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Preview: 2012 BMW Z2 Roadster

 
10 24,162 views Jun 22, 2009

2012 bmw z2 roadster preview rendering 003

If given the green light the Z2 could be on the streets by 2011

If given the green light the Z2 could be on the streets by 2011

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A new, entry-level roadster based on the 1-series and powered by a range of economical four-cylinder engines may be brewing at BMW. The company's board of directors are expected to make a decision on the car by the end of the year, and if it's approved it could be in production in time for the 2012 model year.

Rumors of a so-called Z2 have been tumbling about the web for at least three years, but so far nothing has come of it. The latest reports indicate that the car is in the works and these new computer generated renderings provide a glimpse as to what it may look like.

That speculation would lead us to believe that a range of four-cylinders, including a 120hp (90kW) entry-level model and a 211hp (157kW) turbocharged unit could be on the table for the smallest of BMW's roadsters. A target price of about €25,000 - at least €5,000 cheaper than the existing Z4 - would put it at the more affordable end of the spectrum, but still far from inexpensive. The soft-top Roadster would be fairly light, however, and the thrifty four-cylinder engines would be efficient. This combination would make it an ideal competitor for cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Lotus Elise.

Performance from the punchy engines would likely be sporting, but not fast: estimates put 0-62mph (0-100km/h) times around 7 seconds, and top speed at about 150mph (240km/h). A high-performance variant with BMW’s 3.0L twin-turbocharged six is reportedly under consideration as is a hybrid model. Configuration would be as a two-seater with a 'weekender' luggage area, suitable for overnight getaways.

Whether the car is eventually built or not, it won't likely see sales in the U.S. in the near term, as even the 1-series Coupes on offer here are only available with the inline-six in naturally aspirated and twin-turbo form. Four-cylinder engines with turbochargers and direct injection could eventually see U.S. sale, but the first applications for them will likely be conservative 3-series sedans, not sports cars.
2012 BMW Z2 Roadster preview

HI-RES GALLERY: 2012 bmw z2 roadster preview rendering 003




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Comments (10)

  1. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 6/22/2009 10:00am PDT

    Put the tt-six in it and there would be no reason to buy an M3 or Z4.
     
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  2. ma_HECTOR avatar HECTOR Posted: 6/22/2009 10:26am PDT

    And the tagline should say: *Because you think the Z4 is not girly enough*.
     
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  3. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 6/22/2009 11:34am PDT

    And the tagline should say: *Because you think the Z4 is not girly enough*.

    Always negative
     
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  4. ma_Vinzer avatar Vinzer Posted: 6/22/2009 4:27pm PDT

    He does have a pattern for not saying anything positive, doesn't he?
     
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  5. ma_brum08 avatar brum08 Posted: 6/22/2009 10:44pm PDT

    Put the tt-six in it and there would be no reason to buy an M3 or Z4.

    That's like the 135i..it's dangerously close to M3 performance. Like they need another cannibalizing product...
     
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  6. ma_brum08 avatar brum08 Posted: 6/22/2009 10:44pm PDT

    Put the tt-six in it and there would be no reason to buy an M3 or Z4.

    That's like the 135i..it's dangerously close to M3 performance. Like they need another cannibalizing product...
     
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  7. ma_azlan avatar azlan Posted: 6/23/2009 5:27am PDT

    i dont want to sound negative now.. after hectors thrashing haha but bmw's havnt been up there in my "good looker" chart... particularly of late! come on bmw you can do it!
     
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  8. ma_OwenE avatar OwenE Posted: 6/23/2009 5:59am PDT

    Im not sure about it not coming to the US anytime soon, that or they just like totest their cars in southern california. I saw a car that looked identical to this minus some of the panels driving north on the 5 freeway a few weeks ago, tried to take a few pictures but it was getting dark so they didn't turn out well
     
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  9. ma_iftwb avatar iftwb Posted: 6/30/2009 12:20pm PDT

    Put the tt-six in it and there would be no reason to buy an M3 or Z4.

    Errr, don't compare a TT to a M3. please. seriously...
    RS4 tried that, so did the C63AMG. And they have failed. What makes you think you can compare a TT to an M3 in terms of being credible for purchase?

    Sure its cheaper, and is just as nice; but don't compare it to anything else XD
     
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  10. By  xbox 360 cable Posted: 12/22/2009 3:27am PST

    with the new Z4 costing $50-70k there's certainly room in the model lineup for an entry level, lighter, cloth topped roadster that is more of a "pure" sports car and runs in the $30's.
     
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