2015 Z4 to be "Sportier"
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G14RRV said:
Would be a bit surprised BMW would mess too much with the current Z4 format.
From what is mentioned above it sounds more like the rumoured Z2 which would be more Z3 in size hence nimbler driving dynamics. Having said that if they produced a Z2 then nobody would go for a Z4 if less involving to drive and more expensive.
Whilst driving the Z4 for a couple of weeks now which I love, my Z3 still feels better in terms of size as a 2 seater roadster :? whilst an MX5 is too small.
Tim.
From what is mentioned above it sounds more like the rumoured Z2 which would be more Z3 in size hence nimbler driving dynamics. Having said that if they produced a Z2 then nobody would go for a Z4 if less involving to drive and more expensive.
Whilst driving the Z4 for a couple of weeks now which I love, my Z3 still feels better in terms of size as a 2 seater roadster :? whilst an MX5 is too small.
Tim.
There is still room for improvement for sure, I mean even if if that is the weight distribution, it is still not touching a mid-engine car like the Boxster & Cayman. Plus keep in mind that new N20 engine was pushed back a bit for better balance since it is a lot smaller than the I6. So I think they can make some improvements on the car.moonshine said:
I'm not doubting the numbers you posted but there are some tweaking that can be done to help improve it's driving dynamics. Drive the Cayman/Boxster and Z4 back to back and you will see the difference.moonshine said:
ranski said:
Eh, I'll pay Z4 prices to avoid the cheap plastic pieces on the Mazda. Plus this will likely have a to more power and luxury so in the end, I really do not see much correlation between the two.
I'd probably like that smaller lighter Z4, as long as it isn't based on the UKL front wheel drive platform.
A smaller Z4 would make more room for the i8. Personal luxury customers could be steered towards an i8.
I've owned a NC Miata. BMW could learn a lot from that car's design. The the third generation MX-5 is a textbook on how to make an inexpensive driver's car.
A smaller Z4 would make more room for the i8. Personal luxury customers could be steered towards an i8.
I've owned a NC Miata. BMW could learn a lot from that car's design. The the third generation MX-5 is a textbook on how to make an inexpensive driver's car.
I don't think an i8 would be a good replacement for the Z4s current market, it'll likely be in the $100k range and it looks substantially bigger too.
If they want a smaller and less powerful sports convertible then the Z2 is the best way to go although with the BRZ and FRS/GT86 coming out and a convertible version expected to come out 2 years from now, a $35k-$40k sports car range market might be difficult to compete with. The Toyobaru will likely for Nissan to make a smaller 370Z and Honda might re-issue the S2000. Miata already has plans for a more powerful next gen Miata and BMW will have a hard time carving out some sales from those companies if it happens.
If they want a smaller and less powerful sports convertible then the Z2 is the best way to go although with the BRZ and FRS/GT86 coming out and a convertible version expected to come out 2 years from now, a $35k-$40k sports car range market might be difficult to compete with. The Toyobaru will likely for Nissan to make a smaller 370Z and Honda might re-issue the S2000. Miata already has plans for a more powerful next gen Miata and BMW will have a hard time carving out some sales from those companies if it happens.
Interesting topic, I am beginning to worry that BMW are starting to tweak cars just for the sake of it. Theres an alarming number of new models which seem disjointed from their previous market strategy. I know they have to continue to secure sales but its a fine balance.
I wonder how many of us will still be in z4's come 2015 anyway.
I wonder how many of us will still be in z4's come 2015 anyway.
The 2015 Z4 won't be any different price-wise than the current one. It's not an "inexpensive drivers car" it's in the "premium roadster segment".
Jobs for the new model?
- lose 200kg and the stupid metal roof (I'm talking Roadster here by the way!!!)
- make the wheelbase longer and widen the track
- make the steering a lot more communicative
- ensure the car is as close as possible in handling/driving enjoyment to the Boxster given the inherent compromises, for example needing to be front rather than mid-engined for cheaper servicing/maintenance costs. An important part of BMW (non M car) ownership is (relatively) cheap service and maintenance costs compared to the equivalent Porsche.
- give potential owners clean, low CO2 STRAIGHT SIX-CYLINDER engines
- keep the striking looks
Jobs for the new model?
- lose 200kg and the stupid metal roof (I'm talking Roadster here by the way!!!)
- make the wheelbase longer and widen the track
- make the steering a lot more communicative
- ensure the car is as close as possible in handling/driving enjoyment to the Boxster given the inherent compromises, for example needing to be front rather than mid-engined for cheaper servicing/maintenance costs. An important part of BMW (non M car) ownership is (relatively) cheap service and maintenance costs compared to the equivalent Porsche.
- give potential owners clean, low CO2 STRAIGHT SIX-CYLINDER engines
- keep the striking looks
original guvnor said:
Yes.
If BMW does that, they'd better call the next car a Z6. Seriously though, it is harder to lighten a larger car and keep all the luxury goodies. Longer also implies a larger moment of inertia and slower, less responsive steering. At least it does with a front engined 50/50 weight balance car. Same for the I6 engines. If BMW designed the car from the ground up for an I4, it could be lighter shorter and have less weight out at the ends.
I wonder if the press are confusing the Z2 and Z4 concepts. It is possible BMW will only build one of them.
On other fronts, the i8 roadster is looking likely to go to production.