German Car Zone

Report: BMW 1-series-based Z2 roadster in the works


A new, entry-level sports roadster based on the 1-series (current 1-series cabrio pictured) and powered by a range of economical four-cylinder engines could be brewing at BMW. The board of directors will have to make a decision on the car by the end of the year, but if it’s approved, it could be in production by the end of 2012 or early 2013, according to the latest reports.

Rumors of a so-called Z2 roadster have been tumbling about the web for at least two years, but so far nothing has come of it. The latest report from AutoZeitung, however, is chock-full of specifics and has more of an air of authenticity to it than most rumors. Still, without official confirmation, it’s speculation at best.
That speculation would lead us to believe that a range of four-cylinders, including a 120hp entry-level model and a 211hp turbocharged unit could be on the table for the smallest of BMW’s roadsters. A target price of about 25,000 - at least 5,000 cheaper than the existing Z4 - would put it at the more affordable end of the spectrum, but still far from inexpensive. The soft-top car would be fairly light, however, and the parsimonious four-pots would be efficient, so the car would minimize running costs and road taxes in Europe and the UK, making an argument for ownership.
Performance from the spunky little engines would likely be sporting, but not fast: estimates put 0-62mph (0-100km/h) times around 7 seconds, and top speed at about 150mph (240km/h). Configuration would be as a two-seater with a ‘weekender’ luggage area, suitable for the compact luggage that accompanies overnight getaways.
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About a month ago we reported that BMW plans to produce a Z2 Roadster that will be based on the platform of the 1-series.

Z2 would come with a soft fabric roof and the styling would be similar to Z4. Engine choices would be the same as on the 1-series. Currently the project waits for an approval from the top heads at BMW. Most likely the car would be first introduced in 2011 or 2012 at the Frankfurt Motor Show

The front and the side profile of the PS The Artist have posted are amazingly good lookig.

BMW Z2, el hermano pequeño del Z4

I like the concept of a MX5/S2000 Competitor from BMW. Provided there's an ///M version

Someone has seen some sketches and models.

but those huckfeldt pics are extremely old, aren't they ?

Those drawings look hot! Z2 would fill the gap left by the Z3 and current low end Z4 models perfectly, with the new Z4 going 'grown-up'

They are indeed pretty old, ever since the rumor surfaced a while ago

I was not talking about the Huckfeldt pictures.