[5against8]

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According to the M2 project lead, M will not be involved in the upcoming Supra/Z5/whatever it will be called project. A little bit disappointing but not surprising I guess. Still excited to see the cars that come out of this collaboration.

Excerpt and link to the full article below.

"My recent chat with the leader of BMW's M2 project revealed that while the cooperation between Toyota and BMW will indeed result in new vehicles and shared hybrid-electric technology, BMW's upcoming sports car, which will likely debut as a roadster, won't get the M treatment."

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...tas-new-supra/

[fcman]

I'm wondering if it's going to be a similar job to the BRZ/FRS. Toyota sourcing a BMW powerplant and then handling the rest of the car (other than minor styling/trim changes).

I'm ok with this. BMW is always good but Toyota has the ability to turn out a great chassis when they put their minds to it. A car like this could lead to more performance Toyotas, which would be amazing.

[AKRAPOVICOWNS]

I hope thats not true. The z5 was the only car that i had hope it could turn out as a great M product. Instead, they will direct their efforts to pig suvs. Way to go.

[inTgr8r]

This is completely normal.
The M versions come later in the model life cycle.

[5against8]

I read it as that there are no plans for M to be involved with the platform at any time, but I guess plans could change at some point during the life cycle.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by 5against8

I read it as that there are no plans for M to be involved with the platform at any time, but I guess plans could change at some point during the life cycle.

Sure, but since we usually see M3, M4, M5, M6 and the M SAV mules well before production of the series model starts, this isn't necessarily a good sign. On the other hand, the M2 bucked that trend by not even reaching final approval until after the 2 Series landed, and it still hit before the LCI.

So we'll see. I'd love to see a Z5 M with a V8 - the model name does end in a 5 after all, and the M5 and X5 M get V8s - but SCOTT says that isn't in the cards, or at least right now. Things could change, I suppose. But even if we get an I6 with say, ~450hp, that could be a fun car. An M iteration of the rumored coupe (named Z6, possibly) would be awesome too.

[5against8]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

So we'll see. I'd love to see a Z5 M with a V8 - the model name does end in a 5 after all, and the M5 and X5 M get V8s - but SCOTT says that isn't in the cards, or at least right now. Things could change, I suppose. But even if we get an I6 with say, ~450hp, that could be a fun car. An M iteration of the rumored coupe (named Z6, possibly) would be awesome too.

Agreed, an S55 (or S58, whatever that ends up being) powered 2-seat sports car? I'll take it!

[M3 Adjuster]

Same as it ever was.


There was no Z4 M in the works either ..

No Z8 model was in the works and then an Alpina version came out

[Red Bread]

Why would ///Marketing work on sports cars when there are so many SUV's to make fast?

[JustChris]

Bit rubbish.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Why would ///Marketing work on sports cars when there are so many SUV's to make fast?

Methinks that was suppose to be tongue in cheek , but when you look at SAV sales and Z4 sales you realize that is actually a true statement.

[clbmw]

Exciting news just became a lot less exciting thanks BMW

[phoenixbmwlife]

Come on folks! How many times has BmW said they have no plans to do something, then 4 years later they announce that they are doing it. We will see a MZ5 if Z5 car becomes a big seller. If it flops like the current Z4 then forget it.

[Majdnoon]

I doubt the Z5 is the one that's going to result from the Toyota collaboration. Wasn't the Z5 supposed to be the SL-sized car, and the Toyota collab a smaller, lighter, sportier thibg (like the Z3?)

[clbmw]

Originally Posted by PhoenixWolf

Come on folks! How many times has BmW said they have no plans to do something, then 4 years later they announce that they are doing it. We will see a MZ5 if Z5 car becomes a big seller. If it flops like the current Z4 then forget it.

Well depending on its price point it needs to be better than a Boxster S or better than a Carrera S

Otherwise it will remain in the shadows I expect

[yousefnjr]

So whack

[crono06]

Originally Posted by PhoenixWolf

Come on folks! How many times has BmW said they have no plans to do something, then 4 years later they announce that they are doing it. We will see a MZ5 if Z5 car becomes a big seller. If it flops like the current Z4 then forget it.

Right?! Like when they said they would never do fwd!

[SCOTT26]

Z5 is an unknown quantity as its being placed a little higher than the current car, mainly against the Jaguar F-Type.
So it is a full relaunch of a new model aimed at enticing more Sports car owners from the more accessible Z4.
That is why there is an advanced programme of development with Toyota on the new car as both companies can pool resources on one car.
BMW see the relaunch of the Z series similar to the BMWi cars with a new genre of sports cars using a lightweight philosophy although aimed at performance rather than sustainability.
Should the car initially be successful? Then we will see progress.

[wdeerfield]

since the next 6 series is to be a 911 fighter i would assume the M division would just be focusing efforts on a M6 coupe/vert

[blisstik]

450hp would be nice but I think they'll start out at 330hp and a top tier making 385hp.

450hp would be something for a future M if they change their mind.

Just my $0.00002

[deemo319]

There will be a Z5 M. There wasn't one for the E89 Z4 model and it was a board member that stated it was a mistake which will be rectified with the next car.

BMW would never say there is an M car in the pipeline. That is counterintuitive to their whole stupid striptease thing with swirly stickers.

BMW M is brought in at the beginning to see if there is a viable business case and if so they proceed with approval.

So, these decisions are not usually done within the lifecycle of a car. With a seven year lifecycle BMW M cars are now introduced roughly a year from the base car launch, previously it was post LCI (Life Cycle Impulse).

To grow M they now have a longer lifecycle, so don't be surprised when the striptease of a Z5 starts with four exhaust pipes out back.

No V8, but a tweaked S55 under the long hood.

And they should make a track version (Club Sport?) with a fixed roof, improved cooling option, anchor points for a harness and lightweight wheels.

[AKRAPOVICOWNS]

Hard to believe that they are aiming at the F-type with that..I know that pics can be deceiving, even worse on a camo'ed car..but tbh so far it looks downright silly compared to the F-type, dimensions wise.

Not to mention, the base F punches 360hp or something already, makes the right noises and looks stunning.

Let's wait and see, but good luck with that Bmw.

They better boost the active sound thing to the next level..