BMW may build hybrid Z2 compact roadster
Following the upcoming introduction of BMW's new Z4 roadster, the Munich automaker is considering a second, smaller roadster called the Z2. If the Z2 is built, it will likely be derived from the 1-series and - unlike the more powerful Z4 - the smaller car would probably use a four cylinder engine. It's also being reported that the Z2 could get a hybrid drivetrain. If it does, it would likely be the mild hybrid system that will debut in the new 7-series next summer. That system consists of a motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission along with a lithium ion battery. Such a combination might match the performance of the larger Z4 with significantly lowered fuel consumption.
[Source: BMW Blog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Yanquetino 12:20PM (11/23/2008)
It wouldn't surprise me if BMW actually intends to produce a "Ze" variation at the same time. There is likely a method to their madness in field testing those 500 Mini Es next year. AC Propulsion's electric drivetrain in a downsized BMW roadster would give Tesla a run for its money. Literally.
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gorr 3:31PM (11/23/2008)
Wouachh, a hybrid luxury sport car. Do you know that hybrid is the exact contrary of sport driving and a luxury ride with, hiccups, less power, delays on breaking and acceleration, more weight, less breaking power,more cost, all that for saving gas. They will save as much gas by driving slow, except start-stop at red lights.
This is a goverment legiferate car that will not please consumers and cost billions to b.m.w. All these regulations to please big-oil-goverment. They almost kill any business that sell cars, all majors car manufacturers have big difficulties right now because of the price hack of gasoline and all the subsidies for deficients and stupids technologies and the stupid thing is that all these subsidized car compagnies will vanish when someone will start selling good technology and consumers will easilly forget , bmw, volks, toyota, gm,ford, etc. All these criminals are on the side of goverment-big-oil. They bury high technology in the sink and then say to consumers and car drivers to buy and drive s?%t boxes.
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Max 2:02AM (11/24/2008)
Another pile of waste coming from you 'gorr'. You must be on drugs, as some drugs make people completely paranoid.
state 3:32PM (11/23/2008)
"Such a combination might match the performance of the larger Z4 with significantly lowered fuel consumption"
Sam, as usual, you have no idea what you are talking about. You have no idea what you mean when you say "significantly lowered fuel consumption". Just words.
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extended warranties today 10:52PM (11/23/2008)
Great information! I can't wait to see if they come out with the Z2. What an exciting edition to their roadster line-up.
http://extendedwarrantiestoday.com/?s=bmw+Z4
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Mirko 2:54AM (11/24/2008)
"If the Z2 is built, it will likely be derived from the 1-series and - unlike the more powerful Z4 - the smaller car would probably use a four cylinder engine."
WTF? The Z4 is available with a 2.0 four-cylinder in most markets.
http://www.bmw.de/de/de/newvehicles/z4/roadster/2006/allfacts/engine_data.html
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