Considering that the BMW M2 is one of the best driver's cars in years, expectations are extremely high for the next-generation 2 Series Coupe. We won't have to wait much longer to find out if it lives up to our lofty expectations, because the new BMW 2 Series is nearly ready for its big debut.

After BMW gave us our first official look at the new sports coupe last month during its final testing stages, our spies have spotted two pre-production prototypes of the new 2 Series being put through their paces at the Nurburgring and the streets of Munich.

These prototypes have even less camouflage and are showing more skin, giving us a clearer look at the kidney grilles and reshaped headlights. Now that the grille outlines are clearly visible, we can confirm without reservation that the gigantic grille adorning the new 4 Series won't be carrying over to the next-generation 2 Series, confirming a previous suspicion. In terms of proportions, the new 2 Series looks a little wider and more muscular. We aren't expecting the styling to be a radical departure from the current model - but we're not complaining.

Under the hood, BMW has confirmed the new M240i will be powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six producing 374 horsepower with 367 lb-ft of torque, which is 19 hp more than the current M240i.

Power will be sent to either the rear or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Built on BMW's CLAR-platform that also underpins the 3 Series, the new 2 Series will be stiffer and more agile than the current model, so it should be even more fun to drive. BMW has confirmed the new 2 Series will start production later in the summer, and recent news has confirmed that the coupe will debut in just a few short weeks at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. . It's going to be a longer wait for the new M2, however, which probably won't break cover until next year.