A heavily camouflaged BMW Z5 test mule was spotted doing the rounds at the Nurburgring in Germany. While sources suggest that the Z5 (codenamed G29) will act as a successor to the Z4, the new car could get launched by the end of 2017.
After production of the second-generation Z4 roadster (E89) ceased in August 2016, BMW is expected to be in full swing with the development of the Z5 so that it can occupy the empty space created by the exit of the Z4. BMW has already analysed the market’s preference for topless cars, and could hence go the soft top way for the Z5.
Pictures of the test car confirm that the design traits of the Z5 will be an evolution of the Z4, so one will continue to get the two-seater setup with a huge bonnet, large wheels, a compact rear section and the unmistakable BMW kidney grille. Though this prototype is still in the early stages of development, a visual inspection confirms that the length of the new car is very similar to the Z4.
Meanwhile, reports claim that the Z5 could make it to the market in a hybrid version, for which, Toyota Motor will be roped in for their related expertise. So while Toyota is expected to impart their excellence in hybrid tech and the related electronics, BMW will take care of the remaining inputs to put the Z5 together. Rumours have it that as the two car makers will be involved in this project, the Z5 could roll out of Magna Steyr’s production plant, a factory that assembles automobiles for other companies, at Graz in Austria.
We shall share more information on this in the months to come.
source”gsmarena”