With main fellow German rivals Porsche, confirming the development of an entry-level model placed below the Porsche Boxster, BMW are reported to have revived their plans of introducing the long rumored BMW Z2. Both vehicles will sail directly into the relatively uncharted waters of the “elemental” small roadster segment currently monopolized the popular Mazda MX-5. The MX-5 or otherwise known as the Miata, had seen sales numbers topping more than 700,000 since its inception in 1988.
The Munich boys will most likely position the upcoming BMW Z2 at a significant price advantage over its larger and more powerful sibling, the BMW Z4. To reduce cost, weight and complexity, the new “downsized” roadster will be based on the current BMW 1-series platform and likely be fitted with a soft-top, unlike the hardtop convertible adopted by many new roadsters.
So, will we be seeing a 200k plus ringgit BMW roadster on our pothole filled Malaysian roads in the future? Thanks to our tax structure and with the current BMW 1-Series convertible retailing at over RM 300k, my guess is no. However, I would like to be wrong on this one though. The BMW Z2, if comes into fruition, would certainly be a wonderful, fun and relative budget luxury weekend car.
Tags: BMW • BMW Z2 • BMW Z4 • Convetible • Future • Mazda • Mazda MX-5 • Miata • Porsche • Porsche Boxster • Roadster
