Rumors: BMW Z2 Coming as RWD or AWD, i8 V8 Model Axed

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Rumors: BMW Z2 Coming as RWD or AWD, i8 V8 Model Axed

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All auto manufacturer tries to keep new models they're working on a secret. Yet, there are cars virtually everyone knows about based on speculation or inside information. One of these cars is the BMW Z2 roadster. The Z4 has long abandoned the niche the BMW Z3 was once designed for. So it's only reasonable that BMW is looking to re-enter that niche again -- a small and pure roadster, affordable, light, fun. We've reported earlier about BMW working on a Z2 offering such a package. There was some silence on this car as of late, but now there's more information coming from Autobild.

According to this report, BMW is considering two drivetrain options for the Z2:

• It could be either based on BMW's FWD platform called 'UKL' debuting in the new Mini in 2013 or
• Share the underpinnings with the F2x coupe and convertible (next generation 1-series)

Both solutions have their pros and cons, says Autobild. A BMW Z2 based on the UKL platform could debut as early as 2014, but this would also mean that the Z2 would have to be AWD as FWD is out of the question for a small fun roadster coming from BMW. So you might think the logical choice is to share the F2x coupe and convertible platform. But this would add a significant delay to the Z2, resulting in a launch no earlier than 2016. The engine choice is way easier, BMW has just launched the new F20 inline-4 petrol engine, and the Z2 would be available with different versions of this motor, offering a range of 163hp to 272hp.


Next Gen Z4 (Z6?) / 2-series

Related to the final decisions and specifications of the Z2, Autobild also mentions that the next generation Z4 might move further upmarket. BMW is supposed to even consider renaming it to Z6, a rumor discussed for the E89 Z4 already. And while they're at it, BMW might also go with a new badge for the F2x coupe and convertible. Being the only F2x models to retain RWD in the long term, they might be called 2-series.

BMW i8

And if all that wasn't enough, Autobild mentions that BMW axed an V8-version of the BMW i8 out of the blue. BMW insider Scott26 always denied BMW was looking into such a car as the idea of BMW i would frustrate using a big and 'thirsty' V8 engine. But I guess it doesn't matter any longer if BMW actually considered a V8 for the i8, they apparently don't do any more.

It should be clear by now that all this is speculation, and obviously so as we're still at least three years away from seeing the Z2 hitting the roads. But it's inevitable that BMW does need such a small roadster, and we can't wait to hear more news about it. Source: Autobild 17/2011, also available via iTunes.

Follow our BMW Z2 Coverage @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/z2/

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[WhoU4]

Awesome! Do the Z2 Right and go RWD.

[JoosyJoos]

I feel like a FWD roadster would be a tough sell... sure others have done it but not in "true" roadsters like the miata, z3, z4, s2000, etc.

[JasonCSU]

I would love to see a RWD Z2.

[dmboone25]

Isn't the Z4 small enough? That thing is tiny...

The Z2 looks cool, but I don't know how much smaller BMW could go...

[DDS2015]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but is the current Z4 based on 1er architecture (E8X)? Does that mean that the Z2 will be based on the next 1er architecture (F2X) and the next Z4 based on the next 3er architecture (F3X)?

[Mako]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

Isn't the Z4 small enough? That thing is tiny...

The Z2 looks cool, but I don't know how much smaller BMW could go...

The Z4 is huge compared to the original Z3. I owned a 2000 M roadster and then a 2006 M Coupe (and a Z4 roadster in between) but I could really tell the difference in size from my 2000 model to 2006, and the new Z4 is bigger than the 2006 M Coupe I had (third generation now). so there is plenty of room to make a Z2 that would be back to the original size of the Z3, plus the Z4 is really up market now, a fully loaded 35is costs more than a loaded M3!

They need a $35K roadster again, and an Z2M to match the 1M (think 2002 M Roadster/Coupe which had 330 horsepower engines, but these will be lighter and have better transmissions).

Now if only we could get a coupe version!!! my future mid life crisis car, Z2M Coupe!

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

Isn't the Z4 small enough? That thing is tiny...

The Z2 looks cool, but I don't know how much smaller BMW could go...

count me in for a smaller roadster - I think the z4 is too big - I like the z3 size

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Mako

The Z4 is huge compared to the original Z3. I owned a 2000 M roadster and then a 2006 M Coupe (and a Z4 roadster in between) but I could really tell the difference in size from my 2000 model to 2006, and the new Z4 is bigger than the 2006 M Coupe I had (third generation now). so there is plenty of room to make a Z2 that would be back to the original size of the Z3, plus the Z4 is really up market now, a fully loaded 35is costs more than a loaded M3!

They need a $35K roadster again, and an Z2M to match the 1M (think 2002 M Roadster/Coupe which had 330 horsepower engines, but these will be lighter and have better transmissions).

Now if only we could get a coupe version!!! my future mid life crisis car, Z2M Coupe!

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

count me in for a smaller roadster - I think the z4 is too big - I like the z3 size

Fair enough.

My 135 seems small to me...to each their own!

[ramyar]

I'm sure BMW knows what it's doing and spent tons of time and money researching new product development. But does anyone else feel like they might be over extending themselves with all these new models? Not to mention their i brand.

[Diver]

Truth be told, if you like the 1 series the way it is now, buy one this year, because whatever comes down the road next is going to be a lot different. Looks possible that there will be no 6 cylinder motor and besides a long wait.

I really have trouble with the idea of putting the Z2 on a FWD platform, unless they made it as small as a Mini.

[mkoesel]

Mini gets the FWD Roadster. Make the Z2 RWD please.

[theshiningnova]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

Isn't the Z4 small enough? That thing is tiny...

The Z2 looks cool, but I don't know how much smaller BMW could go...

uhhh...... Z4 is only tiny in American terms. Think Europe and many other countries in the world......

[red-sauerkraut]

X-Drive on a Z-Car?

It will weigh a butt-load, and makes no sense.

Scott has posted much info, that clearly points to FWD, based on cost alone.

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

X-Drive on a Z-Car?

It will weigh a butt-load, and makes no sense.

Scott has posted much info, that clearly points to FWD, based on cost alone.

isn't X-drive the name of BMW active steering? Isn't their an X-drive 3.5 z4 currently?

Xi is the AWD?

[southlight]

Xi was the name for AWD on earlier BMW Models (e.g. E46, E60, early E83 X3). Now they use X-Drive across the range.

Regarding the Z4, it's called Z4 S-Drive35i and is of course RWD.


Best regards,
south

[mkoesel]

I don't buy their claim that an f2x based Z2 must take longer to develop than a UKL based Z2. 2016 sounds totally preposterous to me.

[Jake C]

if the Z2 Coupe is RWD, lightweight (I think 2,200 or 2,400 lbs was the target), and offered in the turbo 4cyl it sounds like a winner.

- J

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

Isn't the Z4 small enough? That thing is tiny...

The Z2 looks cool, but I don't know how much smaller BMW could go...

The Z4 looks deceptively small. Now, the Lotus Exige is small. The Z4 is as long as a Civic sedan! I welcome something smaller, lighter.

[red-sauerkraut]

Sound wonderful, but I hate to say the days of the 2200-2400 pound nimble sport car seem to be over... With increased safety in mind, weight is the natural bi-product.

Originally Posted by Jake C

if the Z2 Coupe is RWD, lightweight (I think 2,200 or 2,400 lbs was the target), and offered in the turbo 4cyl it sounds like a winner.

- J

[vladberca]

Bring it earlier and with RWD!!!

[Jake C]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

Sound wonderful, but I hate to say the days of the 2200-2400 pound nimble sport car seem to be over... With increased safety in mind, weight is the natural bi-product.

Agreed those cars that offer that now are rare and usually expensive. However I think that was the original target for the Z2. I do know that safety usually equals weight. And sadly now it seems lightness equals cost. So I am holding out hope that it realistically checks in at around 2400-2600 lbs RWD and offered with the turbo 4. I guess we will find out soon enough.

- J