Rumormill: BMW Z2 still in the works
Is the rumored little roadster from BMW on track for a 2011 debut? Auto Motor und Sport seems to think so. They even have a rendering by renowned artist Mark Stehrenberger to prove it. If we are to believe the rumors, the BMW Z2 should be closer to what the original Z3 was. That is, more of an entry level roadster to compete with the premium versions of the Mazda MX-5, compared to the more upscale Z4 that just debuted, which is more of a Porsche Boxster rival.As we've told you before, the BMW Z2 would be based on the 1-series platform. To simplify things, BMW is rumored to be using a soft top rather than a retractable metal lid. The car will feature turbocharged and naturally aspirated four-cylinder powerplants in the 1.8-2.0 liter range. Horsepower should start around 150 and climb to 300 assuming an M version follows. There's even a rumored hybrid variant with its gearbox positioned between the engine and an e-motor pack. Active steering, a dual clutch gearbox and active suspension could be part of the package with a base price rumored to be around $30,000. The BMW Z2 could make its debut as early as latet 2010, which would give it a healthy head start over the rival SLA from Mercedes-Benz.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
369EkO 2:41PM (2/19/2009)
Nice, hope BMW is gona WOW us
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Mazda FTW! 2:49PM (2/19/2009)
I sincerely doubt a BMW roadster would have the same cost as a MX-5. If anything, it will probably be positioned in the RX-8 area, which makes sense, given the Z4 is so much more pricier. But an MX-5 it will be not.
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tuna 2:51PM (2/19/2009)
"Premium" MX-5.
gerrrg 3:05PM (2/19/2009)
Just curious, but if it's based off the 1-series, why don't they call it the Z-1?
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JZeke 3:10PM (2/19/2009)
I think it has something to do with all the dedicated coupe/convertible models in the range having even-numbered designations. There was supposed to be a 4-series coupe, but the popularity of the 3 coupe canceled those plans.
The 6 series doesnt quite fit, but it is a bespoke coupe - not a smoothed-out 5.
Joe 4:24PM (2/20/2009)
there already was a z1
Seminole 4:08PM (2/19/2009)
The rendering needs more BMW logos.
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Capone 6:31PM (2/19/2009)
overpriced like all bmw's maybe i dont think a 1series with some dealer installed options is worth 45k..
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Derek 4:56PM (2/19/2009)
Hmm 300hp, light weight vert... with all the //M goodies... They've sold me! I used to own an S2000 and the //M Z2 would probably make a good companion to my E46 //M3 in the garage.
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jimmy_ngai 5:32PM (2/19/2009)
interesting, been hearing about the Z2 for a few years now, hope it'll look good.
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P.V. 7:28PM (2/19/2009)
I hope BMW brings more Z series vehicles like this and fewer X series vehicles (like the X6).
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bill jackman 8:21PM (2/19/2009)
I hope it's as "affordable" as the 1 series. BMW dbags.
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Mobius_1 9:10PM (2/19/2009)
Well, it definitely won't be cheap. After all, "BMW" and "cheap" cannot by law appear in one sentence without quotation marks. However, 300bhp in a tiny roadster sounds like damn fun.
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ACURA23CL 4:26PM (2/20/2009)
See, that's the problem with BMW. The Z2 is aimed at entry-level roadsters like the MX-5 Miata. A fully loaded Grand Touring MX-5 Miata (soft-top) is around $26K. I don't understand why BMW feels like they can charge an extra $4K....AND that's only the starting price!!! Imagine a fully loaded Z2, it's be anywhere from $35K - $37K!!! For a d@mn two seat, entry level roadster!!!
Capone --> You are SO right. $45K for a fully-loaded 1-Series, is a d@mn rip-off! You could get a fully-loaded Nissan 370Z, get more power, have more fun, get more stares, and still save around $5K!
Who the heel does BMW think they are?!?!
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amg 2:02PM (2/22/2009)
Um, ok. Who cares about yet another model BMW? I don't.
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