[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Roadster Rumors: Return of BMW Z3 (RWD) Under Consideration

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This rumor will come as welcome news for those upset at last week's info that the upcoming Z2 baby roadster will be FWD. According to SCOTT26, what has happened is that the car which the Z2 was originally planned to be (a RWD roadster), is now a smaller concept than before and will be using the more compact modular UKL platform. It will now share the FWD platform with the next generation of MINI Coupe and Roadster and may be renamed the Z1.

So what about fans of a small RWD BMW roadster? With the Z2/Z1's move to the FWD UKL platform, the return of the BMW Z3 (RWD) is currently being considered (see next post). The new Z3 would come in traditional soft-top and coupe versions and would be based on the F20 1-series generation's modular platform.

But it doesn't end there for BMW's roadster lineup changes. The Z4 would be renamed the Z5 which would allow it to grow in size and for the smaller Z3 to slot in under it in the roadster lineup. The Z5 would utilize the F30 3-series generation platform.

The next few years look to be potentially exciting for fans of BMW roadster fans, as the potential lineup could look like:

BMW Z1: UKL FWD platform, soft top roadster
BMW Z3: F20 1-series generation platform, soft top and coupe versions
BMW Z5 (formerly Z4): F30 3-series generation platform, hardtop roadster

[SCOTT26]

It is not just the BMW 2er and 4er BMW are thinking of for a resurrection.

One such name always endeared to BMW enthusiasts in the last decade a car that had it's humble beginnings although as static product placement as the vehicle of choice for the new Bond series,
which looked upon now could count as embarrassing for the famous spy , with the Blofields and industrialist super villains unable to control their bursts of laughter that their greatest adversary drove a BMW Z3 with a 1.9 engine.

The Z3 had looks and style what handicapped the car mostly with enthusiasts was the cost effective use of sub structure from the BMW compact and suspension and rear axle from the last decade of 3er the E30. Although the semi-retro design elements appealed as did the cache and lure of the BMW badge , Z3 did not become overly exciting until the next year introduction of the Z3 2.8i using BMW's acclaimed Straight-line Six which gave the car the performance urge it needed.

Even though the Z3 was launched on the back of "Goldeneye" the car was successful - sales wise. Demand in the US brought delays to other markets with some markets the UK for example being offered LHD models to appease customers who were on waiting lists for up to Two years , but it was not just the UK that had to endear to such periods of time , Germany and the US were also affected.

The Z3 was successful for BMW but many thought of time it moved upwards and onwards.
Hence why the Z4.

The new Roadster strategy included a Z2 but whilst the Z2 was originally part of the F20 Modular matrix expansion. BMW have now downsized the car onto another cost-effective platform - The UKL Matrix - The modular structure that will be accomodate the next MINI and the BMW FWD family. The decision is to allow BMW to have an entry level Roadster as part of it's new FWD family which will be under the designation of the BMW 1er. The BMW 1er Sporthatch which will be seen this week will accomodate sDrive badges to distinguish the RWD from the FWD 1er models.

Now the proposal is seen as Z1 which will allow BMW to share the Z1 Roadster with the next generation MINI Coupe/Roadster/Spyder. The new MINI Coupe and Roadster are very short lifecycle cars. The idea is for the Z1 Roadster to sustain the small Roadster segment whilst a new MINI Coupe and Roadster will arrive in the second half of the decade. The direction the next MINI Coupe and Roadster take will depend on the reaction to the new car which will break cover in a few weeks time. The car could take on a more individual appearance from the next MINI.

Z1 will allow the BMW 1er FWD family to offer a variety of cars to customers who are expected to migrate from other brands to BMW. BMW recently held workshops in cities in Germany where they test-clinic'd the FWD City Compact and the FWD GT. Subjects chosen were not BMW customers but from other brands but found the two cars different and very appealing , the Compact was very well received as was the GT which was tested amongst current owners of euro- mini MPV's.

With the movement of the Z2 to the UKL matrix, but under a newer design guise to bring it into contention with the other UKL cars.
The original Z2 proposal will now move upwards to effectively replace the Z4 as the Premium entry Roadster which is proposed as Z3 - The resurrection of the 1995-2002 first modern BMW Roadster. Given that the segment grows not only in markets but also in dimensions , The Z3 allows for the Z4 to take another surge upmarket and retain it's current appearance with a folding hard-top as the Z5. Effectively in what the Z2 was - RWD , Soft-top , compact and additional Coupe will now be the Z3 if BMW's executives get their way.



The return of the name is something that could bring the nostalgic owners back and another choice for the "Homecoming" visitors who take their annual pilgrimage to Spartanburg each year to it's home. Z3 could even return to Spartanburg for production if it proved cost effective for BMW?



The Z4 is seen as a more Premium Roadster than the Z3 before it whilst the progression is evident - By moving the vehicle upwards BMW could retain a premium product with the Z5, slightly larger in every respect and remain with a folding metal hard-top , Z5 could become more luxurious and be positioned below the 6er and below a more Premium Roadster proposal. In a way how Mercedes-Benz will have the SL and SLS AMG Roadster.

If the strategy gets the go-ahead then the Z3 will become a more modern engineered (based on the F20/F30 modular matrix. lighter , agile and sportier competitor to the current Roadster competition.
And the Z5 could appeal to more customers who want something more premium. Whilst the Z1 will be that entry level BMW Roadster - Stylish, effective and Premium to appeal to first time BMW customers.

[JonnyBoost]

1st

[Boost Meister]

Z1 Z2 Z3 Z4 Z5 WTH is wrong with this people?

.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by Boost Meister

Z1 Z2 Z3 Z4 Z5 WTH is wrong with this people?

According to the info above, there would only be a Z1, Z3, and Z5, each differentiated from each other by their drivetrain, platform, variants, and demographic.

[Boost Meister]

We need a Z5, a Mercedes SL kind of roadster and a M variant of said Z5. And make a Z4 Coupe also with an M variant. Everything else should be scrapped

The Z1 sounds good but not in FWD

[kardboard]

Originally Posted by Boost Meister

Z1 Z2 Z3 Z4 Z5 WTH is wrong with this people?

We need a Z5, a Mercedes SL kind of roadster and a M variant of said Z5. And make a Z4 Coupe also with an M variant. Everything else should be scrapped.

And on top of the numerous models I wonder how many "special editions" there will be.

[IancoleTX]

Interesting bit of news - I think this should help appease the RWD fanbase by making clear the strategy of relegating only entry models to the FWD platform. It does still run against BMW heritage, but providing an alternative via a RWD mid-level model (for those of us who hold the experience of driving dear) helps a bit.

[xoxoluvcrisxoxo]

Originally Posted by Boost Meister

We need a Z5, a Mercedes SL kind of roadster and a M variant of said Z5. And make a Z4 Coupe also with an M variant. Everything else should be scrapped

The Z1 sounds good but not in FWD

+1
i like your thinking

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by Boost Meister

We need a Z5, a Mercedes SL kind of roadster and a M variant of said Z5. And make a Z4 Coupe also with an M variant. Everything else should be scrapped

The Z1 sounds good but not in FWD

Why should everything else be scrapped? BMW could use a smaller, lower priced, back-to-basics roadster/coupe now that the current Z4 has moved further upmarket from the original Z3. There is a reason that the Mazda Miata/MX-5 sells so well, so why not offer it some competition.

[pyrat]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

It is not just the BMW 2er and 4er BMW are thinking of for a resurrection.

One such name always endeared to BMW enthusiasts in the last decade a car that had it's humble beginnings although as static product placement as the vehicle of choice for the new Bond series,
which looked upon now could count as embarrassing for the famous spy , with the Blofields and industrialist super villains unable to control their bursts of laughter that their greatest adversary drove a BMW Z3 with a 1.9 engine.

The Z3 had looks and style what handicapped the car mostly with enthusiasts was the cost effective use of sub structure from the BMW compact and suspension and rear axle from the last decade of 3er the E30. Although the semi-retro design elements appealed as did the cache and lure of the BMW badge , Z3 did not become overly exciting until the next year introduction of the Z3 2.8i using BMW's acclaimed Straight-line Six which gave the car the performance urge it needed.


Even though the Z3 was launched on the back of "Goldeneye" the car was successful - sales wise. Demand in the US brought delays to other markets with some markets the UK for example being offered LHD models to appease customers who were on waiting lists for up to Two years , but it was not just the UK that had to endear to such periods of time , Germany and the US were also affected.

The Z3 was successful for BMW but many thought of time it moved upwards and onwards.
Hence why the Z4.

The new Roadster strategy included a Z2 but whilst the Z2 was originally part of the F20 Modular matrix expansion. BMW have now downsized the car onto another cost-effective platform - The UKL Matrix - The modular structure that will be accomodate the next MINI and the BMW FWD family. The decision is to allow BMW to have an entry level Roadster as part of it's new FWD family which will be under the designation of the BMW 1er. The BMW 1er Sporthatch which will be seen this week will accomodate sDrive badges to distinguish the RWD from the FWD 1er models.

Now the proposal is seen as Z1 which will allow BMW to share the Z1 Roadster with the next generation MINI Coupe/Roadster/Spyder. The new MINI Coupe and Roadster are very short lifecycle cars. The idea is for the Z1 Roadster to sustain the small Roadster segment whilst a new MINI Coupe and Roadster will arrive in the second half of the decade. The direction the next MINI Coupe and Roadster take will depend on the reaction to the new car which will break cover in a few weeks time. The car could take on a more individual appearance from the next MINI.

Z1 will allow the BMW 1er FWD family to offer a variety of cars to customers who are expected to migrate from other brands to BMW. BMW recently held workshops in cities in Germany where they test-clinic'd the FWD City Compact and the FWD GT. Subjects chosen were not BMW customers but from other brands but found the two cars different and very appealing , the Compact was very well received as was the GT which was tested amongst current owners of euro- mini MPV's.

With the movement of the Z2 to the UKL matrix, but under a newer design guise to bring it into contention with the other UKL cars.
The original Z2 proposal will now move upwards to effectively replace the Z4 as the Premium entry Roadster which is proposed as Z3 - The resurrection of the 1995-2002 first modern BMW Roadster. Given that the segment grows not only in markets but also in dimensions , The Z3 allows for the Z4 to take another surge upmarket and retain it's current appearance with a folding hard-top as the Z5. Effectively in what the Z2 was - RWD , Soft-top , compact and additional Coupe will now be the Z3 if BMW's executives get their way.



The return of the name is something that could bring the nostalgic owners back and another choice for the "Homecoming" visitors who take their annual pilgrimage to Spartanburg each year to it's home. Z3 could even return to Spartanburg for production if it proved cost effective for BMW?



The Z4 is seen as a more Premium Roadster than the Z3 before it whilst the progression is evident - By moving the vehicle upwards BMW could retain a premium product with the Z5, slightly larger in every respect and remain with a folding metal hard-top , Z5 could become more luxurious and be positioned below the 6er and below a more Premium Roadster proposal. In a way how Mercedes-Benz will have the SL and SLS AMG Roadster.

If the strategy gets the go-ahead then the Z3 will become a more modern engineered (based on the F20/F30 modular matrix. lighter , agile and sportier competitor to the current Roadster competition.
And the Z5 could appeal to more customers who want something more premium. Whilst the Z1 will be that entry level BMW Roadster - Stylish, effective and Premium to appeal to first time BMW customers.

I think you meant to say, the car was promoted in the feature film Goldeneye, which is a cult classic, and so because the Z3.

Glad BMW is bringing back the Z3 in a softtop with RWD. Now my signature is true.

[SCOTT26]

The shifting sands in relation to designation is actually adjustments rather than adding new models -

The UKL based Z1 will allow a straight forward BMW entry Roadster (similar to the MINI Roadster) and that car is a lot of fun. a real go-kart.

The Z3 will be the original Z2 proposal - , based on the F20 matrix be lighter and offer a Soft-top and a Coupe like the original Z3. a proper Roadster.

The Z5 will be the natural progression of the Z4 , allowing it to retain it's current premium image and folding hard-top to remain a Coupe or Roadster.

[WhoU4]

I was excited about the possibility of BMW making a soft-top light weight roadster again, and in a RWD configuration… and initial rumors had it that the Z2 would fit the bill. Now since it looks like the smaller roadster will be FWD I still want to see BMW bring in a RWD nimble lightweight roadster (w/soft-top) and could care less what they name it, let it be the Z3!!

BMW, please keep a RWD soft-top roadster in your lineup…

[Boost Meister]

Originally Posted by JasonCSU

Why should everything else be scrapped? BMW could use a smaller, lower priced, back-to-basics roadster/coupe now that the current Z4 has moved further upmarket from the original Z3. There is a reason that the Mazda Miata/MX-5 sells so well, so why not offer it some competition.

BMW is not Mazda. Are you saying that BMW should make a car to compete with the Miata? That makes no sense. BMW is a premium brand. If they cant buy a z4 too bad then they cant have a BMW.

[MDivPower]

every car maker is expanding their production, so does bmw, but that FWD plans does not seem a good move as it would not be appropriate to see a BMW understeering like other normal FWD cars, even if they produced the z2 to be a sporty FWD car with minimum understeer, in the future there will be base models that are not drive oriented at all! however the z5 and z3 seem a very attractive products, and then should come the z3/4 coupe, that would be staggering. and with m models it would be even more powerful, and get rid of that FWD cars thoughts and that would be perfect.

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

There are officially too many BMW's. They're pulling a Mercedes.

[Boost Meister]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The shifting sands in relation to designation is actually adjustments rather than adding new models -

The UKL based Z1 will allow a straight forward BMW entry Roadster (similar to the MINI Roadster) and that car is a lot of fun. a real go-kart.

The Z3 will be the original Z2 proposal - , based on the F20 matrix be lighter and offer a Soft-top and a Coupe like the original Z3. a proper Roadster.

The Z5 will be the natural progression of the Z4 , allowing it to retain it's current premium image and folding hard-top to remain a Coupe or Roadster.

What happened to the plans of the Z8 comeback?

[ArabianSensation]

So let me get this straight.

We have the following:

Z1, Z3, Z5, Z8?
1er 2er 3er 4er 5er 6er 7er
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6

When it used to be:

Z3/Z4
3er 5er 7er
X3 X5

Not to mention all the new M models. This is quite a bit to digest. BMW is really expanding the model line up rather quickly. I wonder how the common consumer will react.

[pyrat]

Originally Posted by Boost Meister

BMW is not Mazda. Are you saying that BMW should make a car to compete with the Miata? That makes no sense. BMW is a premium brand. If they cant buy a z4 too bad then they cant have a BMW.

dont worry, the Z1 won't be cheap, it will be cheaper than the Z5

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by pyrat

dont worry, the Z1 won't be cheap, it will be cheaper than the Z5

Z1: $40,000 base model
Z3: $45,000 base model
Z5: $55,000 base model

[RWolf10]

thank you! this is definitely good news.

[Weird Side Effect]

This = WIN. SO HOT!