on the sill plates and M sport seats upholstered in Black Vernasca leather with M-colored accents. Carbon fiber M bucket seats are available as an option, and a carbon fiber roof panel, which is an extra-cost option on the regular M2, comes standard here. Crucially, the car retains a manual gearbox, a feature beloved by enthusiasts and a direct link to the driving experience of the 2002 Turbo, albeit with six speeds compared to the original's four. Carbon fiber interior trim and BMW's Live Cockpit Professional display further elevate the cabin experience.

Powering this special M2 is the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine found in the standard M2, delivering 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. This setup allows for a claimed 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph achievable with the optional M Driver’s Package. While the M2 CS, released earlier, offers more horsepower (523 hp), it is only available with an automatic transmission, as BMW states that the manual gearbox cannot handle the increased power output of the CS model.

Despite its higher price point of $82,900, which is $14,700 more than the base M2, the Turbo Design Edition is expected to be a strong draw for collectors. Adding optional features like the Carbon Pack, M Performance wheels in Matte Gold Bronze, and the M Driver's Package can push the total price to an eye-watering $96,166, placing it just below the quicker and more track-focused M2 CS. However, the allure of a limited-edition vehicle with such a strong connection to BMW's history makes it a compelling proposition for those seeking exclusivity. Production is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with deliveries beginning shortly thereafter.

Audi, known for its rally heritage rather than extreme off-road capabilities, appears to be venturing into a new segment: rugged SUVs. Reports from 2023 suggesting Audi's interest in rivaling the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class are gaining traction, with recent statements from CEO Gernot Döllner indicating a strong possibility. This strategic shift could see Audi leveraging new platforms within the Volkswagen Group, such as those developed by Scout Motors, and potentially establishing U.S. manufacturing to meet market demands and navigate tariff complexities. This development marks a significant departure from Audi's traditional lineup, aiming to capture a share of the burgeoning market for high-performance off-road vehicles.

The concept of a robust off-roader from Audi was initially hinted at in 2023 with the introduction of the Activesphere concept. This high-riding, wagon-like electric vehicle, built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), showcased Audi's exploratory interest in expanding beyond its conventional offerings. At that time, former Audi design chief Marc Lichte publicly expressed that there was ample room in the market for a third contender alongside the established Defender and G-Wagen. His departure and subsequent replacement by Massimo Frascella, a former Jaguar Land Rover designer known for his work on the Defender, further fueled speculation about the project's continuation.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has not explicitly confirmed the development of such a vehicle but has strongly encouraged enthusiasts to "stay tuned," suggesting that the dream of a rugged Audi is very much alive. Döllner's strategy involves streamlining Audi's core product range while simultaneously exploring niche models. He believes that niche vehicles, like an electric sports car previewed by the Concept C and a potential off-roader, can serve to strengthen the brand and infuse new ideas into mainstream products. This approach allows Audi to maintain its luxury identity while diversifying its portfolio to appeal to a broader customer base interested in specialized vehicles.

A significant hurdle for Audi in developing an off-road capable SUV is identifying a suitable platform. The existing PPE and Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architectures might not provide the necessary ruggedness for extreme off-road use. However, a promising solution lies within the wider Volkswagen Group. Scout Motors, a new brand under VW, is developing a body-on-frame platform for its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck, scheduled for production in 2027. This platform, designed for all-electric or range-extended powertrains, could offer Audi the robust foundation it needs. Furthermore, the new South Carolina factory for Scout Motors might provide an opportunity for Audi to consider local production in the U.S., a move that could help mitigate the impact of tariffs and capitalize on the strong American demand for rugged SUVs and trucks.

This strategic move into the rugged SUV market signifies Audi's ambition to challenge established players and broaden its appeal. By potentially leveraging the Scout Motors platform and considering U.S. manufacturing, Audi aims to create a distinctive off-road vehicle that embodies its engineering prowess while meeting the evolving demands of the global automotive market. The company's cautious yet optimistic outlook suggests a calculated expansion into an exciting new territory for the brand.