BMW Z1 1989

BMW designed the Z1 to give fun-loving drivers the opportunity of owning a concept car. The two-seater Z1 was first shown to the public in prototype form in August 1986, and 4 years later, ten were leaving the Munich production line each week.

The Z1 features a wide range of new ideas including a monocoque-styled steel chassis with a bonded plastic boot and resilient plastic body which is resistant to minor damage. The body panels are recyclable after return to the manufacturer where they are ground down and the material re-used. The doors slide down into the side sill by an electro-mechanical system. The hood is operated electronically.

Close attention has been paid to the aerodynamics, particularly the underside of the car. The undertray conducts the airflow beneath the car effectively that the Z1 is claimed to be the first production car to utilise racing car ground effect. This effect reduces aerodynamic lift at the front and rear wheels.