An alleged BMW insider from the Bimmerpost forums is reporting that BMW’s version of the new sports car project currently being co-developed with Toyota will be offered in two body styles, roadster and coupe, with both to wear the Z5 nameplate. The Z5 is said to be previewed by a concept model in the very near future.
The insider is forum member “Scott26” who often breaks BMW news on the forum – we don’t know if his identity has been revealed, but we did find a thread on the site trying to find who he is, and whether he works for the Bavarian company, something his postings insinuate.
In the same report, Scott26 notes that BMW is working on a new front-wheel drive Z1 roadster based on the same UKL platform as the upcoming 1-Series GT and the next Mini (something we have heard before, albeit that report called the car the Z2), and the re-introduction of the Z3 moniker.
In detail, here’s what Scott26 mentioned:
“Many within the company wishes for an M Z4 but unfortunately the market is small. It is possible to do a limited model like the 1 Series M Coupe but there is no decision to do this. There was the plan to absorb the Z4 iS into the M Performance line but this fell through in the final hour.
We will shortly be presenting our collaboration with Toyota for a new interpretation of a new highly focused sports car first as a concept. The production car will be called the Z5 which allows us to align a new UKL (FWD) based Z1 with equivalent MINI sports car along with a mid sized Z3 (the name is coming back) which again could be aligned with Toyota. Although for some markets Toyota might use Lexus branding.
The Z5 Roadster will feature exterior and interior design from BMW, as well as BMW engines. Toyota will supply optional hybrid technology and BMW will supply CFRP in its construction. A coupe will follow.
The new “Z” design is influenced by the Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Car [see here].”
– Note: Concept seen above and below is the M3i Sports Coupe by Alexander Imnadze
– Thanks to Jon Chan for the heads up!
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