BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer is not exactly a fan ofthe cheap zz roadster tm its been internally christened), the decision makers are beginning to understand that they can't cede this segment to the competition. The Z4 has evolved into a good- looking vehicle, but its packaging, weight, and rigid convertible top disappoint hard-core enthusiasts (i.e., Boxster buyers). Initially BMW planned to build the Z2 on the brand’s upcoming front-wheel-drive architecture ignition, May zoul However, the mere rumor of a front-wheel-drive BMW sports car raised enough of an outcry within the enthusiast community that BMW officials are now considering two far better options. The first would be to continue developing the car on this platform, alongside the Mini Roadster and Coupe, but to take a page from Audi and make it four-wheel drive. Among the undisputed advantages of this strategy are (1) a short path to production (spring 2014 for a ragtop roadsten fall 2014 for a coupe version), (2) the traction bonus inherent to four-wheel drive, and (3) the economies of scale offered by bitching up to a high-volume architecture.
On the debit side, it's hard to ignore the usual weight, space, and cost penalties of adding driveshafts and other associated hardware. Continue reading . . .
On the debit side, it's hard to ignore the usual weight, space, and cost penalties of adding driveshafts and other associated hardware. Continue reading . . .