Watch out Audi – BMW is gunning for the R8! Auto Express has uncovered incredible plans for a sensational two-seater roadster, set to be badged Z9. Replacing the Z8, which went out of production back in 2003, it will be BMW’s flagship supercar, sitting at the very top of the range, giving the brand some extra glamour and a rival to the R8 and Mercedes SLS.
Its taken some time for the newcomer to come to fruition, first appearing at the 2005 Los Angeles Motor Show as the California Spyder concept. A sleek, low-slung drop-top with carbon-fibre bodywork to save weight and a 700bhp BMW F1 engine, which revved to 17,000rpm.
The firm’s top brass gave the green light for production, albeit with conventional powerplants. But the economic downturn caused the California Spyder to be put on ice in 2007, and since then BMW has withdrawn from Formula One, too. But with an improving financial climate, the car is back on the cards.
As you can see from our exclusive illustrations (inspired by the sketches of the California Spyder and the stunning Vision EfficientDynamics concept from the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show), it’s no surprise that bosses want the roadster to happen.
The proportions are classic roadster: just like the smaller Z4, the driver is pushed right back to near the rear wheels, while there’s a long bonnet and tiny front and rear overhangs to give the car a real sporting character. At the back, the double-bubble deck is a retro touch similar to that on Porsche’s Boxster Spyder.
The car will feature some of the ‘layered surfacing’ design themes introduced by new styling boss, Adrian Van Hooydonk. Plus the active front splitter and rear diffuser will change shape at speed to optimise air flow around the car to improve fuel efficiency.
Key to the resurrection of the roadster project is BMW’s upcoming electric urban car. The machine will be made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to save weight, developed by Seattle-based SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers. The material will be used throughout the Z9 too, making it light and very strong.The flagship roadster will use BMW’s large car platform from the 5, 6 and 7-Series. Both aluminium and magnesium will be used in the subframes and suspension to save weight, while the passenger cell, which sits on top of the chassis, will be made from CFRP. Parts of the bodywork, including the folding hardtop, will also be made from the material.
A very minimalistic design will feature inside, as in the Z8. But instead of being retro-inspired, the dash will be cutting edge, with slimmed-down air vents and touchscreen controls.
Power will no doubt come from the new 4.4-litre twin-turbo that will power the next M5. Developing 600bhp, the engine would be mated to a highly efficient twin-clutch gearbox, providing power to the rear wheels through a torque vectoring M limited slip differential.
Brake-energy regeneration and stop-start would be standard.
An electric version could appear, too, rivalling the Audi e-tron and electric Merc SLS. A production car would not arrive before 2014. But when it does, the R8 and SLS will have a fight on their hands.
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Looks good. But 2014?? Hardly in time to take the fight to the R8 and SLS..... Why such a long wait BMW?
Mmmm.. further to my 'looks good' comment just now; I just took a look at the front... What's with the daft black goatee? BMW trying to find their own interpretation of trying to jump on the deep Audi grill bandwagon?!
Two good points 99ron ,,2014 is along wait the current R8 will probaly have a face lift by then .My oppion it looks the nice at the front but the rear reminds me of an american small coupe ,i thinks a satrun ,out pontiac ,i could be wrong .Any way the old Z8 a beauty .And still fetches a big money.
A car with that sort of power and a front engine needs 4WD to be usable on an everyday basis. Otherwise, the traction control light will forever be flickering on and off, especially in the wet. My 997 Turbo has slightly less power than this car is projected to have and I am very grateful for the 4WD. The Alpina B10 V8S I had some years ago, with only 360HP, had traction problems in the wet. A lighter car with 600+ HP would be a nightmare.
Wilson
Recently drove a Z4M roadster for a few weeks and Wilson's comments regarding traction are completely valid. The Z4M would spin its tyres from 1st, through 2nd and most of 3rd (well, until your bravery ran out) with "sport" DISengaged, ie in normal/"safe" mode.
That's 252kW running at a mile above sea level (=17% power loss) with brand new 255/40 18-inchers at the back.
So, in effect, traction is a problem with 210kW and the Z4 is a bit of a lardass, as we all know. How a lightweight body and almost double the power will cope is beyond me unless F1 slicks are fitted.
I hope this is a BMW 'red herring' ......there's not a chance of this tarted up 3 series Cab lookalike competing against the likes of the R8, it looks dated in 2010 never mind 2014.
I hope this is a BMW 'red herring' ......there's not a chance of this tarted up 3 series Cab lookalike competing against the likes of the R8, it looks dated in 2010 never mind 2014.
still 4 years away and this is the best they can come up with!? get real bmw.
It has a bit of the look of the Mazda MX-2 somewhat also in the way it flows, and in the front. Were it not for the small ducktail spoiler on the rear, it has a look about it of a Porsche also.
Nice if a little underwhelming after the M1 concept: and a step back (imo) from the Z8.Alas BMW is falling behind Merc, Ferrari, Aston and Porsche with this effort.
Look at the Z9 versus the new Alfa Spider design, me thinks too many designers sharing 1 too many frappacinos down at the design school.. who copied who?
Once upon a time you had many different design houses with distinct schools of thought. Now many houses have closed and the design operations are split across a small number of firms with much more conducted in-house where we see designers moving between manufacturers constantly. All adds up to one thing.. rapid loss of distinction between design language between marques. Sad!.
guys, this is not a BMW illustration - it is just a guess - reread the story ...
"As you can see from our exclusive illustrations (inspired by the sketches of the California Spyder and the stunning Vision EfficientDynamics concept from the 2009)"
Looks great to me, there is an essence of the recent Alfa roadster and Pandion but it is just an illustration of what the car could be like. I like the Bocaneggra style grille. Its gonna make the kidney grille standout more by having black around it.
This would have to be twice as distinct as to be in R8 territory...
At the front reminds me of a Honda,thats a Civic right there...
despite being an auto express previw,it´s in line with the latest criations from bmw...
There is no comparison for R8.
Its the best looking sports car....!
I wouldn't kick the R8 out of bed but it does not have the mystique, or the further out of reach of a Lambo!