05S2K

Possible BMW Z2 for 2009


Looks nice (pic is an artist's rendering) but will they make it??? Throw in the 300hp turbo motor from the new 3 series and I may just have to get one.

Elistan

[QUOTE=05S2K,Jul 13 2006, 11:28 PM] Looks nice (pic is an artist's rendering) but will they make it??? Throw in the 300hp turbo motor from the new 3 series and I may just have to get one.

VTEC_Junkie

bmw does not need another roadster. if bmw wants to offer a more "affordable" roadster than the current z4 lineup, all they really need to do is throw in a 4 banger, manual top, manual climate control, 16" wheels, and maybe manual windows, and remove some of the stability control nannies from the current z4 and price it $6-$8K less than the current z4 3.0.

ITR #203

It will probably be met with a move upmarket for the Z4, similar to the way the 3 series coupe was moved upmarket this generation- theoretically to make room for the 1 series. The current Z4 is a class down from the SLK and the Boxster when all things are considered (price, performance, luxury features), although the recently released M version makes up for the performance.

I'd expect the next Z4 to start at 40k (versus 35k right now) with the 3.0L 255hp motor currently found in the 3 series Sedan as the lowest motor, followed by the 3.0L turbo at 300 and the next gen M3 motor at 415hp.

Then the Z2 could start at 32k with the current with 3.0 found in the 3 series coupe at 230 hp and be competitive (if not the best choice for performance) with other offerings- including the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Sky redline, S2000, and Audi TT.

The rumored to be upcoming Z8 then would start at 90k and be aimed as stealing SL buyers looking for a more sporting car or more luxury oriented 911 buyers.

I do think that this is somewhat of an overkill on roadsters from BMW but hey, I'd consider a Z2 if it looked good as was under 35k decently optioned. I'd also buy a MZ4 with the new M3 motor and more features if it was less than 55k. So I guess its people like me who they are targeting...

VTEC_Junkie

are you sure?? the current z4 3.0si has 255hp while the mz4 has 330hp vs. 240hp and 280hp for the base boxster and boxster s, respectively (with both versions of the z4 costing $3K less than their boxster counterparts). the z4 is a very close competitor of the boxster and is in no way a class down from it.

05S2K

No I was just hoping that BMW would put that motor in the car but it will never happen. The Z2 is supposed to be an entry level roadster from what I understand. I actually wouldn't expect any thing other than an inline 4 powering this car. They wouldn't want to take sales away from the Z4.

ITR #203

Sure, if straight line speed is all your talking about, yes, the M roadster is more than a match for the Boxster S, while costing a significant $5000 less.

The new Shelby Cobra Mustang is also better than the Aston Martin V8 Vantage as well, under that reasoning.

Also, you ignore the fact that the Z4 line starts at 35k with 215 hp (not the 255hp that you speak of) vs. 49k at 240 hp for the Boxster. The SLK starts at around 40k but goes up to 70k if you get the SLK AMG55, which in terms of straightline performance, spanks both the Boxster and the M roadster. The sheer price difference, when BMW cars are NOT values 99% of the time, should shed some light on the situation.

Sorry but the Z4's are simply behind when it comes to handling in terms of performance (except yes, the M version is better than the SLK's but I'd argue the all of the non-M's even with the sport pack are worse than the SLK's). The interior is not nearly as nice as the SLK in terms of materials and now with the 987 Boxsters, is behind in terms of giving you that feeling that you are in a special car.

Dont get me wrong, I kinda like the Z4's and I'd love to have a M roadster or even a 3.0si, but the exterior is only above average with the top down (with the top up, its hideous) and the interior doesn't do much for me after 5 years have passed (I liked it when it was released). Also, the 3.0si has the electronic steering which has been one of the main criticisms against it; thankfully, the M version does not have this but it would be one of my reasons for not buying a 3.0si.

JerryIII

That thing looks great. That is what the current Z4 should have looked like.

climacus

In Europe you can get a Z4 2.0 with the four banger. Makes no sense here though since gas is so much cheaper.

LudegarH22A7

I have seen some real shots... beauty of a ride. I want one if it's real cheap... but not if it's smaller than an S.