Although it has been rumored for years, we could finally see BMW offer a front-wheel-drive roadster within the next two years.
Car and Driver suggests BMW could expand its lineup with a roadster slotting below the Z4. Here’s the tough part to swallow: Known as the Z2, it will likely be underpinned by the Mini Cooper’s UKL1 front-wheel-drive platform.
As cringe-worthy as the idea of a front-wheel-drive BMW is, the Z2 shows promise: the base model is expected to be powered by the Mini Cooper’s turbocharged three-cylinder engine, while a turbo-four with anywhere between 160 to 230 horsepower is possible on higher-spec models. In addition, we could also see a Z2 M with about 300 horsepower, though we can’t imagine the torque steer.
Not only that, Car and Driver says BMW is taking a no-frills approach in developing the Z2. For instance, it will likely feature a traditional soft top, as opposed to a complex power-retractable roof like the Z4’s. By focusing on saving weight, we could see the Z2 tip the scales somewhere around 1,100 kg. As ironic as it is, this could be the modern-day “ultimate driving machine” BMW enthusiasts have been pining for.