We've got some exciting news on the BMW front. Sources over at Germancarzone, say BMW is planning a GT version of the next-gen BMW 6 Series. They also claim BMW is working on a Z2, to be introduced later this year, a 3 Series Supersports, and a new MINI model.
Just a short while after the introduction of the BMW 5 Series GT, the German automaker looks to be in the concept development stage of a BMW GT 6. This concept would be based on the platform for the new 6 Series, expected to hit the market at the end of 2010. Look for it to have some design cues similar to the on-again-off-again BMW CS Concept, with suicide doors in back. The rear-hinged doors should make entering and exiting the car very easy for backseat passengers, while maintaining a flowing look thanks to the elimination of the B-pillar. If it goes to dealerships, a 6 Series GT would be a natural competitor to the Audi A7 Sportback, the Mercedes-Benz CLS, and the forthcoming Porsche Panamera.
Also interesting is the talk of a BMW Z2. Alleged to be near completion, the car could see the light of day at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. If the Z2 goes into production soon, it would be the first time BMW has assembled two different Z Series roadsters concurrently.
Rumor also has it that BMW is putting together the BMW 335i Supersports. The SS level would bring the car almost to the level of the M3, with various performance upgrades. Some of these could include use of more lightweight materials, better suspension, bigger brakes, and possibly an additional engine choice.
Lastly, BMW may be looking to continue the expansion of their British brand MINI, with the development of the MINI SpaceBox. We are not sure what this could be. After all, the upcoming MINI Crossover is expected to be about four meters long, only five centimeters longer than the Clubman. Perhaps the SpaceBox is something akin to the Volkswagen Bus. A true "MINIvan," if you will.
We look forward to additional information on any of these models. As soon as we get new news we'll let you know.
BMW Developing 6-Series GT, Z2, 3 Series Supersports & New Mini Variant?
BMW Z2 artist illustration / AUTOMEDIA
By Zack Newmark
March 10, 2009 5:30 PM
Filed Under: BMW, European, German, MINI, Rumours
Tags: BMW 6 Series GT, BMW GT 6, BMW CS, BMW Z2, BMW 335i, BMW 335i Supersports, BMW 335i SS, MINI SpaceBox
Comments
Bristol411S3
March 10, 2009 5:35 PM
I don't understand the bit about the 6 becoming a GT. It already is a GT, isn't it?
afterace2
March 10, 2009 5:43 PM
But 6 series is basically a 5 series with 2 doors, so making a 4 door 6 series overlaps the 5 series GT, isn't it? They're totally insane at BMW recently, it seems more and more possible that they will actually rip off my idea of the Z4 retractable hard top estate SUV version....
Bristol411S3
March 10, 2009 5:45 PM
Ah, so BMW is attempting to redefine the term "GT" to mean pointless and ghastly hatchback version of an executive car. A niche I though renault had managed to make its own with the Vel Satis. Or was it Open with the Signum?
Anyway, does no one remember the last big car with a hatch to sell well was the Rover SD1 in the 70s?
Renegade
March 10, 2009 5:36 PM
3 Series Supersports ? It will have a big fight with the upcoming Lexus IS Evolution.
cpinto
March 10, 2009 5:48 PM
This is a big surprise for me.. The reason is because we are right in the middle of the biggest automotive industry crisis of the last decades and taking that in mind, BMW continues to make effort in creating new automotive segments...but i also think they are absolutelly right =)
scratchy996
March 10, 2009 6:31 PM
Wasn't the CS concept supposed to revive the 8 Series as a 4 door coupe ?
carbonsigma
March 11, 2009 12:03 AM
Why not? Here's why not: the 6 Series GT is a stupid idea as the 5 Series POS GT both cars have no idea what they are supposed to be, and the 335i "SS" (I doubt that) when the M3 exists.
(6 GT) You want four doors? Get a 5 Series. (5 PAS) You want a wagon? Get a 5 Series Touring. (X6, PAS)You want height? Buy an X5. (3 SS) You want speed? Buy an M3. (6 GT) You want a GT? Get a 6 Series.
"Too many cars" is where more than one car exists to do the same job.
Edited by user on March 11, 2009 at 12:04 AM
lucifa
March 11, 2009 10:22 AM
I would dispute the 6 Series GT being useless if it's levelled against the CLS/A7/Panamera(?). As for the 3 SS (btw, no way can I see a German car being called SS...), my guess would be at a lightweight 335i, the main difference between it and the M3 being the lack of a thirsty V8. 5 Series GT -- on an article about it a while ago somebody had a good point, what if you wanted to carry four adults and some fair sized luggage, but didn't want an enormous SUV? You couldn't buy a 7 Series if you had some particularly large or cumbersome luggage, it wouldn't fit in the boot, but if it fits in the 5 GT well then problem solved.
The X6 is harder to classify, it's kind of like to the X5 what the CLS is to the E Class. I also think they were sold out in Australia before they even arrived? In the end, BMW is just another business trying to earn a decent profit, so if it will sell, sell it.
scratchy996
March 11, 2009 6:32 PM
""Too many cars" is where more than one car exists to do the same job." all cars do the same job, moving from A to B. some people just want more variety , why not give it to them ? you make people happy and get some money out of it, whats wrong with that ? or are you a communist ?
DieselDog
March 10, 2009 11:25 PM
The Z2 rendering looks good. As for some of the other "ideas," I'm less than enthusiastic. It seems like a very long time since BMW began work on the upcoming 5-Series and all the while we've been "treated" to watching their niche vehicles develop and come to market faster than their core vehicles. The logic is lost on me.
Kalos
March 11, 2009 7:42 AM
Did you honestly believe for 1second that BMW would be sitting on their 'back side' when the very vocal Audi goes about releasing new cars and bragging that they'll be the best Premium car by 2015? Of course not as a matter of fact expect Merc to also start rolling out new cars. Audi is in for a Golliath shocker of a fight.
M!
March 11, 2009 7:54 AM
" If the Z2 goes into production soon, it would be the first time BMW has assembled two different Z Series roadsters concurrently. " weren't the Z8 produced when Z3's are in production?
alessandro
March 11, 2009 11:26 AM
May be the the Z2, if it will be built, will be based on the platform of new 1-series to take the BMW-s share in revived market segment of new A or B classes of MB and other upcoming little RWD cars such like AR Giulietta, Renault Alpine or reborning Ford Capri too I've heard.
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