BMW Z5 Spied Testing on Ice

BMW Z5 Spied Testing on Ice

The convertible sports car will likely be called the BMW Z5 and is one half of the cooperation between BMW and Toyota to develop a rear-wheel-drive sports car. BMW is expected to introduce the Z5 Roadster first before a possible couple model follows. Toyota will market its version of the sports car as a coupe only and is believed to be the successor to the Supra.

BMW Z5 Spied Testing on Ice
Dressed in heavy camouflage, the model

New rumors also suggest that Toyota may take the new platform and shorten it to underpin the next-generation Toyota 86.

Compared to the current BMW Z4, the new Z5 will be equipped with a soft-top roof rather than the current folding hardtop as a move to save weight and improve handling. Expect the new sports car to arrive dealerships late next year or early 2018 sporting a wide range of four- and six-cylinder engines.

BMW Z5 Spied Testing on Ice

More importantly, the Z5 will eschew a retractable hardtop for a more conventional canvas roof.  This change should enable the car to have a lower center of gravity as well as a lighter curb weight.

BMW has been tight-lipped about the model but it is being jointly-developed with Toyota.  The companies will each build a sports car based on the same platform and both automakers have said the resulting models will have unique styling inside and out.

BMW Z5 Spied Testing on Ice

Toyota’s sports car is expected to have a hybridized powertrain, while the Z5 is slated to have an assortment four turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines.  There have also been rumors about a high-performance M variant which could produce up to 425 horsepower.

The BMW Z5 is expected to be introduced in late 2017 or early 2018.

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