German Car Zone

Ok guys will check these cgis tomorrow and will let you know what a 100% clean shong thinks of them.

^With that said, let's stick to the subject...

With the summer approaching BMW will begun public stress analysis with the first platform modules of the new 1er based Z2 with FABEAN prototypes at the Nordschleife . The new platform or base module will be flexible with either front or rear wheel drive or front and rear mounted engine . The production car will be front engined and rear wheel drive.

The Prototype itself will be limited to an exposed structure with either the engine and batteries and electric motor , It wont be an indication of how the car will look as all you will see is a skeleton but indications from internal testing at BMW's closed tracks indicate the car is like an advanced go-kart and drives and handles like one aswell .

A showcase Concept will debut with several other World Premieres at the IAA frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Exciting enough the BMW Group will have an exclusive World Premiere by holding their showcase stand in the new Messe Hall 11 forgoing the traditional spot within the Forum area of the Frankfurt Messe. Although BMW will not be constructing it's own personal building in the Forum area of the Messe .
The BMW Group brands will take over hall 11 which will officially open at the IAA.

So, basically a rollcage on wheels?

^ Something like that. Fabean cars aren't known for their beauty



I think this was a Fabean for E70 X5

I found the pre-LCI

^^yeah, that's what I was talking about. Just chassis development, no need for body work.

This is now being used by Ford in their adverts for new models. They call it Kinetic Design. Fashionable

A new, entry-level roadster based on the 1-series and powered by a range of economical four-cylinder engines may be brewing at BMW. The company's board of directors are expected to make a decision on the car by the end of the year, and if it's approved it could be in production in time for the 2012 model year.

Rumors of a so-called Z2 have been tumbling about the web for at least three years, but so far nothing has come of it. The latest reports indicate that the car is in the works and these new computer generated renderings provide a glimpse as to what it may look like. That speculation would lead us to believe that a range of four-cylinders, including a 120hp (90kW) entry-level model and a 211hp (157kW) 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 Roadster would be fairly light, however, and the thrifty four-cylinder engines would be efficient. This combination would make it an ideal competitor for cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Lotus Elise.

Performance from the punchy 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). A high-performance variant with BMW’s 3.0L twin-turbocharged six is reportedly under consideration as is a hybrid model. Configuration would be as a two-seater with a 'weekender' luggage area, suitable for overnight getaways. Whether the car is eventually built or not, it won't likely see sales in the U.S. in the near term, as even the 1-series Coupes on offer here are only available with the inline-six in naturally aspirated and twin-turbo form. Four-cylinder engines with turbochargers and direct injection could eventually see U.S. sale, but the first applications for them will likely be conservative 3-series sedans, not sports cars.

- Preview: 2012 BMW Z2 Roadster - [BMW Project i Z2 Roadster] - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots