BMW Z2 Vision Concept
A number of new products will soon roll off the assembly plants in Munich. According to BMW Blog, at least three new products are in the works, including the BMW GT 6, the BMW 3 Series Supersports and the BMW Z2 Vision.
The new BMW Vision concept or the future Z2 compact roadster as it will probably be called when it enters series production got a new face last week, as the graphic artist Huckfeldt drew up the car for German magazine Auto Bild. And if you can bet you saw pictures of the Z2 before, you should know those pictures were a fake and this rendering is likely to be the Z2’s looks. This rendering is the real one, according to sources quoted by bmwblog.com.
The new car will be based on the next generation 1 Series, embodying all of the company’s latest fuel efficient technologies. It will be powered by four cylinder twin turbo engines, with engine displacements from 1.8l to 2.0l and it will definitely be a rival to Mazda’s MX5/ Miata. Potential buyers can also expect a range topping 300HP model with a twin turbo power plant.
Apparently, Z2 will be the German manufacturer’s first hybrid roadster, as it will have a version badged eDrive. Together with the already familiar EfficientDynamics, the Z2 will use a new technology the company calls Active Aerodynamics. The technology will come from Bangle’s GINA concept and will make use of a movable front spoiler and opening and closing air intakes. Weight is a big concern on the Z2, so the car will feature both aluminum and composite materials on its body.
Moreover, it has been officially announced that this BMW Z2 would be based on the BMW Z4’s platform, and that a concept version dubbed as the BMW Z Vision Concept is expected to be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, set to open its doors in September. As for the next 1 Series, the basis on which the Z2 will be built, BMW is looking into developing at least five versions. The lineup will comprise of a 5 door hatchback, a three door hatchback, a 2 door coupe, a 2 door convertible and even a small crossover (a 5 door mix of a wagon, a sedan and a hatchback).
However, being smaller and by featuring some technologies already available to the German manufacturer, the Z2 will most likely have a price tag of under 30,000 euros.
Additionally, word is the BMW also plans to produce a fully electric version carrying the eDrive designation based on the Z2.
source: autoevolution.com; bmwblog.com.