[Hula-Hula]

Originally Posted by Jblack4083

What on earth is a SAV Z model?

I don't get it.

Maybe something like the BMW X-coupe concept?

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

I am concerned about BMW helping Lexus have better driver cars.

Is the UKL architecture FWD and if so I didn't think BMW would use it for the larger Z5.

Certainly the designs are beautiful.

Please read again.

[Hockey Guy]

Ruminations? Great word and a tip off to another great post Scott. I think it is very exciting to see BMW and Toyota work together in the co-development of key technologies that can be transferred to other BMWs such as what's coming from the M division. The Z concepts look great. Even though those are not in my wheelhouse, if the technologies can transfer to M in any way, I am all for it. I continue to believe that BMW (overall) is the most innovative, larger automaker on the planet right now. The next five years look really exciting as long as the cars keep their BMW road feel and soul.

[vladberca]

This joint is needed to produce lightweight cars with astonishing performances!

[N & M]

Naughty, naughty Scott! Where do you get your info from??? Hmm....

I was always keen to hear about the BMW/Toyota alliance's pipeline of prouducts and so far it sounds right on the mark. My concern remains, that Toyota who have very serious sporting aspirations do not gain BMW tech and leap frog it in a generation.

The latest Lexus coupe would be a serious threat to the M4 where it less portly and your lightweight tech is perhaps the missing ingredient to close the gap.

My remaining concern is the design which to be honest has been a 50/50 luck of the draw with the recent BMW models.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by YGazis109

Exactly what I was thinking...

These are not coupes. They are roadsters right ? Why should they conform to coupe designations ?

[OneDirty]

Most interesting words for me were "GT86 sedan"

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

These are not coupes. They are roadsters right ? Why should they conform to coupe designations ?

They are roadsters, thus convertibles, like 2er, 4er and 6er.

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

I am concerned about BMW helping Lexus have better driver cars.

Is the UKL architecture FWD and if so I didn't think BMW would use it for the larger Z5.

Certainly the designs are beautiful.

Call me BMW has something like the LFA or a 250-300 PS "GT86".

[ticamihai2003]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

First as always thanks for your insight into the way BMW thinks and plans products.

I really like that Z5 render, except for the nose/face/hood. I would prefer something along the Zagato coupe/cabria hood line. I prefer the way the Zagato "twins" hood come curving down into the grill/bumper. It looks more Classic BMW to me.

Zagato twins....

that's the render of the future Z3. The Z5 is rendered like this:

[pgviper]

Originally Posted by Jblack4083

What on earth is a SAV Z model?

I don't get it.

Completely agree. Those two should never be in the same sentence.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Levi

They are roadsters, NOT convertibles, like 2er, 4er and 6er.

Fixed! A roadster is not a coupe. A roadster seats two. Or at least all of the z models do. BMW convertibles are an open top vehicle, commonly based on a coupe model.

If any of the Z1, Z3, Z5 become hardtop models then the hard tops would be Z2, Z4, Z6 like the other coupes. I bet you aren't ready for that to happen! That is how they will have a convention similar to how BMW differentiates now betweeen coupe and sedan...

Here endeth the lesson....

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Fixed! A roadster is not a coupe. A roadster seats two. Or at least all of the z models do. BMW convertibles are an open top vehicle, commonly based on a coupe model.

If any of the Z1, Z3, Z5 become hardtop models then the hard tops would be Z2, Z4, Z6 like the other coupes. I bet you aren't ready for that to happen! That is how they will have a convention similar to how BMW differentiates now betweeen coupe and sedan...

Here endeth the lesson....

By that logic, 4 Series Convertible should be called 3 Series Convertible, and 4 Series Coupé can stay that way. Round numbers are supposed to be niche cars (Coupés, Convertibles), odd numbers mass market (Sedans, Wagons, SUVs, MPVs). A roadster which is a 2 seat coupé with opening roof is a niche model. Look how badly Z4 sells, worst selling BMW ever.

[X3paul]

Dear Bmw: take a good look. Remember when you used to build the "ultimate driving machine"? Remember rwd, 50:50 wd, small nimble cars with fantastic chassis, good manual gearbox and low weight cars? You may have forgotten but these guys havent. See? its still possible

[Tallest]

Coupe only version please. These cars need to also look good, and the folding hardtop never seems to have good lines on the roof because of the seams.

[ORIGIN M.]

The Z5 will have a folding hardtop as it does currently.

The Z3 will have a cloth top !

[Dalko43]

Originally Posted by Levi

A roadster which is a 2 seat coupé with opening roof is a niche model. Look how badly Z4 sells, worst selling BMW ever.

Depends on which Z4 you are referring to. The Z4M, if I remember correctly, sold fairly well.

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

The Z5 will have a folding hardtop as it does currently.

The Z3 will have a cloth top !

Well I guess we have no choice but to take your word as official...this is the internet after all. Why would anyone make stuff up or lie???


Edit: I'm surprised more people aren't ranting and raving about this new potential Z model. BMW needs to get back to its roots of small, nimble but powerful cars, and this seems like an awesome way to do it...a Z model with all the M performance parts...something to compete with the 911's.

I was impressed with where BMW took the M4 in terms of weight reduction and turbo performance...now if they can just apply these same technologies and methods to a hard top Z Model, I will have my credit card ready!!

[clbmw]

Originally Posted by ticamihai2003

that's the render of the future Z3. The Z5 is rendered like this:

That is a very nice. Make it look like this

[2011CrazE89]

Look how badly Z4 sells, worst selling BMW ever.

And that's what I love about my Z. There isn't one on every corner!

[JasonCSU]

The information about the Z3 is sounding promising. I would really love to see a couple version of it.

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by 2011CrazE89

And that's what I love about my Z. There isn't one on every corner!

But for this very reason it would not have any replacement without Toyota.

[Bimmerista]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Please read again.

Indeed I did. My bad. RWD it is. Oups

Still concerned about giving any BMW dynamics DNA and sophisticated materials tech to Lexus though....

[IS3andME]

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

Indeed I did. My bad. RWD it is. Oups

Still concerned about giving any BMW dynamics DNA and sophisticated materials tech to Lexus though....

Uh, you do remember the Lexus LFA, right? And Lexus does have the RC-F in SuperGT, and the SC430 was run in Super GT as well.

The new RC-F is quite portly, but in other markets than the US, you can get a carbonfiber hood and rear deck/trunk. How much that cuts down on weight, I don't know.