BMW plans to step back into the ‘entry-level’ roadster market in 2011, when a new Z2 will pick a fight with the likes of Mazda’s MX-5. Although BMW has not confirmed the details, the motoring hacks at Germany’s well-respected
are sure enough of their facts to have
published artwork of the new machine
AMS says the new Z2 – the subject of long-term media speculation – will arrive in showrooms two years from now with both normally-aspirated and turbocharged four cylinder power. They predict engine capacities of 1.8 to 2.0-litres, and power outputs from 150bhp up to 300bhp for a proposed M-variant.
Previous stories about the Z2 have predicted the car could share platform components with the Z4 roadster, but latest reports say the Z2 is going to be 1 Series based instead. In the interests of keeping the cost down the roadster will get a fabric roof, and not a folding metal job like the recently introduced Z4.
The entry-level BMW roadster will be priced against top-end versions of the Mazda MX-5, so you’re unlikely to see change out of £20k for a boggo version. Interestingly, various unconfirmed reports have suggested the Z2 could also be part of BMW’s hybrid programme.
More interestingly still, there’s a school of thought that BMW could show us a pre-production or concept version of the Z2 at this year’s Frankfurt motor show in the Autumn, although sales won’t start until late 2010 at the earliest.
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