There are reports that indicate a current, entry-level roadster derived on the 1-series and propelled by a lineup of economical 4-cylinder powerplants are in the works at the BMW plant. The company will make a decision at the end of 2009 whether to get the car to production for the 2011 model year or not.

There are talks of an alleged Z2 roadster that have been going around for at least three year, but nothing has come of it up until this time. Although there are preview images of the possible design but they do not have official stamp on them making them nothing but pure speculation.Banking on these speculations then we can expect a series of 4-cylinder engines including a 120hp (90kW) entry-level version and a 211hp (157kW) turbo engine could be in the plans for the smallest roadster by BMW. Continued after the jump!

The price intended for this vehicle is 25,000 Euros (about 5,000 Euros cheaper than the current Bmw Z4) making it affordable but not inexpensive. The soft-top roadster will be moderately lightweight and the engine efficient. Due to this combination the roadster becomes an ideal rival for the likes of Mazda MX-5. The acceleration rating for this car is 0-62mph (100km/h) in 7 seconds with a maximum speed of around 150mph (240km/h). A high-performance version that comes with the BMW 3.0-liter twin-turbo six is said to be under deliberation together with a hybrid version.

It will be configured as a two-seater with a large ‘weekender’ rear luggage storage area suitable for overnight escapades. Whether the car sees production or not, it will not be available in the US in the near future, as even the 1-series coupes available in the US come only with the inline-six naturally ventilated and twin-turbo configuration. Engines with four cylinders equipped with turbo-chargers and direct injection could in time reach US markets, but initially they will be utilized not by sports cars but by conventional 3-Series sedans.

[source automotorundsport]

Tags: bmw news, bmw z2 roadster, bmw z2 roadster details, bmw z2 roadster news, bmw z2 roadster specs, car news

This entry was posted on Friday, February 20th, 2009 at 7:50 pm and is filed under 2009, 4wheels News, Automakers, Bmw, Body style, Categories, Convertible, Sports cars, Worldwide, Year, Zone. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.