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.