2013 BMW Z2 Rendered

[SCOTT26]

BMW would like to remain independent and for that to happen the company has to grow and for that the focus is on the primary markets that will enable this growth , this is what BMW has invested in over the past few years...
A philosophy and an engineering strategy to support it's assault on the primary market segments of Citycars , Premium Compact and Premium Entry segments. Z2 is part of that.

[bavarian19]

Originally Posted by tpipta

I'm digging this! BMW needs an entry level roadster.

+1

[hlmiii]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

BMW would like to remain independent and for that to happen the company has to grow and for that the focus is on the primary markets that will enable this growth , this is what BMW has invested in over the past few years...
A philosophy and an engineering strategy to support it's assault on the primary market segments of Citycars , Premium Compact and Premium Entry segments. Z2 is part of that.

And this, notwithstanding that Scott26 is supportive of the company line (duh).

There is no way BMW could have survived - and developed the last several years of excellent products - without broadening and expanding its market base. I don't like the thinning of the traditional core and the blurring of purpose and identity. But it is absolutely necessary. You've got to have the easy and reliable money to support the riskier state of the art development.

Consider only the X5 and X3, only, for example. Those owners/buyers would have gone elsewhere. If you don't get customers into your showroom you lose not only the one purchase, but those that fall into place after that - subsequent sales, family members, friends, recommendations, etc. The BMW market would have shrunk - and the company would have withered away.

Or, as Scott highlights, it would no longer be independent. Preventing that possibility has driven BMW for over two decades.

Without the models we don't like, it's likely that we wouldn't have the V8 in the M E9X and almost a given that there would be no M from the 1 series. We might not even have DCT.

[illirep]

that hatchback is beautiful!!

[Dackelone]

I really kike this entry level Z2 sports car. Love the way the shape of the windshield echos the from hood edge curve. Love IT!!!

[dmboone25]

That 1er GT looks pretty good to me...

[Muffnbluff]

Target weight of 2,200lbs, same as what they're claiming for the next Miata.

I'll eat my shorts if BMW comes out with a 2,200lb Z2....then I'll buy the car.

[WhoU4]

Hope it happens, It just better be RWD and a soft top...

[BMW269]

At first I was very interested, but now I do not know. The PS looks really UGLY, and a 4 banger is not very flatering. I would prefere the BMW Motorrad 1.6l I6 with TurboPowerTurbo.

[Wolf]

I don't have any problem with BMW expanding their models, but a Z2 for less richer people? why don't BMW offer smaller engines in the Z4 for lower price tags and calls the day?... why put a new model on sale just for having a roadster with a smaller engine variant? Somethings just don't make any sense!

[tommy]

Originally Posted by Wolf

I don't have any problem with BMW expanding their models, but a Z2 for less richer people? why don't BMW offer smaller engines in the Z4 for lower price tags and calls the day?... why put a new model on sale just for having a roadster with a smaller engine variant? Somethings just don't make any sense!

Because the Z4 is currently a bloated pig, like much of the other BMW models. The Z2 is more for people who actually would want to drive their roadsters instead of be seen in them, and I have no problem with that (similar to the 1 - replace the model that has gotten too big for its original spot in the line-up). Don't be surprised to see well-off people "stepping down" to the Z2 instead of the Z4 if it delivers on its stated power/weight ratio and driving dynamics.

I just hope that it's built in Germany and not the US, so that I can do Euro delivery. Assuming my Benz holds up for another 18 months, of course.

[jwkish]

Originally Posted by tommy

Because the Z4 is currently a bloated pig, like much of the other BMW models. The Z2 is more for people who actually would want to drive their roadsters instead of be seen in them, and I have no problem with that (similar to the 1 - replace the model that has gotten too big for its original spot in the line-up). Don't be surprised to see well-off people "stepping down" to the Z2 instead of the Z4 if it delivers on its stated power/weight ratio and driving dynamics.

I just hope that it's built in Germany and not the US, so that I can do Euro delivery. Assuming my Benz holds up for another 18 months, of course.

Absolutely correct. I have zero interest in a Z4, but would be very interested in a 2200lb, 250hp, Z2 that handled somewhere near a boxster.

[JoeyFiasco]

hopefully we'll start seeing some spyshots, renders and a good start though..

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Wolf

I don't have any problem with BMW expanding their models, but a Z2 for less richer people? why don't BMW offer smaller engines in the Z4 for lower price tags and calls the day?... why put a new model on sale just for having a roadster with a smaller engine variant? Somethings just don't make any sense!

Hmm.. I disagree... this market is ripe for the picking...

The Miata seemingly has this market alone right now. In the us the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky are gone... Honda is no longer making an S2000.... BMW really needs to capitalize on some of the youth market/trends and make some affordable cars... They do this in europe with diesels and lower power motors, but not in the US. The MINI has been a huge success in the US, and a small niche car like a Z2 would be huge here with the 20-40s female set, (they could lease a zillion of these things) not to mention how would capture the male buying market if they actually produced a Z2 M....

Then these same owners will be in the BMW fold, and as they age, will move up to larger cars.

[grimlock]

The 1 GT is so cute and now the Z2 -I want one! Whats up with all these 'cute' designs anyway.. its not like kids can buy cars

1000kg Z2 ...suuuure .. and I believe my broker's stock recommendations

[JB135MDCT]

I' want a RWD Z2/M coupe, not a FWD Mini with BMW stickers.

[tommy]

I talked to a rep at the Philly auto show briefly about the Z2; he insisted on correcting me that it is a "Z1".

I tried correcting him once, then realized it was a losing proposition. But it was a bit funny anyway. I ended up looking at the 135 convertible while I was there. Nice car, but still felt too big to me, especially since the rear seat looks pretty much useless.

[JMcDon1007]

I love the look, but did I just see FRONT DRIVE on that cover?? I'm afraid to scroll up and look again, because I feel a little throw up in my mouth!! That's simply preposterous!!

[ScottNC]

Not as nice looking as the old Z3 :-(

[Ginny077]

Originally Posted by tpipta

I'm digging this! BMW needs an entry level roadster.

Facts!