[SCOTT26]

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Added 2/21/15:

Amateur sketch but it shows the direction for Z5 Coupe or Z6.







More info added 9/11/14:

The Z4 becomes the Z5 and will share with a Toyota as will a Z3 Both are RWD.
The engineering schematics for the Carbon intensive architecture is impressive. You are going to see so much for so little with the combined force of BMW and Toyota using all their resources available.

BMW wants to re-invent its Z series sports cars and make them as cutting edge and influential as the BMWi models by visual appearance and state of the art engineering to highlight a new BMW philosophy for sports cars.

Vision ConnectedDrive and 328 Homage concepts are the template for the visuals. Plans also include a slightly massaged three cylinder entirely unique and exclusive in the Z3 Mille Miglia mimicking the classic 328 to provide excellent dynamics using lightweight materials.

But since Toyota are using the joint architecture for a next gen GT86 based Sedan, its one idea under discussion in Munich, essentially a four dr Z model and potentially an SAV Z model. Nothing has come to light yet but it is a niche that BMW are investigating.


Original post:

The new Z models take their BMW design from a progression of the Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Car like the car below with a more angular and technical language recently seen on the BMW Vision Future Luxury.

All BMWs will retain the essential BMW roadster cues such as being so close to the road and the seats almost on the rear axle. A long bonnet and short rear overhang and raked rear wards front screen and a driver focused cockpit.

What I know is there is a general architecture that is modular and is different sized in each application is scaleable to cover small , medium and large applications.

The smaller one accommodates the Z3 or the GT86 replacement (or maybe a new Celica or MR2?)
The medium one will apply to the Z5 and Supra replacement .

The Z1 will be based on the BMW developed UKL architecture.

The outstanding thing is that the companies are pooling all resources so you are talking about Supercar tech such as Carbon Fibre being used in very expansive ways blended in with high strength steel , magnesium ,thermoplastic and aluminium. What I have learned it is a very beneficial feat for both companies and is currently the envy of the industry.
Some people have their nose out of joint over this arrangement.

The larger application becomes much interesting as the structural pillars and roof structure will also be CFRP. This is the larger plan destined to accommodate the next 6er and a new Lexus Coupe above the recently unveiled RZ.

The Z3 will be the sportiest Z yet combining lightweight engineering and dynamic performance from its rear wheel drive drivetrain. There is a soft top to keep weight down.

The Z3 is also under discussion to use an adaptation of BMWs new three cylinder engine as well as four and six cylinders.

The Z5 comes first. But the image attached is a look at what the Z3 could be.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

...The Z5 comes first. But here is a look at what the Z3 could be.

First as always thanks for your insight into the way BMW thinks and plans products.

I really like that Z5 render, except for the nose/face/hood. I would prefer something along the Zagato coupe/cabria hood line. I prefer the way the Zagato "twins" hood come curving down into the grill/bumper. It looks more Classic BMW to me.

Zagato twins....

[DieGrüneHölle]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The Z5 comes first. But here is a look at what the Z3 could be.

Are these cars going to be vert only.

If so...will BMW ever produce a two seat sports car again, with a fixed roof?

[richardg]

This^

[sor]

Man that front end is messed up. Proportions and perspective look off.

[Sapper_M3]

Originally Posted by Blipit_

Are these cars going to be vert only.

If so...will BMW ever produce a two seat sports car again, with a fixed roof?

+1

A vert is cool, but I'll need a fixed roof (or at least a hard top and a lenient organization) to make it do double duty as a track car.

[Jblack4083]

What on earth is a SAV Z model?

I don't get it.

[templarklimek]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The new Z models take their BMW design from a progression of the Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Car like the car below with a more angular and technical language recently seen on the BMW Vision Future Luxury.

All BMWs will retain the essential BMW roadster cues such as being so close to the road and the seats almost on the rear axle. A long bonnet and short rear overhang and raked rear wards front screen and a driver focused cockpit.

What I know is there is a general architecture that is modular and is different sized in each application is scaleable to cover small , medium and large applications.

The smaller one accommodates the Z3 or the GT86 replacement (or maybe a new Celica or MR2?)
The medium one will apply to the Z5 and Supra replacement .

The Z1 will be based on the BMW developed UKL architecture.

The outstanding thing is that the companies are pooling all resources so you are talking about Supercar tech such as Carbon Fibre being used in very expansive ways blended in with high strength steel , magnesium ,thermoplastic and aluminium. What I have learned it is a very beneficial feat for both companies and is currently the envy of the industry.
Some people have their nose out of joint over this arrangement.

The larger application becomes much interesting as the structural pillars and roof structure will also be CFRP. This is the larger plan destined to accommodate the next 6er and a new Lexus Coupe above the recently unveiled RZ.

The Z3 will be the sportiest Z yet combining lightweight engineering and dynamic performance from its rear wheel drive drivetrain. There is a soft top to keep weight down.

The Z3 is also under discussion to use an adaptation of BMWs new three cylinder engine as well as four and six cylinders.

The Z5 comes first. But the image attached is a look at what the Z3 could be.


More info as of 9/11/14:

The Z4 becomes the Z5 and will share with a Toyota as will a Z3 Both are RWD.
The engineering schematics for the Carbon intensive architecture is impressive. You are going to see so much for so little with the combined force of BMW and Toyota using all their resources available.

BMW wants to re-invent its Z series sports cars and make them as cutting edge and influential as the BMWi models by visual appearance and state of the art engineering to highlight a new BMW philosophy for sports cars.

Vision ConnectedDrive and 328 Homage concepts are the template for the visuals. Plans also include a slightly massaged three cylinder entirely unique and exclusive in the Z3 Mille Miglia mimicking the classic 328 to provide excellent dynamics using lightweight materials.

But since Toyota are using the joint architecture for a next gen GT86 based Sedan, its one idea under discussion in Munich, essentially a four dr Z model and potentially an SAV Z model. Nothing has come to light yet but it is a niche that BMW are investigating.

Scott26 I beg you as a former Z4M and present owner of a 2013 M3 and 2014 M6 tell BMW we want another hardtop version. Not all of us want a convertible. Z5M hardtop with a manual transmission would prevent me from defecting to a 911. Thank you.

[Schittenengitten]

So what is the plan for e89 after changeover to 2016 production?

[Technic]

So suddenly, the "new" 2, 4, 6-Series naming convention for Coupes is thrown out the door to go back to 1, 3, 5-Series (Sedans) for the 2-seat Z...

Really, BMW?

[Teutonic]

Like in the past, I guess BMW will show one prototype and come up with a hood that will have a biiiig horizontal line in the hood. Maybe in the middle this time?

Why they don't design it so the hood will beautiful flow and reduce the lines as much as possible is out of my understanding. (please don't come up with pedestrians BS; many cars manage that without compromising the design).

Just look at that Zagatto. I will sell all my cars to get that Coupe (yes COUPE PLEASE) in Rosso Vivace.

[Bimmerista]

I am concerned about BMW helping Lexus have better driver cars.

Is the UKL architecture FWD and if so I didn't think BMW would use it for the larger Z5.

Certainly the designs are beautiful.

[Mako]

Z5M COUPE with the new M3 engine would be amazing!
especially if they keep the weight down (CF roof, trunk, hood)

I've got several years to go with kids in the back, so I have patience BMW, just be sure to put it in the plans for 7-10 years from now

[aajami]

Originally Posted by Mako

Z5M COUPE with the new M3 engine would be amazing!
especially if they keep the weight down (CF roof, trunk, hood)

Definitely keeping an eye on this car's development.

[clbmw]

Zegato looks with Boxster performance is what is needed for the next gen Z cars

[Dalko43]

Originally Posted by Mako

Z5M COUPE with the new M3 engine would be amazing!
especially if they keep the weight down (CF roof, trunk, hood)

^ This. BMW needs to put out a true performance roadster. As of late, the 1M is the only one that even comes close to fitting that bill. A Z5M Coupe with the S55 or whatever they'll put in the M3 GTS would be amazing!!!

[lasovan]

Once again Scott surprises with wonderful news. Thx Scott!

[Diver]

Thank you Scott for your insights. A drop top sports car could be just what the doctor ordered.

[Cuz5150]

If the new Z's are not RWD..................? Pffff GTFO

[YGazis109]

Originally Posted by Technic

So suddenly, the "new" 2, 4, 6-Series naming convention for Coupes is thrown out the door to go back to 1, 3, 5-Series (Sedans) for the 2-seat Z...

Really, BMW?

Exactly what I was thinking...

[SDCoupe]

Wow. That looks fantastic. Very modern, cutting edge, aggressive. Love the front. I don't want something frumpy, I want it awesome. This fits the bill.

[zuggerat89]

Yes, M coupe please!