These are the latest spy photos from the streets of Munich and they appear to reveal the upcoming BMW Z9 roadster. Although at first glance, it may look like a next-generation Z4, the proportions on this prototype suggest a bigger, more substantial roadster along the lines of a Mercedes-Benz SL. Look closely and you can see a separate, blacked-out side window. The current Z4 uses a single pane for its ultra tight cabin. Also note the big dual exhaust pipes that suggest a possible V8 under its long hood. We haven't heard any firm dates on when this new roadster is expected to go on sale, but given how far along this prototype looks, a debut at next fall's Frankfurt auto show is possible.
estreka says:
12:36 PM, 01/11/07
Why not a Z8?
hondacura4 says:
03:18 PM, 01/11/07
Id like to see BMW build a light weight, high tech, mid engined exotic using an "updated" version of the potent 5.0L V10. This engine is just terrific.
3000lbs, 6 speed manual tranny, a more refined SMG tranny as an option, NO i-Drive, and no other stupid useless electronics.
LP
ethanwest says:
06:26 PM, 01/11/07
Looks pretty nice, although I'll probably tire of it quickly like i did with its competition, the Mercedes SL. Coincidentally, I just saw a camoulflaged M3 roaming the streets of Calabasis, California today.
blueguydotcom says:
06:37 PM, 01/11/07
I'd like to see BMW build a lightweight car. That alone would be a miracle.
Something sub 2800 lbs and sporting the 3.0 twin turbo. RWD. That'd be a car. Not the boats currently in their line up.
bentleymansam says:
07:32 PM, 01/12/07
ooh. it looks good so far
ervjeep says:
07:06 PM, 01/15/07
Looks too much like a Mazda Miata. BMW is heading in the wrong direction for design. PS - the Z8 is a Bond Car (BMW's premium luxury convertible)
johnybmw7 says:
07:47 PM, 01/15/07
i think they r gonna put the v10 or a higher engine in it bc this car is replacing the z8 and that one had the old m5 engine so...i also hope that bmw will make the m7 eventually
estreka says:
08:49 PM, 01/15/07
Upon further investigation, the rear end looks decidedly S2000-ish.
mrbimmer says:
02:23 PM, 01/16/07
I would like to see a 6 cylinder in there somewhere. Maybe the proportions and performance expectations are too large to have anything less than the 335i engine. While I love BMW 6 cylinders and 4 cylinders, I would never want a BMW V-8, too much trouble if you plan on owning it a long time. The performance out of this car should be amazing though, especially with implementation of BMW's HPI technology. Can't wait to see it in the flesh!
italianstalian says:
07:51 PM, 01/21/07
Great an enlarged version of their boot shaped M Coupe
zephyr_7 says:
02:02 AM, 02/ 4/07
i like beamers current design, but they should watch themselves with this one.
bentleymansam says:
08:43 AM, 02/ 8/07
thats so cool!. they should make hardtop and softop for REAL competition against the mercedes sl