Z Series The Next Generation BMW Z4 - Coming in 2018?
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The BMW Z models are a line of roadsters manufactured by German automaker BMW. The Z stands for Zukunft (German for future), and has been produced in four different series with six generations consisting of roadster, coupé, sports car, and concept variants.
The introduction of the M Coupé and M Roadster in the Z3 line marked the first of the Z series to have a high-performance BMW M variant. The first generation Z4 also continued to offer M Coupé and M Roadster variants. The current Z4 (G29) uses BMW's (B58B30) inline-six, its platform is the basis for the current Toyota Supra.
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SCOTT27
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Dissecting Z5.
Although heavily disguised with panels screwed onto every area of the car
There are clues to how the new car will look.
Characterline.
Although panel disguises any surface area we can see that the exposed door handle lies on a downward angle indicating the character line will be more three dimensional and deliberately slicing the car in half. The Character line would then start from the rear deck. The opposite of the Z4.
Twist on the bonnet surface.
At the front wing we can see how the bonnet is flat but wraps over the wings. The bonnet and nose cone are false panels which with their gradient suggests more sharper interplay.
Three-Dimensional lower surface treatment
Like all Z models. The breather is shown to be higher up in the front wing which will be integrated into the design with a unique decorative signature.
Here we see a gap in the metal to indicate that it can't be covered properly because it is not entirely flat.
On the top picture you can see the angled door handle offers a connection to the rear deck and the lower half of the body that a line can be drawn to join them together.
Although heavily disguised with panels screwed onto every area of the car
There are clues to how the new car will look.
Characterline.
Although panel disguises any surface area we can see that the exposed door handle lies on a downward angle indicating the character line will be more three dimensional and deliberately slicing the car in half. The Character line would then start from the rear deck. The opposite of the Z4.
Twist on the bonnet surface.
At the front wing we can see how the bonnet is flat but wraps over the wings. The bonnet and nose cone are false panels which with their gradient suggests more sharper interplay.
Three-Dimensional lower surface treatment
Like all Z models. The breather is shown to be higher up in the front wing which will be integrated into the design with a unique decorative signature.
Here we see a gap in the metal to indicate that it can't be covered properly because it is not entirely flat.
On the top picture you can see the angled door handle offers a connection to the rear deck and the lower half of the body that a line can be drawn to join them together.
SKY
Silver Arrow Expert
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These are the most camoed mules I remember from BMW. I can barely see how wide the kidneys are going to be and the angle of the headlights. But, to be honest, I can´t see any resemblance between the VCD Concept pics Scott has posted and the mules.
What it is clear in my eyes is that the dropping character line will be gone.
What it is clear in my eyes is that the dropping character line will be gone.
nikola1984
Kraftkurve King
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A successor of the BMW Z4 is finally coming. After years of speculations, first BMW Z5 prototypes were spotted last week during winter testing and judging by the camouflage on the test mules, the final product is about two years away.
Today, we have a new information regarding the Z5 and what to expect when they land in dealerships in 2018.
This will be the first model co-developed with Toyotawhich will make the production of this Z5 more profitable. BMW aims to reinvent the sports roadsters segment with a range of cars designed with a unique and avant-garde design combined with typical roadster proportions – long bonnet , short rear overhang and a very low driving position situated practically on the rear axle.
Its design will see some cues from the BMW 328 Hommage and Vision ConnectedDrive, so expect a classic, yet futuristic design that will steal the show.
Originally devised as a hardtop roadster as the previous Z4, the Bavarians have decided that the BMW Z5 should be offered in two body styles – a roadster with a canvas roof and a coupe, like the old Z3 coupe.
The first to arrive will be the Z5 Roadster, which is expected to be presented in the second half of 2017. A year later, the Z5 Coupe will be introduced as well.
Larger than the current Z4, the new Z4 is designed to compete with the rivals like Mercedes AMG GT. Obviously to compete with the power of AMG GT, BMW is preparing a version that will keep up with the V8 power from Mercedes.
The BMW Z5 is built upon the new rear-wheel drive architecture introduce by the new 7 Series and will follow the BMW philosophy of lightweight construction by using aluminum, ultra high strength steel, magnesium, carbon fiber and thermoplastic. For example, the structural pillars and roof structure are made of CFRP.
Both Z5 models – Coupe and Roadster – will be equipped with BMW drivetrains, except for the hybrid version which has Japanese origins.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, but an optional four-wheel xDrive system paired with four and six cylinder engines. The top model will carry the M Performance badge which could be a hybrid with a four-cylinder engine with water injection outputting close to 600 horsepower.
[Source: Motor.es]
Today, we have a new information regarding the Z5 and what to expect when they land in dealerships in 2018.
This will be the first model co-developed with Toyotawhich will make the production of this Z5 more profitable. BMW aims to reinvent the sports roadsters segment with a range of cars designed with a unique and avant-garde design combined with typical roadster proportions – long bonnet , short rear overhang and a very low driving position situated practically on the rear axle.
Its design will see some cues from the BMW 328 Hommage and Vision ConnectedDrive, so expect a classic, yet futuristic design that will steal the show.
Originally devised as a hardtop roadster as the previous Z4, the Bavarians have decided that the BMW Z5 should be offered in two body styles – a roadster with a canvas roof and a coupe, like the old Z3 coupe.
The first to arrive will be the Z5 Roadster, which is expected to be presented in the second half of 2017. A year later, the Z5 Coupe will be introduced as well.
Larger than the current Z4, the new Z4 is designed to compete with the rivals like Mercedes AMG GT. Obviously to compete with the power of AMG GT, BMW is preparing a version that will keep up with the V8 power from Mercedes.
The BMW Z5 is built upon the new rear-wheel drive architecture introduce by the new 7 Series and will follow the BMW philosophy of lightweight construction by using aluminum, ultra high strength steel, magnesium, carbon fiber and thermoplastic. For example, the structural pillars and roof structure are made of CFRP.
Both Z5 models – Coupe and Roadster – will be equipped with BMW drivetrains, except for the hybrid version which has Japanese origins.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, but an optional four-wheel xDrive system paired with four and six cylinder engines. The top model will carry the M Performance badge which could be a hybrid with a four-cylinder engine with water injection outputting close to 600 horsepower.
[Source: Motor.es]
tristatez28lt1
Tire Trailblazer
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Are you seriously insinuating that this isn't the most accurate, close to production car render of all time?
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Hard-top folding roofs are aesthetic and make sense. Disappointingly they haven't been a strong enough selling point. SUVs are partially to blame as they are status symbols that make more of a statement than a small roadster.
My advice to BMW is to make the Z4 a fun and more financially accessible roadster. It could convert quite a number of 235i buyers into buying something that is physically more dramatic.
JLBM
Oversteer Expert
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Can't say I agree.. The only aesthetically pleasing hard top is the one on the Porsche 911, with the fabric look and beautifully moulded. Also, for most hard tops to operate, the vehicle has to be at 0 km/h. Pretty annoying..
It could not. The Z4 has no boot and just two cramped seats. The 2er is like a VW family car in comparison.
And a SUV has a bazillion more practical uses, you cannot seriously compare it with a roadster.
SCOTT27
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There is a certain aesthetic and value to having a folding hard top in the way it can be perceived as street theatre.
The issue with the hardtop is that it practically eliminates an additional Coupe model as the Hard top does both jobs.
The return to a Roadster format allows BMW to slide in a more appealing Coupe which may be called Z6. Which is some ways follows a kind of pattern determined by the X models to provide symmetry between both X and Z lines. The Z5 will be supplemented by a Z3 around the turn of the decade.
The issue with the hardtop is that it practically eliminates an additional Coupe model as the Hard top does both jobs.
The return to a Roadster format allows BMW to slide in a more appealing Coupe which may be called Z6. Which is some ways follows a kind of pattern determined by the X models to provide symmetry between both X and Z lines. The Z5 will be supplemented by a Z3 around the turn of the decade.
Fido
Quattro Commander
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Centurion, Z3 will arrive as SCOTT27 has said. So, other buyers will have the chance to choose between 2-er Cabrio and this future Z3.
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Excellent. Word on the Z3 has been a bit quiet. Good that it's on the way!
bmwownage
Kraftkurve King
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Have to say that was a very cool era. a bunch of affordable entry level sporty looking cars which aren't really sports cars. But hey, the GT86 is RWD, but the Celica, at least the latest ones are FWD - does this imply the Z3 could be FWD?
SCOTT27
Lap Time Luminary
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Not in the least. But they are reviving Supra for their twin.
SKY
Silver Arrow Expert
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SCOTT27
Lap Time Luminary
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@SKY,
Vision ConnectedDrive and 328 Hommage are at best almost 6years old.
Designed purely as concepts they have features which cannot make production, as an example the sharp edges would obliterate pedestrians.
In essence we can see key elements but in progress for example how the character-line now stars at the rear and slices the upper body in half at an angle at the front wings, eschewing the typical character-line that begins from the bonnet and travels in the opposite direction.
The side skirts are more flatter but use the same sculpture but more realistic to be used in production. The front end here is quite bland but the bonnet again part of the character-line as the seam for the opening again Z style wraps over the front of the car has the flat surface-twist seen on the VED.
Its progress. Its incorporating ideas used before but to great appeal but as time goes on they are worked on to apply with more realism and less complexity for production.
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BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, abbreviated as BMW is a German multinational
manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced
from 1917 to 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945.
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
