None of BMW’s Z-cars, named after the German word for ‘future,’ ever lived up to their promise. The biggest flop of all was the (arguably very pretty) Z8, but you couldn’t really call the E30 3-Series-based Z1, subsequent Z3 or two generations of Z4 models ‘top class,’ and they were slightly cannibalized by BMW’s range of already sporty cars that also did the practical stuff too.
Now, though, a report released by Australia’s Motoring says that while BMW is not actively involved in the development of the next Supra, Toyota is involved in the creation process of the upcoming new Z4. The Aussie publication quotes an unnamed inside source that explains the intricacies of the predicament.
“BMW is not involved in the new Supra. I just wanted to make that clear,” the BMW insider allegedly told the publication, “What I can say is that Toyota is involved in the development of the all-new BMW Z4,” the source added.
As always, it’s good to take these reports with the usual grains of salt.
However, one thing’s for sure, the upcoming Z4 will be a very different-feeling car to anything that has preceded it. Design-wise, it will be very edgy and not necessarily pretty, but they may work on that as they still have time until the planned 2017 launch.
What will stay is the front-engined rear-driven layout, the burden upon which will be made easier through the use of carbon fiber and aluminum extensively in the construction. It will borrow construction methods from the i3 and i8 eco cars.
Apparently, even if it’s still at the early end of the development pipeline, the quote source says it’s expected to cost “no more than $70,000,” which we assume are Aussie dollars.
One final rumor is that the new Z4 could include a capacitor-based hybrid system, similar to the one used by Toyota in its TS030 Le Mans racer.
By Andrei Nedelea
Note: Current-gen Z4 pictured
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