[intoflatlines]

From best looks to worst:

Convertible, top down > Coupe > Hard top convertible > Soft top convertible

So, the solution is to always have the top down if you have an E85!

But anyway, I test drove an sdrive35is the other day and was not impressed. DCT transmission was awful (although the quick shifts were great), ride quality and road noise was terrible, and the relatively slow moving hard top with the laughable trunk space when down was a disappointment. The seats were a huge improvement though, and the torque was fun.

[Asbjorn]

Originally Posted by intoflatlines

Ride quality and road noise was terrible

The OEM RFTs are noisy and too stiff on 19" wheels. Non-rfts are significantly more silent and comfortable.

I don't understand why they don't put the latest gen RFTs on the 2015 models.

[positiveions]

Looks good.

[Ezio]

Originally Posted by Neverenoughboost

I never would have guessed it'd have a turbo I6....
Wait every single model in the lineup has that option.
Atleast they're original.

I'll take a E86 Z4M over this any day

welcome to the era of cost cutting!

[SCOTT26]

The new Auto Bild features a render. Its not by the way...

[Nkc]

Now that looks like something I would get my hands on. Much better than the first pics posted. Put a hard top on this sucker and we got a deal.

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The new Auto Bild features a render. Its not by the way...

I would definitely buy this if it's comparable to an M4 'vert - seems like a much better way to go

[DieGrüneHölle]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The new Auto Bild features a render. Its not by the way...

I hope this car is not a vert only. Please make a fixed roof for track enthusiasts.

[unagi]

yikes, looks like a melted Z4

[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 here is a look at what the Z3 could be.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The new Auto Bild features a render. Its not by the way...

I like it, a lot!
I never liked the Z3/Z4 styling but this is great.

[Efthreeoh]

BMW + Toyota. Sorry, no interest to me.

[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?

[persian54]

Originally Posted by Levi

BMW had built a hard-top 6 Series F1X, but still decided to go with soft-top, don't know the reasons for it. Hard-top convertibles are better than soft-top, no doubt, but they are not true coupés.



It will surely be hard-top, current Z4 is the best selling one (have to verify). However we don't know if the new Z4 will get an all new hard-top, the same one, as like E93 and F32.

The thing is quite a number do not want any hard-top Z4, but a real Z4 coupé, that is lighter, something like a Z4 M Coupé that could rival the Mercedes AMG-GT.

Yes, I know it's not a true coupe, but at the same time, it's able to offer a great version of both.
I tracked my E93 M3 heavily and was able to get fair lap times in my opinion. But all I cared about was having fun, of which the M3 helped deliver

[giganova]

A hard top is for people who like the idea of driving a convertible but need the comfort of a coupe. A real roadster needs a soft top!

[Toybota]

Originally Posted by giganova

A hard top is for people who like the idea of driving a convertible but need the comfort of a coupe. A real roadster needs a soft top!

Agreed.

BMW offers the 4 series hardtop convertible. Anything smaller should have a lightweight softtop (especially in a real "roadster" which is what the z is supposed to be).