Rumormill: BMW Z2 concept to debut in Frankfurt featuring fuel-saving technology
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Apr 28th 2009 at 10:01AM 
Late last month, the internet rumormill went wild with speculation that BMW would introduce a new Z2 concept vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Separate sources are now confirming those reports, though the production version isn't likely to hit the market until 2013. Built atop BMW's next-generation 1 Series architecture, which will reportedly be configured to allow for front-, rear- or all-wheel drive, the Z2 is likely to feature all of the German automaker's latest fuel-saving Efficient Dynamics tweaks, including a possible plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Joining the eco-friendly model will be both gas and diesel engines with 2.0-liters or less displacement. Perhaps most interesting is a rumor that the Z2 may get a sequential transmission borrowed from BMW's line of high-end motorcycles. Weight will be kept low thanks to heavy use of composite materials, and adjustable aerodynamics should offer high downforce when tackling the bends and minimal drag when motoring on the expressway.
[Source: BimmerFile]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Glenn Quagmire 10:19AM (4/28/2009)
Nice. I hope its priced under 30k.
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zamafir 11:16AM (4/28/2009)
I doubt it, with BMW raising the Z4's price $10,000 for sh!ts and giggles it gives them a lot of room to price the Z3 in the 30-40 range, especially if a mini roadster materializes. Given how pricey the 128i is what basic options any luxury car should have, I doubt the Z3 will drop below 30, or 35.
Mazda FTW! 11:44AM (4/28/2009)
LOL @ 30K. The brand commands much higher prices for a vehicle of this nature. I found it funny how some enthusiasts expect sub-30K rwd roadsters with fancy engines from BMW. Uhh...no. Thier brand value is in an enviable position and charging so little would only devaluate that brand. People buy a BMW for big bucks so they can prove to everyone up and down the road they have big bucks :)
Mazda FTW! 10:17AM (4/28/2009)
"though the production version isn't likely to hit the market until 2013"
WHAT!??!??
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Frank N. 6:00PM (4/28/2009)
this rumor started at least 5 years ago, i really wonder if it is going to be build.
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/international-automotive-scene/233-bmw-z2.html
i thought i remember bmw saying they aren't building a Z2, saying that it'll be too close to the 1 series cab.
Serge 10:19AM (4/28/2009)
Looks promising... should be fun :)
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ken_aisin 10:26AM (4/28/2009)
Somehow those round fog lamps remind me of the Pontiac Solstice, which will RIP very soon.
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FuzzyB 10:47AM (4/28/2009)
Did they really just say "configured for front-wheel drive"?!? That would just be sad...
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adam1drift 11:25AM (4/28/2009)
I agree! FWD BMW... shouldnt go together....
Brett- BMW Advo 10:48AM (4/28/2009)
Production will be way sooner than 2013. The Z4 has become big and bloated. They need a smaller 1-series esque. As for the :"fuel-saving", just make it lighter already!
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Nosman 11:06AM (4/28/2009)
hmmm....cool pontiac. oppps!!! i mean BMW. sorry my bad. i sure hope its less than 30 thousand to. but not very likely, cause it has a little symbol that raises the price 20 grand. and its a little round thing that says BMW on it. so they will sell it for 40,000 to 50,000 probable.
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revaholic 11:06AM (4/28/2009)
The prospect of a FRONT DRIVE BMW? What the deuce?
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Brad 11:13AM (4/28/2009)
They just said the architecture may support FWD. Will there be a new uber-mini perhaps?
It also looks like they're finally going the direction that the 1 series was supposed to do. Back to the old days where cars were light, small and agile with small displacement engines. The motorcycle gearbox is a neat idea too which will save on engineering costs, thus saving money for the consumer.
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zamafir 11:17AM (4/28/2009)
pssst, news flash! BMW's been selling fwd cars in the US like hot cakes, it shouldn't take rocket science to understand their current economic woes would necessitate a platform capable of supporting the Z3 AND Mini roadster.
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FThorn 11:30AM (4/28/2009)
Now that BMW doesn't look the suck.
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RamblinReck89 11:38AM (4/28/2009)
Butterface.
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Dave King 2:11PM (4/28/2009)
Those round lights on the front remind me of the fugly Z8. Yuck!
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P.V. 5:04PM (4/28/2009)
BMW = RWD, I4, I6, V8.
BMW != FWD, V6.
"which will reportedly be configured to allow for front-[wheel-drive]"
Dear God No. M-B has FWD models (V-Class (I think), A-Class, B-Class), but BMW has none. Please keep it to RWD/AWD only. Please? Pretty please?
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RockStoneSteel 9:25PM (4/28/2009)
That fastback rendering looks pretty good. Why couldn't BMW have done something that slick with any of their two door vehicles (instead of with the four door X6)? I'm not sure BMW is capable of making something that cool looking, after seeing that disastrously ugly Z3 coupe with the near vertical rear window. Same goes for VW after their redo of the Scirocco. They insisted on giving that a stubby rear window instead of a streamlined fastback/hatchback like the original Sciroccos.
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