More on the BMW Z2
AutoWeek has the skinny on the upcoming BMW roadster, which will sit below the Z4 in BMW's lineup, directly across from competitors such as the Mazda MX-5. Likely to be called the Z2, the wee roadster is expected to get BMW's naturally-aspirated 1.8 and 2.0L four-cylinder engines, with the possibility of a turbocharged 2.0L four. Equipping the Z2 with the turbo'd engine may be part of BMW's master plan to bring more blown engines to market -- a good thing too, as horsepower will likely crest the 300 mark.
Expect the typical BMW options, along with either a six-speed manual or an SMG with paddle shifters to be made available.The sources at AutoWeek say that the new roadster is expected to be built at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant alongside its larger sibling, the Z4.
[Source: AutoWeek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ash 8:24AM (8/30/2006)
The latter engine is already under development. It is expected to appear in a hot version of the 1 Series, as part of a program that will see BMW introduce a range of new turbocharged engines to its lineup in coming years.
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JarJar 8:48AM (8/30/2006)
Won't this become a Mini competitor?
Or does it slot between the Mini Cooper S and Z4
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Tom Dietrich 8:57AM (8/30/2006)
No, rag top sport cars and mini coopers do not compete in the same segments. No one is going to say "man I need a grocery getter that is fun to drive, but HOT DAMN this coupe with zero storage space and practicality is what I'm buying instead!"
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Steve S 9:30AM (8/30/2006)
I'd be surprised if they can price it in the same range as a MX5 or Solstice/Sky.
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ebm14 10:13AM (8/30/2006)
The Mini also has a convertible, but it will come down to a matter of taste. The Bimmer is more sporty, whereas the Mini is a modern version of the small classic
roadsters of its heyday in England.
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N Z K 10:06AM (8/30/2006)
It sounds like the real spiritual successor to the 1996 Z3. Not so bloated and, ah, compensatory.
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RDL 11:19AM (8/30/2006)
"4. I'd be surprised if they can price it in the same range as a MX5 or Solstice/Sky.
Posted at 9:29AM on Aug 30th 2006 by Steve S"
So would I, but I don't think so. BMWs are quite overpriced on every level.
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Zo 12:10PM (8/30/2006)
#7 What is overpriced?
Given that you can price a BMW, G35, Acura, Lexus, Audi, or MB at the same price or less than $1000 of each other what is meant by overpriced?
You are comparing luxo vs econo and that is not an equal comparison.
BMW will never be and has never been a car for the masses -- that is not their market.
The MX5 or Solstice/Sky and rubber stamp/widget cars and do not provide the same features unless you consider 4 tires a feature.
I am not saying that the MX5 or Solstice/Sky are not good cars, just they are in a different segments of the market and should not be compared on a price basis to a luxo brand.
There is no overpriced anything, its what people are willing to pay. Nothing drives like a BMW and some people are willing to pay for that driving feel that is like no other.
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Sue Esponte 12:24PM (8/30/2006)
I'd buy it if an ///M version made 300hp+. It would be lighter and more tossable than the Z4, better at an SCCA auto-x, less expensive than a Z4 based ///M Roadster and, therefore, more appealing. And, if they used a turbo 4 to make those ponies, it would also be easily modded! :)
Otherwise, assuming the Lotus Elise doesn't somehow become a bloated pig, my roadster money is going to Lotus.
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Ted K 11:53AM (8/30/2006)
Another overpriced, ugly, and inferior BMW roadster for S2000 drivers to pick on.
Is that the best you got, Munich?
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Still doing the bop 11:57AM (8/30/2006)
More and more designers are making cars look alive, notice the shape of the front headlights, nose openings and lower gaping mouth, sorry BMW I don't want a friend, I want a car. This is just a little bit too Christine becomes reality for me.
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Ben Levy 1:58PM (8/30/2006)
I wish BMW would make this a pure driver's car. All the extra things they put on their cars are driving prices through the roof. I hope they try to make this like a 1st gen Miata. We could use another car like that.
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Xero 4:26PM (8/30/2006)
Price range?
If its under 30K, I'm in.
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DPC car videos 7:40PM (8/30/2006)
Glad to see BMW getting into turbo engines.
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Japanese Car Exporter 3:38PM (8/30/2006)
Yes, BMW is not for the masses. It is for the select few who do not mind paying little extra for the features they want.
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mike 11:01PM (9/10/2006)
There is no way in hell BMW will offer this car at a price point "ACROSS" from an MX-5. Sorry.
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GhostDoggy 7:53PM (8/30/2006)
Steve S, "I'd be surprised if they can price it in the same range as a MX5 or Solstice/Sky." Hmm, policy-breaking Saturn dealerships are selling the Sky for +$30K, which is ont $4K awy from a Z4. I'm betting the forcoming convertible hardtop Miata will also dealer-at $30K.
Considering how little one can pay for a straight Z4 I would imagine the Z4 pricing to either go up, or the Z2 to price under $30K. I wonder if this is really more of a re-issue of the Z3 in delimited badging, though.
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Galley 10:26AM (8/31/2006)
The Greenville News reported yesterday that this car may take four years to be released. WTF? Surely their design time is less than two years these days.
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Zo 4:16PM (8/31/2006)
#17 See page 32 of the October Car and Driver.
"The Z2 will compete directly in the sub-$30,000 roadster segment that is currently doiminate by the Potiiac Solstice and Mazda MX-5"
Yes, they will be compete in feature and price!
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Simon 2:43PM (8/31/2006)
I was going to buy an SLK next year, as i like the compact style, but i think i've just changed my mind!
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