Rumormill: BMW preparing Z2 roadster based on 1 Series
BMW 1 Series cabrio: click above to view in high resolution
Ever since the Z4 went bigger, rumors have been circulating that BMW is considering building a smaller Z2 roadster. The time may be ripe now for the Bavarian automaker to introduce a compact sportscar based on the underpinnings from the 1 Series.
Reports suggest it would likely have a folding soft top instead of a collapsible tin roof like the upcoming Z4 replacement and a small trunk capable of swallowing just a weekend bag. Sources also hint that the Z2 would come exclusively with four-cylinder power, which could discourage BMW from bringing the vehicle to the United States where the assumption is that customers are not prepared to pay for premium cars with four-bangers. However, the development of new four-cylinder turbos potentially destined for American shores could make the Z2 a reality. Still, with the 1 Series cabrio available with the twin-turbo six, the Z2 could have its legs cut out from under it before it even materializes.
[Source: Autozeitung via Motor Authority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Justin 11:49AM (9/18/2008)
I believe consumers will (again) pay for a premium roadster with a 4-cyl., like the original Z3 1.9.
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3seriesisking 12:16PM (9/18/2008)
I agree, smart move here from BMW. A smaller roadster should fit nicely into the American landscape.
Torrent 12:58PM (9/18/2008)
Let's just hope it's not frickin 60K semi-loaded.
Steve_S 11:53AM (9/18/2008)
Hasn't Audi been using 4's for like forever? They could use a 4 but it needs to hit a price point under a 128i cabrio.
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Alex 12:00PM (9/18/2008)
There is a difference between the anemic 4 cylinders of yore and today's turbo charged 4 bangers.
With people looking for fuel effeciency and still expecting fun, turbo charged 4 mills will succeed.
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Artie Lange 12:01PM (9/18/2008)
Wow - BMW is really diluting the brand. Did they learn nothing from Mercedes?
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3seriesisking 12:17PM (9/18/2008)
Yeah, diluting the brand by building cars like they used to build..
Artie Lange 1:29PM (9/18/2008)
What does that have to do with the ever-growing BMW line-up? This would be the 8th (9th? I've lost count) model for BWM. They have already begun to cannibalize their own sales, and quality started slipping a long time ago. Mercedes experienced exactly the same problem, so much so that they acknowledged it and have committed to addressing the issue.
3seriesisking 2:09PM (9/18/2008)
Everything you just said is false.
BMW sales figures are fine, so I don't know where you are getting the idea that they are "cannibalizing" their own sales.
BMW hasn't sacrificed quality, in any category, period. The quality in their cars has grown with each model, in both fit and finish and driving quality.
Adding a small, efficient car that is fun to drive is the going back to the heart of BMW's heritage and is by no means "diluting" their line-up
BMW still makes less than ten cars whereas Mercedes has many more so you can't say BMW is going down the same road that Mercedes lost control on..
bajabusta 12:04PM (9/18/2008)
BMW is to convertibles, as Toyota is to SUV's, more is better?
Why is a convertible based on a car that has convertible already, needed? Ooooohhh, because people will fall for it, yet another bellybutton car.
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fobunited 12:32PM (9/18/2008)
well the Z4 is built upon a modified 3 series frame, yet there's a 3 series convertible. The Z4 and the 3-series convertible are two very different cars though, one's a convertible, one's a roadster, they both sell well and appeal to two different market segments.
indiano 12:06PM (9/18/2008)
i have a z4 and it's not exactly a large vehicle. im not interested in a smaller variant.
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casey 12:12PM (9/18/2008)
you mean like this one i chopped about 18months ago?
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/artandcolour2006/Photochops/Z2.jpg
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Steven 12:31PM (9/18/2008)
Isn't the Z4 already smaller than the 1 series? You could probably just rename the Z4 as a Z2
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Matt N 12:59PM (9/18/2008)
Why the fear for 4-cyl engines? When I owned it, my 98 Mercedes SLK with a supercharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine was fun. Considering all of the tech advances in that last ten years, new 4-cyl should be blow that car away.
I don't think it would deminish a brand's reputation.
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Mehul 1:02PM (9/18/2008)
That has GOT to be the ugliest color of a car (Pictured)
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dave 3:19PM (9/18/2008)
BMW (BMWUSA.com) offers some kinda green in some of their lineups now. Is this it? (I'm kinda color-blind) Do you think it might go the way of the Z4 "Urban Green" (see: vomit). Anyone remember the 2 greens on the 5's a few years ago? Didn't sell at all. It's like the way Chrysler used to build vehicles: "here - make sure you like THIS model"
jsracy 2:49PM (9/18/2008)
THIS JUST IN: BMW to replace entire line up with roadsters and crossovers!
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simianspeedster 6:51PM (9/18/2008)
Sure, crossovers are lame, but what's wrong with roadsters? Have you ever seen a BMW 507? It's one the best looking BMWs of all time.
http://www.netcarshow.com/bmw/1955-507/
-SimianSpeedster
s13hybrid 2:08PM (9/19/2008)
A lighter, hopefully cheaper 4 cyl turbo car from BMW. What is there not to get excited about. I would really like to see this idea become something.
Please make this BMW, as you could make me buy your product.
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