BMW working on compact Z2 roadster with hybrid variant

Okay so word on the street is that the next-generation BMW Z4 will be making its official debut next month. The 2010 BMW Z4 is expected to be a hard-top convertible that will be faster, sharper and may even be smaller than the current model.

Rumor has it that BMW is also working on an even smaller roadster dubbed the Z2. It will be a compact soft-top roadster that will be based on BMW’s 1-series platform. Insiders suggest that BMW’s Project-i is working on a hybrid version of the Z2 and will use what it has learned with the...
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Bmw8ter - 11/25/2008 10:16:29 AM

+4 Boost

Lets be realisic here. Can they actually make a roadster smaller than the Z4? The Z4 is only 4 inches longer than a Miata, and those things are tiny.

dlin - 11/25/2008 11:27:01 AM

0 Boost

If it's to keep the weight down, there's no other choice but to make it smaller than current Z4, but I highly doubt it.

I'm all for Z2, which is the only model that makes sense out of 1's platform, and should look way better than its ugly 4 seater brothers. That said, I doubt they can keep it under 3200 lb this time, which means so-so performance unless BMW uses turbo engine.

mmeecc - 11/25/2008 11:56:38 AM

+3 Boost

I have to agree with Bmw8ter here. The only reason I can see them making this car is to grab more market share, but seriously, Z4 is more than small enough....

komododave - 11/25/2008 12:30:00 PM

+2 Boost

I think submitter got his wires crossed. Everything I've ever read about the new Z4 says it's gonna be bigger and move upmarket a little to make room for a Z2. This scenario makes a whole lot more sense than make it smaller and add another small convertible.

komododave - 11/25/2008 12:31:24 PM

+1 Boost

submitter in the article I mean

Bmw8ter - 11/25/2008 4:13:00 PM

+1 Boost

If that's the case, then they're going to end up right where they were with the Z8. Why have bigger and more costly, when I can have smaller and fits my needs. They'll cannibalize the Z4 sales like crazy. The companies in the smaller segment only have one car in that class. BMW will have 2 once again, and it will be the same old song.

Rupert - 11/25/2008 7:08:23 PM

+1 Boost

Surely it will be more like the SL and SLK? Not too much crossover between them...

Bmw8ter - 11/25/2008 7:27:33 PM

+1 Boost

There's a world of difference between the SL and the SLK when you compare them to what BMW is considering doing. The only way this would work is over in europe. What engine would they put in the Z2 that they don't already offer in the Z4? That's why it'd only make sense in Europe, because they actually have small engines available for their cars.

They'd just end up with another 335/135 scenario where very little separates the 2 cars.

Rupert - 11/26/2008 7:22:34 AM

+1 Boost

I live in Europe, so that's perhaps why it makes sense to me. Z2 could be from 2.0 litres to the 3.0 TT, Z4 from the 3.0 non turbo (European 330i engine) to the 4.4 TT V8 or the M3's V8.
Perhaps I'm just confused as to BMW's intentions, because my plan seems to make a fair bit of sense...

bmwdrvr - 11/25/2008 9:42:16 PM

+1 Boost

well everything ive seen on teh new Z4 suggest a more expensive larger car, but I still dont see the point of a Z2, other maybe to fill teh gap left by old Z4 but why do they need 2 relatively small roadsters its not like that category is so huge that it needs a 2 new players especially from a premium brand.