Somebody here's having way too much fun!

[paris1]

Proportions look right; nice top design (in spite of blind spot!)
http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...ws&date=012717

[Tangent]

Looks pretty good but they lost me with the return to the soft top. I get it, they're lighter, but I just don't like 'em.

[paris1]

Coming from the Miata world, I'll always have a "soft" spot for a well-designed ragtop.

[mac-z4]

+1 Rag top with single side window restricts visibility too much.

[ljkiter]

After having the e85, I don't think i ever want to go back to a rag unless its beautiful. Its too hot in the summer and too cold in the winters

[Eracer76]

I hope it looks better with the camouflage off, because from what I've seen in that video, I'm not impressed... The new Z seems to have lost its unique curves and body lines, and actually looks kinda boring now 😕

[paris1]

Originally Posted by Eracer76

I hope it looks better with the camouflage off, because from what I've seen in that video, I'm not impressed... The new Z seems to have lost its unique curves and body lines, and actually looks kinda boring now ��

On the other hand, after owning an E89 for a couple of years (actually, it's my wife's car) I have to say that the lines look a little goofy to me from some angles. The proportions on the new one are better. To each his own.

[cruisingdownthestreet]

I haven't been following up but I suppose it begs the question: what makes this a Z5 and not a Z4 3rd generation?

[cruisingdownthestreet]

Originally Posted by paris1

On the other hand, after owning an E89 for a couple of years (actually, it's my wife's car) I have to say that the lines look a little goofy to me from some angles. The proportions on the new one are better. To each his own.

don't manufacturers tack on random sheets of metal to throw you off? i can't remember where i saw it on youtube but they screw on funky pieces on their prototypes.

[paris1]

Originally Posted by cruisingdownthestreet

don't manufacturers tack on random sheets of metal to throw you off? i can't remember where i saw it on youtube but they screw on funky pieces on their prototypes.

I'm talking about the E89 having some awkward angles, not the Z5.

[mrkoven]

will never buy a soft top!

well, unless it's an exotic

[CeEl]

I have to say, it's growing on me. Silhouette does remind me of current Z4. Although I really liked (my lease was up a couple of years ago and I didn't get another one) the hardtop, I drove soft tops as well, and they have come a looong way in terms of insulation, noise reduction, etc. It's not like the Z4 is super quiet inside on highway trips -- but then, it's not supposed to be.

I just hope that BMW doesn't get into Porsche pricing region ... very well equipped Boxster for $90k'ish.

The only question I have at this point: too bad they don't offer a Sweden winter test facility pickup! That looked like fun!

[CeEl]

Originally Posted by paris1

Proportions look right; nice top design (in spite of blind spot!)

Maybe they will offer blind spot warning system this time around?

[davis449]

Lost me at soft top, too. If I continue down the roadster path, SLC AMG it is, I guess.

[NoQuarter]

Originally Posted by davis449

Lost me at soft top, too. If I continue down the roadster path, SLC AMG it is, I guess.

Yep - the hard top is the reason I wanted this car.

[tranquility]

Those spy shots aren't flattering, but who knows about the final product. Quite interesting lots of personal bias ITT (myself included), i.e. if you came from a ragtop, you're more accepting of this new car vs came from hardtop, not so much.

I personally think w/ today's new tech, ragtop's usefulness has past and carmakers are just too lazy and cheap to make a complete metal car.

[paris1]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Those spy shots aren't flattering, but who knows about the final product. Quite interesting lots of personal bias ITT (myself included), i.e. if you came from a ragtop, you're more accepting of this new car vs came from hardtop, not so much.

I personally think w/ today's new tech, ragtop's usefulness has past and carmakers are just too lazy and cheap to make a complete metal car.

Each has it's advantages/disadvantages, but you're right, coming from the world of well-designed ragtops (aka: Miata), it's much easier to accept "old tech". Especially when it looks classy like many of the German cabrios do.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by paris1

Each has it's advantages/disadvantages, but you're right, coming from the world of well-designed ragtops (aka: Miata), it's much easier to accept "old tech". Especially when it looks classy like many of the German cabrios do.

You misquote/misread me, w/ today's tech, there's really no reason to skimp out and compromise by making a mostly metal car and putting a flimsy rag on top and calling it the day, unless, again, the maker's too cheap or lazy. Whether it's a 'classic' or not is arguable as that's all ppl knew since that was the limit of tech at those prehistoric times lol. Funny you mentioned that carmaker, even Mazda knows, that RF is way better looking and just better than the rag one. Simply improves the whole car.

[paris1]

Originally Posted by tranquility

You misquote/misread me, w/ today's tech, there's really no reason to skimp out and compromise by making a mostly metal car and putting a flimsy rag on top and calling it the day, unless, again, the maker's too cheap or lazy. Whether it's a 'classic' or not is arguable as that's all ppl knew since that was the limit of tech at those prehistoric times lol. Funny you mentioned that carmaker, even Mazda knows, that RF is way better looking and just better than the rag one. Simply improves the whole car.

I didn't misunderstand you at all; I just disagree with you.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by paris1

I didn't misunderstand you at all; I just disagree with you.

Ah, ok, you were agreeing w/ my 'coming from ragtop ppl would accept this new car more', so not totally disagreement.

[paris1]

Correct.

[tranquility]

I'm curious, is the usually heavier aspect of a metal roof the only -ive for ragtop purists, i.e. if they could make a metal roof that is < or = to the rag in wt, would there be unanimous support for the metal? I suppose some ppl would argue smaller trunk space and possibly more complex parts, but I assume the wt is the main argument for ragtop lovers?