BMW Z2 ?
08-29-2006, 02:33 PM
#22
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Mark my words: this car won't happen. I recall maybe five years ago or so that BMW was going to make a light, elemental, magnesium-intensive sports car to challenge the S2000. Never happened. Same thing for that Audi/KTM joint effort shown in Road & Track a month or so ago. Not gonna happen either. The market for light, elemental sports cars just isn't that big (how many Elises does Lotus sell here?), and I think Mazda has it covered at the entry level. BMW doesn't need to play in that market, and they won't. Of course, I could be wrong, but I HIGHLY doubt that I am. The only real purpose of the rendering above is to show just how horrid the current Z4 looks, IMO.
08-29-2006, 03:06 PM
#24
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The market is where the cars are. There is plenty of market for a lighter, more basic, but still quality roadster.
Pricewise, we're talking BMW 3-series territory. That's a nice step up for somebody looking to "upgrade" from a Miata. That's also nice for somebody who'd like a roadster without looking like a "fruit" in a Miata. It's also a nice place for somebody who is looking to spend in the 30s for a roadster with a luxury badge.
If anything, BMW has to worry about taking sales away from their own 3-series. BUT. BMW is trying to expand their market share by exploring new directions - hence the X-series and expanded Z-series. This gives them the ability to move downmarket while still supporting the illusion of a premier luxury brand.
Pricewise, we're talking BMW 3-series territory. That's a nice step up for somebody looking to "upgrade" from a Miata. That's also nice for somebody who'd like a roadster without looking like a "fruit" in a Miata. It's also a nice place for somebody who is looking to spend in the 30s for a roadster with a luxury badge.
If anything, BMW has to worry about taking sales away from their own 3-series. BUT. BMW is trying to expand their market share by exploring new directions - hence the X-series and expanded Z-series. This gives them the ability to move downmarket while still supporting the illusion of a premier luxury brand.
08-29-2006, 03:07 PM
#25
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Originally Posted by bjohnston,Aug 29 2006, 02:33 PM
(how many Elises does Lotus sell here?)
Have you ever tried to get into an Elise? The Elise is designed specifically to NOT appeal to most drivers.
08-29-2006, 03:24 PM
#26
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Originally Posted by SeattleJason,Aug 29 2006, 03:07 PM
There is no way you can compare a BMW to a Lotus. BMW isn't going to comprimise luxury and comfort.
I don't have an opinion on whether this will happen or not, but I agree that just because Lotus has done it doesn't mean BMW can or will.
08-30-2006, 03:44 AM
#27
Former Moderator
Originally Posted by protokultur,Aug 29 2006, 01:54 PM
Most likely they will build it atop the Mini platform
- look at how the wheels are in the corners:Just like the Mini.
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