3rd gen G29 BMW Z4 (2019-202X)

[Supra93]

BMW Z5 Prototype Spied Testing with Cloth Softtop

Found some better day time photos

The Z4 roadster is the oldest model in BMW’s lineup, and these spy photos prove that its replacement is well on its way. Expected to be called the BMW Z5, this next-generation droptop ushers in some big changes for the sports car. The new model will ride on a new rear-drive platform also set to underpin an upcoming Toyota sports car.

Though the prototype’s heavy camouflage doesn’t give away too much about the Z5’s styling, the most notable change we can see is the car’s softtop. Compared to the outgoing Z4’s complex retractable hardtop, this new convertible roof, combined with a possible use of carbon-fiber and aluminum in the body, should result in a lighter curb weight for the new roadster; the current Z4 weighs between 3,263-3,549 lb depending on engine choice.

Our European correspondent Georg Kacher says that the new Z5 will continue to offer a turbo-four as the standard engine. A higher-output version of this four-cylinder will also be offered as an upgrade, along with a turbocharged inline-six for a possible M version.

The BMW Z5 prototype’s shorter hood also corroborates our previous report that the car’s new underpinnings would have more of a front-mid-engine bias. A joint collaboration between BMW and Toyota, the new platform has been in development for a few years now. Along with the BMW Z5, the chassis will also be used for a spiritual successor to the Toyota Supra. The latest rumors about that car suggest that it will be a hardtop coupe, use a hybrid drivetrain, and carry styling cues from the wild Toyota FT-1 concept first shown in 2014.

The BMW Z5 is currently slated to arrive in time for the 2018 model year, so look for more details to come over the next few months on this new BMW sports car.

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/bmw-z5-prototype-spied-testing-with-cloth-softtop/

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[gymratter]

After seeing the new sets of photos I think it looks pretty big. Larger than the current Z4 for sure. I'm guessing BMW wants a F type or SL competitor?

View attachment 792

 

[S O B]

After seeing the new sets of photos I think it looks pretty big. Larger than the current Z4 for sure. I'm guessing BMW wants a F type or SL competitor?

There's supposed to be a Z1 and a Z3 also so makes sense that the Z4 can be a large convertible. The Z3 will probably be the sweet spot in terms of performance and driving dynamics.

 

[FRS-Man]

There's supposed to be a Z1 and a Z3 also so makes sense that the Z4 can be a large convertible. The Z3 will probably be the sweet spot in terms of performance and driving dynamics.

Those cars will also be based on the Toyota-BMW joint platform?

 

[Supra93]

Those cars will also be based on the Toyota-BMW joint platform?

Past rumors have said the Z3 will be based on a shorten Z5 platform. Lexus may also its own version as well. The Z1 will be FWD. It will use the UKL platform which also used for other Mini cars.

 

[gymratter]

So they're bringing back the Z1 too. Sucks it will be FWD :/

I remember seeing one as a kid. It was tiny; about the size of the original Mazda Miata.

 

[Hans]

So they're bringing back the Z1 too. Sucks it will be FWD :/

I remember seeing one as a kid. It was tiny; about the size of the original Mazda Miata.

The dropdown doors on the Z1 is sick!

 

[Hans]

Past rumors have said the Z3 will be based on a shorten Z5 platform. Lexus may also its own version as well. The Z1 will be FWD. It will use the UKL platform which also used for other Mini cars.

FWD BMW's crack me up. All those years the company spent making fun of competitors that made FWD cars and now they're doing it too.

 

[Hans]

So back to talking about this prototype and what it has to do with the Supra - I hope the wheelbase is scalable on the joint platform because this thing looks as long as the SL... not a very sporty wheelbase size.

 

[Supra93]

BMW Z5 Prototype First Sighting



http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1216427

2018 BMW Z5 - successor to Z4 could go hybrid

A test mule for the 2018 BMW Z5 has been spotted out in public ahead of the model's arrival in 2018.

Our sources believe the car, which will be a successor to the Z4, could make use of a hybrid drivetrain and come with optional four-wheel-drive.

Today's mule is the first Z5 to wear a soft-top with a rear screen in place, and it also gives a good impression of what the new car's front kidney grilles will look like. They appear longer than the Z4's grilles, and are joined by familiar BMW features such as a lengthy bonnet and short overhangs. Take no notice of those rear lights though - they're temporary units featured on most BMW development cars.

It’s the second time we’ve seen the new model in the metal; itsarrival was announced by BMW last year. The soft-top, two-door model is expected to be revealed late next year or in early 2018.

It's thought that some of the car's underpinnings will be shared with a future Toyota Supra successor, following Toyota and BMW's announcement that the two companies would team up to develop a new sports car platform.

While the BMW will be a convertible, rumours that the Toyota will be a spiritual successor to the Supra suggest it could wear a hard top. Inspiration for the Toyota's design could be taken from the strikingFT-1 concept, first seen at the Detroit show in 2014.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2018-bmw-z5-successor-z4-could-go-hybrid

So back to talking about this prototype and what it has to do with the Supra - I hope the wheelbase is scalable on the joint platform because this thing looks as long as the SL... not a very sporty wheelbase size.

Old article, but it answers your question.

When asked if the platform was scalable, to allow for the sort of difference in wheelbase that there could be between a Supra and a Z4, Robertson said: “Gone are the days when one platform was one platform. Most of our platforms are scalable these days.”

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/sports-car-partnership-spawn-new-toyota-supra

 

[Hans]

Old article, but it answers your question.



http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/sports-car-partnership-spawn-new-toyota-supra

Good, thanks because this thing looks too long. Supra better be shorter than this.

 

[Supra93]

Good, thanks because this thing looks too long. Supra better be shorter than this.

The current Z4 is 166.9 inches. I think the Z5 will be closer to the F Type at 175.9 inches.

Length dimension for past Supras.
MKI - 181.7 in
MKII - 183.5 in
MKIII - 181.9 in
MKIV - 177.8 in

 

[AZ Wildcat]

180" or longer is pretty standard these days for a 2+2 sports coupe. It's not an apples to apples comparison with the Z4/Z5. Anything smaller and it will lose any practical usage of the back seats (if you are about that).

 

[Turbo GFX]

The current Z4 is 166.9 inches. I think the Z5 will be closer to the F Type at 175.9 inches.

Length dimension for past Supras.
MKI - 181.7 in
MKII - 183.5 in
MKIII - 181.9 in
MKIV - 177.8 in

Never realized the MKIV Supra was actually the smallest one yet. Usually cars just get bigger over its life. If the MKV Supra comes in at 175-180 inches it should still be a good size (not too big and not too small)

 

[bballr35]

Don't know if asked before but do we know the dimensions of the FT-1 Concept?

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