As always, the rumor mill is churning at full tilt, this time being fueled by the possibility of a smaller BMW roadster. The rumored roadster is said to be an open-air two-seater based on the BMW 1-series. The baby Z4 is said to be named the Z2 and would take over as BMW’s entry-level vehicle.
According to AutoZeitung, the Z2 has made it to the highest level of discussions within BMW, with its fate set to be decided on by the end of this year. While no decision has been made on the entry-level roadster, inside sources say the Z2 has a strong shot of making production.
If the Z2 ultimately gets the green light, it would be powered by a range of four-cylinder engines, with the top offering being a turbocharged unit rated at 211 hp. While 211 ponies won’t make it the fastest BMW in history, a strong focus on light-weight will allow the baby Z hit 60 in about 7 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 150 mph. Although the next-generation Z4 is rumored to be available with either a hard or soft convertible top, the Z2 would do with a conventional soft top.
Sadly, even if the Z2 does make production, it probably won’t be coming to the States anytime soon as a premium alternative to the Mazda MX-5. However, residents of Europe might be able to get their hands on the Z2 as early as 2012 for about 25,000 bucks.
But with changing market conditions and a new focus on fuel-economy, it’s quite possible that we could see the Z2 on U.S. shores by the middle of next decade.
09/18, 4:15 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
That’s impressive. In about 5 years they’ll have their own S2000 with 50 less horsepower.
09/18, 4:42 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
sooooooooooooooo kill the M1 and make a Z2 ? sounds like a fair trade :-/
09/18, 4:51 PM
posted by:
inline6
…because the Z4 sells SO well!
With a 1-Series convertible, a 3-Series convertible, and a Z4, I don’t see where this one fits, unless the next Z4 moves up the price scale and gets V8 power. The 1-Series is already way overpriced. A Z2 would be even less car for even more money. But if they price it much lower, it might compete with the Mini convertible.
A Z2 would probably be about the same size/idea as the original Z3…standard 4-cylinder power, decent price, etc. But unless they move the Z4 up the ladder a bit, they’ll step on each other’s toes.
09/18, 7:07 PM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
Itll be on the current 1 series chassis. Old news.
09/18, 10:47 PM
posted by:
TOZO
Well they went from having two Z models about 2 years ago (Z4 & Z8) to having no Z models for 2009, now that there is no 2009 Z4. So… maybe it’s time for two Z models again.
09/19, 10:20 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Is there enough chicks and queers in this country who will continue to buy Z’s? With the raging success of real roadsters like Saturns Sky and the Pontiac Solstice, even BMW knows their attempts at a competitor have been failures. Probably why they got out of the segment