BMW Z2

[Mally Dangerous]

Article with picture
Z2 Picture

New BMW roadster to compete in less pricey MX-5 Miata segment. Z2 should sell for less than $30,000 when it appears, most likely in 2010.
BY JUERGEN ZOELLTER, October 2006

According to sources inside BMW, the German automaker plans to launch a roadster priced well below the current Z4, which starts at $36,295. Although the price has not been set, the new two-seat droptop, dubbed the Z2, is expected to occupy the sub-$30,000 roadster segment that is currently dominated by the Pontiac Solstice and Mazda MX-5. The successor to today’s Z4 will remain near $40,000 and will continue to compete against the Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, Nissan 350Z, and Chevrolet Corvette.

The upcoming bargain-basement two-seater will reportedly be based on the chassis and components of the current Z4, but it will measure a mere 151 inches in length, making it about 10 inches shorter than today’s Z4. Styling for the Z2 is in the process of being finalized, but we expect the diminutive roadster to have short overhangs and 19-inch wheels. Our artist’s rendering provides an idea of what BMW might have in store for its Solstice and MX-5 fighter.

Unlike today’s Z4, which is powered exclusively by six-cylinder engines, the Z2 will only get four-cylinder power. However, those engines will range in strength from 150 horsepower in base versions all the way to a turbocharged 300-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the M-tuned version. An expected curb weight of 2800 pounds should allow the Z2 to make the most of that power. Transmission choices will include a traditional manual and — surprise, surprise — a double-clutch gearbox similar to Volkswagen/Audi’s DSG. BMW plans on replacing its rough-shifting sequential manual gearboxes with smoother DSG-like transmissions before the end of the decade.

To keep costs down, a nearly identical chassis to today’s Z4 will underpin the Z2 — struts up front with a multilink setup in back — but there will be the option of adjustable shocks. The electric power-steering rack from the Z4 will also live on in the Z2, with optional variable-ratio active steering.

Set to go on sale in 2010, the made-in-America BMW Z2 should add some German flavor to a segment dominated by the Americans and Japanese.

[KaJuN]

Those headlights and that pushed-out bumper are just....

[Dins]

like it's actually going to like anything like that....

[Blind_Io]

Originally Posted by KaJuN

Those headlights and that pushed-out bumper are just....

Second!

[No Boss]

That picture looks like Pixar made it...

[bartboy9891]

its 4 years away, think about how much could change by then.

[SoxXpupPeT]

with how most car manufacturers are. in 4 years they could change the look of a car Completely. im betting itll look like a fish with fangs. but that just looks to much like a z4. but its not pretty

[Wizegui]

Hahaha looks like its squinting By 2010, that styling will be out of date...

[Samir]

I think it looks great actually. A bit plasticky with that bumper, but otherwise OK.

I guess it's in the eye of the beholder, because I find the 6-series and 7-series currently quite ugly but everyone else I know loves'em

[SL65]

Originally Posted by bartboy9891

its 4 years away, think about how much could change by then.

[fbc]

As everyone has said - in 4 years time it will look different (which is a good thing). What's more important is the possibility of BMW bringing something like this to market - now that's something to look forward to.

[p0w3r]

Originally Posted by Mally Dangerous

Unlike today’s Z4, which is powered exclusively by six-cylinder engines, the Z2 will only get four-cylinder power. However, those engines will range in strength from 150 horsepower in base versions all the way to a turbocharged 300-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the M-tuned version.
To keep costs down, a nearly identical chassis to today’s Z4 will underpin the Z2 — struts up front with a multilink setup in back — but there will be the option of adjustable shocks. The electric power-steering rack from the Z4 will also live on in the Z2, with optional variable-ratio active steering.

so where do i put my deposit?

[matt_shaw]

That's just some stupid photoshop. Don't even comment on how it will change, if you have no idea what they're starting off with.

[un-dee]

Yeah, I dont get why people always take these pictures so serious, even when it says in the article:

Our artist’s rendering provides an idea of what BMW might have in store for its Solstice and MX-5 fighter.

So, Brian (14) who gets 20$ for it did some Photoshopping. It will most likely not look like that, because that doesn't even look like a car. And the article stating it will have 19" rims... yeah thats really reliable information...especially on a low price car that will most likely never be made.

[Vitamin J]

here's some more renderings:










I'm not a fan of BMW, but i like this car

[ishigakisensei]

Not impressed. The price is still to high to compete with Mazda's well established icon.

[jetsetter]

Although the price has not been set, the new two-seat droptop, dubbed the Z2, is expected to occupy the sub-$30,000 roadster segment that is currently dominated by the Pontiac Solstice and Mazda MX-5.

For a little BMW two seater I wouldn't say it is to expensive. The car actually reminds me of the Z3.

[SoxXpupPeT]

it does, im sure its much better as far as handleing and speed when compaired with the Z3. but its still just to plain and itll be Way to expensive. why not just buy a mazda? or even an S2000? thats still kinda expensive but its a phinominal car. it just doesnt make sense

[ishigakisensei]

Originally Posted by jetsetter

For a little BMW two seater I wouldn't say it is to expensive. The car actually reminds me of the Z3.

Used Z3 with aftermarket upgrades = But, stock for stock, BMW really seems to be biting off more than it can chew going downmarket against the king of the segment.

[jetsetter]

Originally Posted by ishigakisensei

Used Z3 with aftermarket upgrades = But, stock for stock, BMW really seems to be biting off more than it can chew going downmarket against the king of the segment.

What did the Z3 compete with when it was out? More expensiv than the Miata. The S2000 is one of the few I can think of that competed with it.