BMW has officially unveiled the second generation M2 sports coupe, packing enough power and enthusiast features to make it feel like a “call to action” of sorts for the brand.

The action? Getting behind the wheel and thrashing it on a closed course or, if that’s not in the cards, having a spirited drive home through those local backroads. The new BMW M2 is a car that just looks like it wants to have fun on the pavement, even when apexes and hairpins aren’t up ahead.

That may best be exemplified in the looks, as the new M2 appears wider and more muscular all around. That’s especially true upfront where a large, frameless kidney grille and lower air intake dominate the leading fascia. This design is said to have been “crafted around technical requirements in terms of cooling air supply and aerodynamic balance,” so while some may dismiss the M2’s new looks, it’s ultimately a matter of “function over form.”

That large grille and intake feed air into the 3.0-liter inline-six engine, twin-turboed to produce 460 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The engine revs out to 7,200 RPM, shifting gears through either an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic or six-speed manual gearbox. The auto can complete 0-62 mph runs in 4.1 seconds, with the manual barely behind at 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, though the optional M Driver’s Package raises it to 177 mph.

The new M2 is said to be built with a near 50:50 weight distribution, making it quite an agile athlete. Some additional handling goodies, like standard adaptive M suspension, M Servotronic steering, Dynamic Stability Control and more help keep things in check. Stopping power is provided by six-piston M Compound front brakes hidden behind 19-inch light alloy wheels. The rear sees 20-inch wheels and single-piston floating brakes.

The interior remains driver focused, now with a large curved display taking up most of the dash. It encompasses a 14.9-inch control display and a 12.3-inch information screen; a Head-Up display is optional. Front occupants rest in standard sport seats with Sensatec/Alcantara surfaces, though M Sport seats are also available, along with M Carbon buckets.

This is just a cursory glance at BMW’s all-new M2. Needless to say, we’re excited to get behind the wheel, especially considering how much we enjoyed the last M2 we took to the track. The new BMW M2 is expected to arrive in April of next year.