On-again, Off-again BMW Z2 Reportedly Heading for Frankfurt Unveiling

BMW Z2 artist illustration / AUTOMEDIA

Could go into production by 2013

By Michael Gauthier
April 29, 2009 2:38 PM
Filed Under: BMW, Concept Car, Frankfurt Motor Show, German, Rumours

According to BimmerFile.com BMW will officially unveil a concept version of their on-again, off-again Z2 roadster at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Although details are still sketchy, it seems that the Z2 will be built on the same platform as the next generation 1-Series. Constructed using the latest advances in light weight materials, the roadster should weigh less than 1,000 kg (2200 lbs) and offer excellent fuel economy.

Power will likely come from a variety of small four-cylinder engines including the MINI's full range of 1.6-liter engines as well as a new twin-turbo 2.0-liter engine with at least 250 horsepower. The Z2 is also expected to be offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and diesel form.

While the budget conscious Z2 will come with a manually operated soft top, the car will feature some neat engineering tricks including a new transmission and an active front spoiler which automatically adjusts itself to maximize fuel economy around town and provide additional downforce at high speeds.

In order to keep costs down, future plans include the introduction of a Z2 coupe and a possible MINI version.

The Z2 is expected to begin arriving at BMW dealerships sometime in 2013 with a base price of around $30,000 (USD).

 

Source: bimmerfile

Comments

pousa13
April 29, 2009 2:50 PM
the mini´s engines in a BMW? i don´t think so, the mini/psa engines are for cross installtion. the z2 will be rear wheel drive which requires lenghtwise installation

mnovakow
April 29, 2009 3:28 PM
I hope it will be large enough for someone 6' 3" to fit in comfortably. The current crop of 2 seat convertibles is too small.

Prince_Ash
April 29, 2009 3:33 PM
I can fit into alot of 2 seat convertibles and im 6'1. but you are right most 2 seaters are quite cramped when it comes to comfort. unless your buying an american brand 2 seater convertable then you will fit lol, american size! ;)

magnum
April 29, 2009 3:41 PM
beautiful small roadster. love it. the Z4 has become way too large already. please build that tiny Z2 with that pointy nose - looks awsome. hope it comes like the rendering shows. that would be the first nice looking bmw ever. and nobody wants/needs big and heavy roadsters anyway. even a mx-5 is too big. so hurry up with that small and lightweight Z2.

cheers! -

khlbt
April 29, 2009 3:42 PM
nice.....still the ultimate driving machine

nederina
April 29, 2009 4:54 PM
Ahh... spiritual successor for the Z1 Roadster. Thank you BMW.

Vlad
April 29, 2009 6:58 PM
Yes, nice it is..... lets hope ppl over 6' can fit in comfortably....

politz
April 29, 2009 7:07 PM
if only that rendering could be the real deal... then we'd have an actually handsome bmw on sale these days.

joshg_5
April 29, 2009 11:34 PM
Z2 coupe would be pretty wicked.

It would occupy a definite niche.

hata0101
April 30, 2009 12:05 AM
Miata still the best bet for roadster...

BabyMilo
April 30, 2009 7:42 AM
BMW convertiables are pretty hot but when they make them a coupe, they loose their sexyness

Targa_Florio
April 30, 2009 10:33 AM
Finally a decent and traditionnal lightweight roadster, with a convenient manual drop-top that takes 1.5 seconds to fold, and 3.2 seconds to close, and has a decent boot. In addition it will be reasonably priced (considering it is a 2nd or 3rd car).

Also considering the weight, any engine with more than 150hp will offer it enjoyable performance, whereas the Z4 needs 250+ hp to start being fun.

JT29
April 30, 2009 11:58 AM
Finally the management understand economies of scale n decided to be greedier and invent, a cheaper BMW... We can buy the badge for lesser n lesser money now.

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