The next BMW Z4 will actually see a return of the Z3 badge, an odd move given BMW’s recent nomenclature, and will be inspired by the look of the very sexy Vision ConnectedDrive concept car.
It will also be the first model developed under the BMW-Toyota partnership. Toyota’s first model under the co-development will be a hardtop coupé, although roadster and hardtop models will feature for both brands in time.
The Z3 will employ a folding soft-top with a view to saving weight. Increased use of aluminium and carbon fibre, including a carbon fibre tub, will be used to help keep weight down as well.
BMW will fit a range of four and six cylinder engines to the Z3 and there is a chance of M-badged models too.
The use of a carbon fibre tub is significant because BMW expects the Z3 to undercut the price of the Alfa Romeo 4C, which is currently one of the cheapest ways to get yourself into such an exotic chassis construction.
If you like the sound of all this don’t get too excited because the all-new Z3 is still a couple of years away yet.
[Source: Bimmerpost]