Dubbed Z6, Munich's latest flagship sports car is conceived as
a
follow-up to the high-priced and ultra-low-volume Z8, which saw production
of just 5703 cars between 1999 and 2003. Designed to fill the void left by the
dearly departed Z8, the Z6 will weigh less than 3300 pounds, which is a full 550
pounds less than Mercedes SL class. The weight reduction is, in part, the result
of using feather-like exotic materials, including magnesium and carbon fiber.
Unlike the Z8, which was sold exclusively with a 5.0-liter, 400-hp V8, Z6 will
come with a range of engines. Sources suggest the lineup will likely kick off
with the new 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder, with a
range-topping version packing Munich's secret 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8
and an updated version of the M5's 5.0-liter V10.
Z6 will be priced below the $130,000 Z8, and insiders say it will be produced
in 'considerable volumes.' The car will be built in Germany and will be a
high-tech showcase for many of BMW's latest innovations. The goal for BMW is to
sell 15,000 Z6s per year.
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