The last time BMW offered a high-priced limited-run exotic sports car was the BMW Z8, with 5,703 units sold between the years 2000 to 2003. The E52 Z8 was a production variants of a concept shown in 1997 called the BMW Z07. It had an all-aluminium chassis and body, and was powered by a 4.9 litre 32 valve V8, making 400 horsepower and 500Nm. This engine was also used in the E39 M5, and in the Z8 is positioned behind the front axle to provide that 50:50 weight distribution that every BMW must have. It had a 6-speed manual, but Alpina’s took the Z8 and created the V8 Roadster using a different engine and gearbox combo.
The Alpina version was instead powered by a 4.8 litre V8 from the first gen BMW X5, tuned up to make 375hp which was less than the original Z8, however made more torque: 520Nm peaking at a lower RPM than the original engine. The Z8 was also a Bond car, it made it’s appearance in The World is Not Enough in 1999.
We might see something similiar soon – BMW will be revealing the BMW Z9 Concept at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show beginning April 20th 2007. An industry source says this Z9 Concept will definitely make it into production, and BMW expects to sell 15,000 BMW Z9 cars a year. It will be positioned against similiar luxury sportscars like the Mercedes Benz SL and the Audi R8.
Previously a car called the Z9 Concept (shown above) had already been shown back in 1999 at Frankfurt 99, which was a 2-door roadster with gullwing doors and powered by a 245hp, 560Nm 3.9 litre V8 turbodiesel, an engine lifted from the 740d back then. I don’t think the new Z9 Concept will be anything like that old 1999 concept, as it’s been 8 years! Styling cues from the old Z9 Concept looks like they ended up in the 6-Series.
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
Wow, another "topless" concept from BMW? i dont know whether to laugh or cry Paul. So far, all the topless bmw cars you have showcased, seems to get very negative comments from people here.. stuff like "the more you look at it, the more you regret..etc..". heck, actually, that statement is true imho.. the more i look at it, the more I regret i dont earn enough money to buy it.
maybe you should also highlight how bmw have managed to add features to improve the comfort of top-down motoring? like their UV reflecting leather that reduces the temp. of the leather by 20C, and the air conditioning which compensates for outside temperature when the top is down..etc.
no matter the weather here, i will still buy an open top car given the opportunity and timing. nothing beats a blast down a nice country road with the roof down.
the more i look at it, the more i regret
So un-BMW
no more soft top plz
Looks pretty nice and close to a Porche from this angle, only obvious difference being a very short rear overhang in contrast with Porches. Funny, the Z8 resembled a Porche and Aston Martin from the front.
Another hideous product from BMW. Why am I not surprised?
Bcuz that's what happens when you allow an American to design cars. They're just plain rubbish.
I laughed at the statement by Bangle abt "ppl will get used to his designs", well, sure, it's like getting used to being tortured.
Looks like the porche I forgot which one, but looks just like it.
Another gorgeous looking car by BMW.
The more i look at it, the more I regret i dont have a rich girl friend.