Overclocker

The rumor mill says BMW is planning a Mercedes SL-fighting 2-seat roadster.


Such a car is said to have been jump-started by BMW's DesignWorks California Spyder concept from last year's Los Angeles auto show (pictured).


BMW hasn't confirmed its plans yet.

Date posted: 08-03-2006

MUNICH, Germany — BMW's newly installed chairman, Norbert Reithofer, is rumored to be carefully considering a high-priced 2-seat roadster in the mold of the Mercedes-Benz SL.

It would be part of a strategy to boost the BMW model lineup following the demise of the Z8. The BMW roadster has yet to receive an official production go-ahead, but high-ranking officials confirm engineering studies on a replacement for the discontinued Z8 have been under way for some time now.

"We're looking at a number of different options, but we're under no pressure," a source told Inside Line. "Any decision will hinge on whether the car can be produced profitably."

The new car would enter the German carmaker's lineup above the Z4 and is described as being more mass-market than the super-exclusive Z8. The idea is said to have been inspired by the arresting California Spyder concept developed by BMW's DesignWorks studio last year as part of a design program for the Los Angeles auto show.

The new 2-seater, which would likely be named Z6, is reportedly based around the same component set as the 5 and 6 Series. Unlike these cars, however, plans are for it to use an aluminum space frame similar to that used by the Z8 to keep weight down and performance sharp.

As with the California Spyder concept, BMW is investigating providing the new car with a folding hardtop — which will be a strong challenge to the Mercedes-Benz SL for all-season compatibility. Despite the added weight brought on by such an arrangement, its ability to transform a car from coupe to roadster at the push of a button is sure to be weighing on the minds of BMW board members.

Although the California Spyder was based around a F1-derived 3.0-liter V10 engine delivering about 700 horsepower, production versions are likely to offer the choice between BMW's 272-hp 3.0-liter inline 6 and new 367-hp 4.8-liter V8, as well as its 445-hp 6.0-liter V12. A performance oriented M version, running the 507-hp 5.0-liter V10 used in the M5, is also a distinct possibility as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG.

What this means to you: With record sales and profits, BMW is in a comfortable position right now to fund programs such as the proposed production version of the California Spyder. The success of the Mercedes-Benz SL demonstrates there is a market for such a car. Over to you, Dr. Reithofer.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=116384#2

AJ

Would be awesome to have one