German Car Zone

BMW Z2 Roadster

Although in the current model portfolio BMW only offer one Roadster compared to the days when the Z3 was accompanied with the retro-beautiful Z8 Roadster.
Although the Z3 was replaced for the Z4 Roadster BMW now reckon that one roadster is not enough and has begun with a four - roadster strategy that will cover all segments of the Roadster market.

From the Compact (Mazda Miata) segment right through to the Luxury sports (Mercedes- SL) With a series of Dynamic Roadsters badged from Z2 - Z10.
Another phase in BMW's strategy to be represented as the premium marque in all segments.

Although the Establishment period of the 1er has been completed and the additional variants designed at the same time are finally in development.
The next generation model due in 2010 and it's platform will at first herald The Compact premium model The BMW Z2 Roadster .

The Z2 is effectively as BMW sees it as reinvention of the Z3 Roadster, Compact dimensions with a svelte design dominated by a wide kidney grille with small headlamps cases. a long bonnet as featured today will be the mainstay of the next generation Roadster series as will a short deck to give that traditional set back dynamic classic feeling. Like the upcoming BMW 1er Cabrio forgoing a folding hardtop like the current BMW 3er Cabrio it will be the same story with the Z2 an easy folding simple electric hood will offer great benefit in the cars overall weight. Roughly about the size of the Z3 the Z2 will be BMW's entry into the Compact Roadster segment Whilst engines are still at the planning stage expect Turbo charged and NA petrol power especially for the entry models. Currently Cut-and-shut current Z4's are about to hit the streets for first phase testing. these models incorporate the shortened platform that will be used on the Z2 Roadster.

BMW Z4 Roadster

Whilst having sold well in many countries and not so great in others . BMW are sticking with the philosophy of the Z4 Roadster. The next generation model expected late next year will echo the style and dimensions of the current car , although it will offer an extended platform to incorporate a fully fledged hardtop roof . The Z4 will make the move as the 3er Coupe and Cabrio done for the upcoming 1er Coupe and cabrio leaving the opening for the Z2 to become the entry roadster.

BMW reckon that the rival SLK has effectively been more successful because of the folding hardtop arrangement and the next Z4 will receive a hardtop constructed from aluminium to help with the weight of the car this choice of material is because the dimensions of the top are more compact than the 3er Cabrio.

The Z4 will also inherit rearside windows for the first time although the car remains a two seater roadster . Designwise the car is completely evolution with a chiselled wide kidney grille faired in headlamps wedged into the corners The rear arches now incorporate a design that is previewed with the BMW Concept CS but widened out to incorporate the design of the classic Roadster style rear end.

Engine choices will begin six cylinders from 2.5i with the current twin-turbo six cylinder - BMW want to keep the Z4 as the mid level Roadster and engine choices should reflect this.

BMW Z8 Roadster : BMW Z10 Roadster

Anybody can do a supercar That's BMW 's motive for deciding not to play in the same space as Audi and mercedes-Benz who according to rumour are fast tracking their Audi R8 rival on the whim of their current F1 status which means when it comes along it's Auf Weidersen Audi R8 your fifteen minutes are up! - It's how a supercar gets remembered is how a supercar becomes legendary not that that it is advertised as the latest toy for celebrities.

Hence forth why BMW are making their flagship roadster one style with two engines the new V8 from the M3 as a base model and an upgraded V10 as the top model . Both cars are destined to be without M badges instead going with the Z8 approach instead of fully fleged M variants.
Expected to be flagships for BMW interms of construction , materials and technology .
The Z8 featured an emotional design that pressed the right buttons although the engineering work and steering was less effective.

Although the Z8 fullfilled one iota - It's aluminium construction was adapted for Rolls-Royce as BMW evaluted the benefits of aluminium in the Z8.

Whilst the new Z8/Z10 Roadster will use aluminium frames the entire central tub will be carbon fibre glued to the chassis, carbon fibre will also be used in the cross beams with aluminium will be used in the front and rear suspension with the engine blocks and gearbox case constructed out of magnesium.
The folding hardtop is entirely painted carbon fibre as is the bootlid and bonnet.
Door skins are magnesium whilst front wings will be constructed of thermoplastic.

Every model now developed within BMW goes through the "efficient Dynamics" programme which is a comb through everything where efficiency can be gained and technology can be used to make the car meet stringent targets. "Efficient Dynamics is all about BMW making more efficient cars than it's competition without losing any BMW trademark characteristics in the process such as dynamics , performance etc.

The Z8/Z10 Roadsters will effectively sit within the segment of the Mercedes SL But is more a roadster than a luxury cabrio , therefore BMW prefer to see it as a stand alone model without any direct rivals.
Effectively the design takes it's cue from the California spyder concept with an extra wide grille and cornered headlamps the body is pure roadster with sleek glass area and ultra low roofline when the hardtop is engaged. The Roadster will look the part with big wheels and large exhaust ports and sculpted side intakes. The latest LED technology in lighting will utilised Inside fit and finish will be of exceptional quality with a driver enhanced cockpit similar to today's Z4 which is truly how a roadster concept should be.

There is no mistaking that the Z8 had the looks but not the dynamics , The key criteria now is that both areas deliver . Intaking a leaf from the Mercedes SLR. BMW will evaluate whether to construct the car in Germany and finish it in England at Rolls-Royce's GoodWood works.
While The Z2 and Z4 will more than likely be built in Spartanburg South Carolina.


BMW Z3 Coupe
BMW Z5 Coupe
BMW Z9 Gran Turismo Coupe

BMW are really expanding their model range!

I like the idea of the Z2, cheap and small dimensions, but the idea of the Z4 with a folding hardtop I don't like so much, if people want a folding hardtop they should go for the 3er. Lets see what happens!

Holy ...

wow this sounds very exciting..any time line for the Z8/10 ??

Many thanks for the info Scott, and eagerly waiting for more info about the new 'Z3' coupe, 'Z5 coupe', and Z10 GT.

Breathless reading that. I've always like the Z4 and its variants, but this Z10 sounds downright exotic. No one will be able to say that MB has too many models after this, it appears that BMW will have more than either Audi or Mercedes in the next 3-4 years.

BMW's larger coupes and roadsters have always been special in my book. From the 850i to the recent Z8, I lusted after them all. Strangely enough most BMW diehards didn't like them, most interesting!!!

M

The Z8/Z10 is just what BMW needs. Not whimpy SUVs like the X1!

Exciting news, Scott. Thanks.

That's because BMW created a reputation thru small, light driver orientated cars not big heavy poseur cars.

From BMW I want something like the Vette Z06 (why BMW can't build a Porsche/Lambo/Ferrari killer is beyond me), E30 M3, E46 M3 CSL&GTR, 328 (the real one), 2002 Turbo not an 850 or Z8.

Some people even who aren't BMW fans, (seem to) like the big BMWs, even tough the small ones are real less compromised true BMWs (cabrios, not roadsters, are out of the question).

So You also don't like 6er, X5, X3, X6; RFK, 7er, 5er...

Not as much as the ones I mentioned. I like the X3 better than the X5 because it's smaller and lighter.

The bigger and heavier a BMW (or Ferrari, Porsche for that matter) the less I like them.