If there was any doubt that a BMW Z4 successor is coming, then these photos should eliminate any doubts. These are the very first spy shots of the BMW Z5 Roadster which was caught testing in the night at around -25 degrees Celsius. The images show a heavily camouflaged prototype with the typical proportions and short overhangs of a BMW roadster. Judging by the photos, the dimensions of the alleged Z5 Roadster are larger than the current BMW Z4 while featuring a soft top compared to the hard cover found on the Z4.
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At the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Klaus Frohlich, BMW head of R&D told the press that not only a Z4 replacement is in works, but also confirmed that it will be developed together with Toyota. The two companies have been working on three sports cars for years now. BMW and Toyota have been tight-lipped about details but the two companies say their partnership will last until at least 2020.
Toyota and BMW outlined plans for the sports car in early 2013 and said in November 2014 that they’d reached the concept phase for the vehicle after completing a technical feasibility study. The manufacturers have declined to specify where the model might be built or when production would start. Sources say the car in question for BMW would be a Z4 replacement, and will most likely use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
With first test mules hitting public roads now, the Z5 is likely to be unveiled by 2018.
Let’s hope it has Toyota reliability!
i dont think they are involved..
Do we know the extent to which Toyota is involved with this vehicle? My husband loves the E85 Z4 (He plans on holding onto his 3.0si as long as he possibly can), but we both have a significant dislike for Toyota/Lexus.
I really hope, for the vehicles that come out of this partnership and are released under the BMW marque, the Toyota involvement was as minimal as possible.
There are two outcomes that are possible I believe. The platform is designed mainly by BMW and Toyota is a small influencer and as a partner actually isnt involved much with the production, but uses the platform extensively. Or it is the other way around.
I truly hope it’s not the latter… BMW has had enough compromise across the line, and the last thing their vehicles need is input from a company whose modern tagline could easily be “good is good enough”.
i dont think toyota are involved anymore
I suspect Toyotas involvement in this car will be minimal. BMW will design this car for Toyota. But BMW is after the Toyota supply chain on a broader scale. Less expensive, more attainable parts.
soft top though ??!?
looks great but need hardtop
Hell yes!! This bodes well for a new Supra becoming reality, which is the one I am excited for. If the current Z4 is any indication, I don’t have high hopes for this car. Especially with an I4.
Unless they are also planning a Z2 (and it appears they are NOT), this car will be an unmitigated disaster: As the owner of a 2006 Z4 (previous cars were a 2002 Z3 and a 1998 Z3 all bought new) I still have my 2006 Z4 because I didn’t likew the increase in size and the added weight of the hardtop in the current Z4. BMW seems to have forgotten the definition of ROADSTER: Small, LIGHT, 2-seats and FUN. If they don’t come up with a Z2 I will keep my current Z4 as long as possible and then buy a MIATA.
BMW have forgotten how to make fun small cars…..the last ones were your generation Z4 and the original 1-series.
This one might be lighter considering the soft top and likely lots of lightweight materials. It might also feature an eDrive which would be cool
this looks like a bloated mess….what’s happened to BMW design!? gone down the tubes….bring Bangle back!!!!!
its full camo are you stupid
BMW never learn with their winter testing. The N63 was such a shitty motor.
Good news ! Let’s just hope it gets some of that CFRP, and an M Performance variant to compete against the 718 Boxster GTS.
I would expect but nothing’s confirmed. That this would be a candidate for BMW M application for a pure BMW Z5 M. This a Roadster first and then followed by a Coupe. Toyota are doing it the other way around.
You can actually see the Kidney Grilles if you look close enough :)
Soft top is good news, it means there will be a proper Coupe.